Guiding your daughter through their menstrual cycle is not just about preparing them for their period. The cycle is much more complex and can influence everything from your daughter’s mood and energy levels to her skin and overall health. Understanding this monthly process can help you offer your daughter the support she needs to optimise her cycle as she navigates this time in her life.
What Is the Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is a remarkable process a female’s body undergoes when they reach puberty and is controlled by hormones communicating with the brain and other organs. Although it primarily indicates the start of fertility and prepares the body for pregnancy, it also has an impact on various aspects of your daughter’s physical and emotional well-being.
How Long Does a Menstrual Cycle Last?
A common misconception is that all menstrual cycles last 28 days. However, this can vary from person to person and a normal menstrual cycle can last anywhere between 21 and 35 days, the average being 28 days. Cycle lengths can vary up to 7 days to be considered regular, if they are variable for over more than 7 days, they are irregular.
During the teenage years, the body is adjusting to the hormonal changes taking place and irregular cycles during this time is common. Stress, diet and even physical activity can affect the length of a menstrual cycle. If your daughter’s cycle becomes consistently irregular or if her periods are unusually heavy or painful, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other hormonal imbalances.
Key Hormones That Control the Menstrual Cycle
Understanding the role of hormones can demystify the changes your daughter experiences each month. Let’s start in the brain, there are two key hormones released by the brain that brings about the onset of the menstrual cycle and pubertal changes:
- FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): FSH is released by the pituitary gland and stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries, playing a critical role in triggering puberty.
- LH (Luteinising hormone): LH is also produced by the pituitary gland, and is responsible for triggering ovulation i.e. the release of the mature egg from the ovary.
The following important hormones are released by the female reproductive system itself:
- Oestrogen: This hormone is produced by the ovaries and regulates the menstrual cycle, helping prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy. It’s responsible for the growth of the uterine lining and reaches a peak just before ovulation.
- Progesterone: This hormone is produced after ovulation and stabilises the uterine lining. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, progesterone drops and menstruation occurs with shedding of the uterine lining.
The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
Menstruation
- What Happens: The cycle begins with menstruation. The uterine lining is shed and flows out the vagina, this is the bleeding that occurs over 3 to 7 days
- How It Feels: Your daughter might experience cramps, fatigue, and mood changes. Encourage her to track her cycle using a diary or an app as this can help her anticipate these symptoms and manage them accordingly.
Follicular Phase (Day 1-14)
- What Happens: This phase starts on the first day of your daughter’s period and lasts until ovulation. During this time, FSH stimulates the growth of egg follicles in the ovaries, and oestrogen levels gradually rise.
- How It Feels: Your daughter might experience low energy and mood changes at the beginning of this phase due to low oestrogen levels. As oestrogen increases, she may feel more energetic and upbeat.
Ovulation (Around Day 14)
- What Happens: A spike in LH triggers the release of a mature egg from the ovary. This egg travels through the fallopian tube and can be fertilised for up to 24 hours.
- How It Feels: Some girls may notice a slight increase in body temperature or a change in cervical mucous, which becomes clearer and more slippery.
Luteal Phase (Day 14-28)
- What Happens: After ovulation, the empty follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, progesterone levels drop, leading to menstruation.
- How It Feels: This phase is often associated with premenstrual symptoms (PMS), such as mood swings, bloating, and acne. It’s important to support your daughter through these changes and assist her with ways to manage her symptoms.
How the Menstrual Cycle Changes Over Time
- Early Adolescence: The first period, also known as menarche, occurs on average at 12 years old (this can range from 10-16 years old). A good indicator that menarche is around the corner, is the onset of pubertal changes such as breast budding. The first few years of your daughter’s menstrual cycle can be irregular as her body adjusts to new hormone levels after her period starts. It’s normal for cycles to vary in length and for periods to vary in flow (either light or heavy) during this time.
- Mid to Late Teens: By this stage, most girls’ cycles become more regular, although some variation is still normal. If your daughter’s periods are very irregular or accompanied by severe pain and/or heavy bleeding, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice.
- Beyond the Teen Years: As your daughter grows older, her cycle will continue to evolve. Stress, diet, and lifestyle can all influence its regularity and the symptoms she experiences.
Helping Your Daughter Manage Her Menstrual Health
Open communication is key to helping your daughter navigate her menstrual health. Encourage her to track her cycle, note any symptoms, and discuss any concerns with you or a healthcare provider. Equipping her with information and resources about menstrual health can empower her to manage her periods confidently and comfortably. If you’re looking for teen-friendly resources to share with your teen, have a look at our Instagram posts on menstrual cycle basics and more.
Understanding the menstrual cycle is crucial not only for your daughter’s physical health but also for her emotional well-being. By staying informed and supportive, you can help her embrace this natural part of life with confidence. If you have concerns about her menstrual health, don’t hesitate to reach out to Health Hive Paediatric Clinic for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
“When will my daughter get her first period?”
Periods can start anywhere between 9 years old to 16 years old. A useful clue is the onset of puberty. When you start noticing some breast growth, periods are likely around the corner.
“What can help my daughter with period pains?”
Period pains can range from mild to severe. Resting and using a hot-water bottle or heatbag on her tummy or back can provide some relief. Pain medication such as paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen should be used as the pain gets worse. Debilitating pain is not normal, and should be checked by your healthcare provider.
“How will my daughter know when to expect her next period?”
When periods start, they can be irregular over the first few months which can make it difficult to predict. For most, it does usually settle into a regular cycle. Period calculators or period apps are a great way for her to keep track of her period and we would highly recommend getting into the habit of tracking as early as possible. It’s always a good idea to keep an emergency period pack on hand with essentials such as a pads/tampons and spare underwear in the event of irregular surprises.