Changes In The Menstrual Cycle In Adolescence
When a girl gets her period for the first time, she usually experiences an imbalance in the menstrual cycle. This is because her body is getting used to this new condition. In this article you will find out everything you need to know about changes in the menstrual cycle in adolescence.
Is it normal to have irregular periods?
Many women go to the gynecologist because they have irregular periods. But in most cases, this is not a sign of health problems or illness.
Menstruation lasts between three and eight days, while the average is five days. The interval between each menstrual cycle is 28 days. However, only about 15% of adult women have a regular menstrual cycle.
A woman’s menstrual cycle can be considered irregular if she does not get it every 28 days, or if it lasts only one day or more than seven days, when she does not get her period for a month or longer, or when she gets her period more than once in the same month.
An irregular menstrual cycle can be caused by anemia, hormone problems, stress, excessive weight loss, eating disorders, childbirth or serious illness such as cervical cancer.
It can also be caused by organic lesions, genital disorders or endocrine diseases. Some women also suffer from changes in the menstrual cycle before menopause.
If in doubt, consult a gynecologist who can perform various tests to determine if the changes are harmless or not. You can also ask your gynecologist about the intensity of your period.
The intensity of your period is abnormal if you use more than eight pads or tampons a day. This can cause anemia due to large blood loss.
Are changes in the menstrual cycle in adolescence common?
The answer is a resounding yes! A teenager can have his period every two months, twice a month or not menstruate at all for several months without a possible pregnancy.
Her menstruation can also last between two days to a full week. The first menstrual periods tend to be the most irregular, and in most cases the cycle is normalized in the first or second year. However, they can continue to be irregular throughout a woman’s life.
What affects the menstrual cycle in adolescence?
The menstrual cycle in adolescence is affected by development and growth. Therefore, irregularity is more common than you might think.
In addition, do not ignore the fact that hormone levels fluctuate during this phase, which directly affects the frequency and length of menstruation as well as the intensity of menstruation.
Certain habits can also lead to changes in the menstrual cycle in adolescence. There is no doubt that this phase is characterized by many changes, and it is also sometimes accompanied by unhealthy habits.
For example, if a teenager is exercising too much, following a strict diet, taking diet pills, taking drugs, or continually experiencing depression or stress, she may also experience changes in the menstrual cycle.
It is not possible to determine when irregular cycles become regular – if they ever will.
It is estimated that women are irregular until the age of 20. In that phase, the absence of menstruation is normal as the body and hormones change to let the woman become a mother.
Conclusion
Since it is common for menstruation to be irregular during the first few years, you have no need to worry. But it is always best to consult a gynecologist when in doubt – especially if you suffer from intense abdominal and back pain, weakness, nausea, headaches, fatigue, severe cramps, or if you sweat a lot during your period.
