1. Periods : Menstruation
What does this mean for
ME?

2. Puberty is started by a hormone being released
by the pituitary gland in the brain.
This is Oestrogen in girls and Testosterone in boys

3. Oestrogen causes changes to happen to our bodies
grow taller
body grows broader (hips widen)
breasts start to grow
sweat more (this has an odour)
hair becomes greasy
skin gets greasy, maybe spotty
hair grows under arms, on legs
and in pubic area (between legs)
vaginal discharge
periods start

4. Periods : Menstruation
lose blood from
your vagina
a sign of a normal
and healthy body
means the body is
able to reproduce
lasts 3-7 days each
month.

5. WOW! Inside every girl!

6. Day 1-7 The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days
but no one is average!
Day 1-7
The uterus lining is not needed.
It comes away and out
Through the vagina.
This is your period.

7. Day 7-12 A new egg matures in the ovary.
The uterus lining begins to thicken
with blood in case this new egg
is fertilized and needs
somewhere to grow.

8. Day 12-17 Ovulation occurs. The new egg is released and begins
to travel down the fallopian tube.

9. Day 17-28 The egg reaches the uterus.
If not fertilised it shrivels and the uterus lining prepares to shed again.
At the end of this stage your next period begins on day one of a new cycle.
This cycle continues every
month until a woman
Reaches the menopause
in her 50,s. It is interrupted
for a Pregnancy.

10. When will it happen to ME?
usually between 10 and 16 years
no “right time”
when you body is ready:
- about 2 years after breasts grow
- soon after pubic hair appears
- start to notice discharge

11. How will this affect my life?
Very little!
Can still do sport
No one can tell
Does not hurt
– occasional cramps
Will not smell

12. How will this affect my life?
Each month you need to consider:
using and changing pads
hygiene
sleep, fluids and diet

13. Period pains? Yes occasionally.
Backache or cramp in lower abdomen
First 1 or 2 days of cycle
Gets better with age
Plenty of exercise
Warm bath
Help from doctor if needed

14. Periods : Menstruation
Not so bad after all!