Menstrual Cycle
Starting your periods can be a daunting and scary new chapter but these emotions are perfectly natural and will soon pass. It is important to recognise that everyone's menstrual cycle will be different and there is no 'normal' when it comes to periods!
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If you are nervous or unsure about anything relating to your menstrual cycle; struggling with discomfort, PMS, heavy bleeding or perhaps you have just come on and don't know what to do, you should speak to a parent, trusted teacher or the school nurse or Doctor. Chatting to friends is a really positive thing and can be reassuring but don't compare! Remember everyone's body is different - and their menstrual cycle and experience will be too.
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Never be embarrassed to talk about your period (read Dr Emma Ross' article on 'busting taboos' - scroll down for link) and you never need a note to excuse yourself from a swimming lesson - simply tell the teacher!
Have you just started your period or you think you might do soon?
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Here are some helpful hints on how to be prepared:
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Always keep a couple of sanitary pads in your school bag for those 'oops, I've just come on moments'. But if you are caught short, just visit the nurse!
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Keep a spare pair of pants somewhere discrete in your school bag.
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If you are on your period and suffer from period pain, you may want to take pain killers in the morning to help see you through the day. Speak to a parent about this but remember you can always ask the nurse who will be able to give you some pain relief.
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Exercise helps with pain relief - it really does!
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A hot water bottle provides real comfort and helps ease period pain when at home. If you find this helps, you could try using a heat pad whilst at school.
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Before coming on your period, your hormones alter your mood and this is often referred to as pre-menstrual syndrome or PMS. This can be different from person to person - you may be more emotional than usual or be short-tempered or frustrated or all of the above! Did you know that exercising is the best remedy? The 'feel-good' hormones talked about in physical health are why!
Think you know it all?
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Your bowel movements can change when you are either on or due on your period.
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You will feel more bloated when on or due on your period so don't be alarmed if your jeans feel a little tighter than usual!
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Vaginal discharge is perfectly normal and can vary depending on where you are in your cycle.
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Don't clean too much down below! Look at vaginal health under
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Vaginal itching is common and may be caused by a variety of things. It is probably something you can quickly rectify yourself - click on hygiene link above
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Know what is?
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Know when your period will come? Why not try a tracking app to help you out with this? These can help you to recognise your symptoms in the days before you come on, help you anticipate when you are due on and begin to understand what is your 'normal'.
The following resources will be useful if you are aged between 10 and 14 and want to find out more about periods and what to expect.
