Starting from approximately 8 years of age and continuing up to 18 years, is a phase that every girl goes through – this is called Puberty. Many changes that place in this phase – externally as well as internally. Period is nature’s way of telling that you are on your way to growing up into a perfectly normal, healthy woman. It should be a happy moment for every girl.

WHAT IS PERIODS/MENSTRUATION? BASIC BIOLOGY OF MENSTRUATION, ITS PHASES & MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Menstruation happens because female hormones in the body start functioning. It is a sign of woman’s fertility – the basis for procreation. Periods, Menstruation, Chums, Menses are the same.

WHEN DOES MENSTRUATION START FOR MOST GIRLS? HOW LONG DOES IT LAST.

Girls have their first period when they reach puberty. Puberty usually happens between the ages of 9 to 15 years. Menstruation lasts till woman reaches late-40s or mid-50s.

WHY DOES MENSTRUATION START EARLY FOR SOME GIRLS AND LATE FOR OTHERS?

Every woman has a different pace of body development. Menstruation will only commence when the hormones responsible for menstruation get activated. Hence there is no fixed age for commencement of menarche

MENSTRUAL CYCLE

The menstrual cycle is the monthly series of changes in a woman’s body. Menstrual cycle varies from girl to girl. But generally, the duration varies from 28 days to 35 days for most. However, in some cases it can be as short as 21 days or as long 40 days.