Girl Talk - PERIODS

ASK LORI and LIANE, November 2007, by Liane Knoll-Kowk and Lori Clemente

GIRL TALK
…Your PERIOD Questions Answered!

Periods... before we get them we want them, after we get them we don’t. It’s just a part of being a girl and something that can be very manageable. We get a lot of questions from readers in this category, so we picked a few of the most popular to answer... thanks and keep writing. READ ALL 4 QUETSIONS BELOW!

Does junk food cause cramps?
My cramps are so bad I can hardly stand it. My mom says I should stop eating junk food and it won't hurt so bad. Is that true? I hope not because I crave chips and sweet stuff so much!
~Anonymous, 15, Edmonton, Alberta

Lori: Cramps (a.k.a. dysmenorrhea) can be really painful for some girls. It is a very common problem for teenagers, so you are not alone. It usually starts 1-3 years after your first period and most likely means that you are starting to ovulate, or produce an egg. Hormones and natural chemicals make the uterus spasm or cramp for the first day or two of your period. Unfortunately cravings for salty and sugary foods can be a part of periods, and again, are related to hormones. Although junk food doesn’t cause cramps, your Mom does have a point ...a healthy diet that is low in salt and high in fibre, fruit and vegetables, as well as drinking plenty of water and exercising can all be helpful in relieving cramps. You can also try heating pads, warm baths, and relaxation techniques to decrease the muscle spasms and increase comfort. If your cramps are severe, don’t suffer in silence! There are medications and natural remedies that can help. If your cramps are really severe, be sure to see a medical practitioner to be sure they aren’t a sign of something else.

FACT: Regular exercise, keeping fit and staying healthy can help regulate your menstrual cycle. However, exercising too much and overexerting your body can have a negative affect on your hormones where menstruation may stop.

Scared to get it!
I'm terrified to get my period. What if it happens at school? How am I going to tell my Mom? She thinks I don't even know what a period is!
~Jordan, 11, Quebec

Liane: Ok, ok, big breath in... one thing we know for sure, you ARE going to get your period. It has to happen somewhere, and that could be at school. Tons of girls get their first periods at school and the trick is to be prepared. Now could be a good time to talk to your Mom or another grown-up in the family. It’s normal to feel shy or embarrassed, but they will get you some pads to put in your back pack for ‘just in case’. If there’s no way you can imagine yourself asking face to face, try leaving your Mom a note where only she will find it. And if it happens at school? Go to the nurse or Guidance Counselor. She’ll help you out with what you need. Chances are your first period won’t be very heavy but if the worst possible (and unlikely) scenario happens, where you leak through, don’t freak out! It’s happened to others, you’ll survive. Take a deep breath, pretend you’re all casual and head to the bathroom with your best friend!

FACT: The average age of the onset of menstruation is about 12 or 13, however it may begin as young as 8 for some girls or not until 15 or 16 for others.

FACT: If a girl/woman is underweight, her hormones may stop working properly and her periods could stop altogether

FACT: A woman will have approximately 500 periods in her lifetime.

How do I tell my Dad?
I’ve had my period twice now and I haven’t told anyone. I get pads from school. The thing is, my Mom died when I was little and it’s just me and my Dad now. I don’t know what he’ll think or how to say it. We just don’t talk like that and I really wish my Mom was here. What should I do?
~Bennita, 10, Nova Scotia

Liane: Good for you for being so resourceful and figuring out how to manage this on your own. I bet it’s at times like these that you really miss having your Mom around. Some things are just easier to talk about with Mothers. If you and your Dad don’t talk about stuff like this, that’s okay, but I think you really need to let someone know you’ve started your periods. How about a teacher, an Auntie or a friend’s Mother that you trust? They could make sure you had all the information you needed and be there to answer your questions. There are no rules that say you have to tell a parent you’ve started your period, but you may be surprised how well your Dad handles it.

Eventually you are going to have to find another source for your supplies, so it might be a good idea to let your Dad know you need some help in this department. Chances are, he’s been worrying about how to handle your first period. Your Dad knew this day was coming and he may be quite relieved if you get the nerve to bring it up. He may need a little help knowing what you need and may appreciate you saying so. If you really don’t think he can handle a direct approach (i.e.: “Dad, I got my first period 3 months ago”) then try leaving him a note or add a few items to his grocery list.

Not having a Mom to go to with these important life issues is tough, but you can make it through. Try not to be too disappointed that your Dad hasn’t been able to anticipate this stuff. I bet there are lots of fantastic women around you who will happily give you the support you need. Don’t be afraid to ask!

Pimples from Periods?
After my period I have so many less pimples. Then right before it starts again, they come back. What can I do?
~Tia, 14, Oshawa, Ontario

Lori: This is so common, you’re not alone! There are many reasons we get pimples ...like bacteria, inflammation and of course, as you have figured out, hormones. There’s one called ‘androgen’; it increases the production of a type of oil (sebum) that can plug up your skin pores. This is why you notice more acne before your period (that’s when your hormone levels are higher). So, what can you do? Good skin care is important. Wash your face twice daily with a non-comedogenic (non-acne producing) cleanser and moisturizer. Over the counter products containing benzoyl peroxide can be helpful as well. Take care of yourself... drink lots of water, stay away from too much junk food and get as much rest as you can! If none of this works after a few weeks, see your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner. There are LOTS of treatments that can help.

FACT: It can take a few years for your body to adopt a regular menstruation pattern. It’s normal for your own cycle to be a little off schedule sometimes.

TIP: Using a calendar is a good way to keep track and predict when your period is going to start each month.

~ Liane and Lori

Comment

GCDA

Hey Rachel... sometimes Moms and daughters get their periods at totally different times than each other growing up. It doesn't mean anything is wrong, you are unique, so is everyone :) It's not at all abnormal to not have your period before age 13 and some don't get it until 15 or 16. Weight may or may not have an impact on the start of your menstrual cycle but for the sake of health, 20 pounds over weight can cause harm in other ways. Do your best to stay at a healthy weight, read the Health articles we have under BLOGS up top to get some advice and direction, and LOVE yourself so much that you do what's best for you and your body for health and wellness. Be real, be you!

Rachel

im almost 13 aand i havent had my period yet. all of my friends have. i dont know why because apparently my mom and grandma got it early. im overweight by 20ish pounds but i eat healthy and excersise. it runs in my family. so would that have anything to do with it?

Tianna

I just started my period a month ago, beginning of october. I've gotten 3 since then. THEY SUCK!!! :(