The first rules: no stress everything will be fine!

Here is a milestone to cross when adolescence is coming to an end: the first rules. For some young girls, the first period can be a real source of stress. So the first piece of advice we can give you is not to worry. 

Your periods will be part of you for a large part of your life. Nature is made like this and all women go through it at some point in their lives. 

The rules already, what are they?

You are young and if you have never had a real explanation of what the rules are, we provide them to you. We talk about periods, but we also talk about menstruation. On average, the first periods appear between 11 and 13 years old. However, some young girls can have them at 8 years old as well as at 16 years old. 

Periods are triggered by your hormones that control how your body works. These hormones stimulate the ovaries to produce estrogen. It is these hormones in particular that are responsible for many changes at puberty! 

Yes, but, why do we bleed? This is where it gets complicated. Simply put, when the lining of the uterus leaves your body, it's in liquid form. This fluid contains blood. On average, you will lose 60 ml of blood. Do not panic, it may seem like a lot, but in reality it is very little. 

Finally, when the first day of menstruation arrives, it corresponds to the first day of your menstrual cycle. 

I have my period for the first time, what should I do?

Your first period can be a taboo subject. The first thing to do is to speak to one or your parent(s) so that they can accompany you in this official transition to adolescence. It's not always easy, but tell yourself that it's natural and there is nothing to be ashamed of! 

If you've never talked about it with your parents, now is the time to bring it up and really understand what the rules are all about. Nothing better than a first discussion beforehand so as not to be surprised on the day of your first period. How do the rules work? Why don't boys get their period? Are they of any use? These are all questions that you need to ask yourself and that deserve to have an answer. 

The woman closest to you will undoubtedly be able to answer all your questions. Nevertheless, don't be ashamed to talk about it to someone else, like your dad. Although he is a man, he knows what the rules are! So don't panic, talk about it! 

Then, the second thing to do (and this is perhaps the most important in the end), is to buy your first sanitary protections. Tampons, pads, cup or menstrual panties, you have to try to understand what you really need. The menstrual panties from Louloucup are perfectly suited for teenage girls. Indeed, in college or high school, it is sometimes complicated to have to change your hygienic protection. If you have a moderate flow, you can pretty much get through your school day without worrying about your period for a second. 

What are the symptoms of the first period?

Your first period may be accompanied by its first symptoms. Throughout your life, you will have your periods every month and these will cause more or less intense symptoms. Fatigue, irritability, abdominal pain are just the most common. You may, for example, have the following symptoms: 

• Tender and/or painful breasts 
• Kidney pain 
• Lower back pain 
• Diarrhea and nausea 

Although these symptoms do not last long, they may surprise you. So, don't stress if you have breast pain or feel any changes in your body. This is perfectly normal, and you can take medication such as spasfon, doliprane or ibuprofen to reduce the pain. 

To avoid taking too many medications, it is also advisable to put a hot water bottle on your lower belly or lower back. This will help relieve your pain without having to use medication.