Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change
The menstrual cycle
Learn about the menstrual cycle, one of the changes inside the body.
Adolescence also brings changes inside the body that you cannot see. The parts of the body used for reproduction slowly mature, in both boys and girls. This is a natural part of growing up.
For girls, an important inside change is the start of the menstrual cycle, usually called 'the period'.
| Usually | |
|---|---|
| comes back every | 28–30 days (healthy cycles can be anywhere from 21–35 days) |
| bleeding lasts | 3–7 days |
| stops naturally | around 45–55 years |
The days when blood comes out of the body are called menstruation. Some girls feel pain or discomfort in the lower tummy at this time.
A regular cycle is a sign of good health. Every girl's body has its own timing, so if a friend's period is longer or shorter than yours, that is normal too.
Myths. Many wrong beliefs make girls feel fear, shame or guilt: that they must be kept apart, must not touch certain things, or are 'impure'. None of this has any scientific basis. Menstruation is as natural as sneezing or growing taller.
Everyone can help. If your sister, mother or friend has period pain, be kind and helpful, never make fun of it. A scientific, respectful outlook helps the whole of society look after women's health.
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