Menstruation is one of the most significant pubertal changes that young girls experience. When they experience their first period (menarche), they often ask a variety of questions:

• Is my period normal?

• How long will my period last?

• Is my period too heavy? Is it normal?

• How can I track my period?

• What should I do and what should I not do during my period?

Questions like these can be important both physically and psychologically. Proper information about the menstrual cycle is very important for young people to express themselves in a healthy way and to go through the process more comfortably.

Events That Happen for the First Time: Menarche, Adrenarche, Pubarche, Thelarche

Adolescence brings with it many different developments in the female body. Some important concepts in this period are:

• Pubarche: The beginning of the growth of hair in the genital area indicates the pubarche stage. This change occurs under the influence of hormones in the body.

• Thelarche: The beginning of breast growth. This is one of the first changes girls see in their bodies in response to female hormones.

• Adrenarche: These are the first signs of some changes in the body as the adrenal glands begin to produce hormones. Adrenarche usually begins a few years before menarche and body hair, sweating and skin changes can be seen.
• Menarche (First Menstrual Period): This marks the beginning of puberty. It usually begins at the age of 12-13, but can vary between the ages of 9-16. The first menstrual period indicates that the body’s reproductive functions have begun.

These stages are important indicators of a young girl’s physical and sexual development, and each represents the steps the body takes in the process of healthy growth. When these stages begin can be affected by factors such as genetics, nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

What Affects These Stages?

Adolescence is not just a period of biological change; environmental and psychological factors can also influence the timing and duration of these stages. The following factors can affect the developmental process of adolescence:

• Genetic Factors: Genetic inheritance within a family can determine an individual’s onset and development of puberty. For example, a mother’s age at puberty can affect her daughter’s age at puberty.

• Nutrition and Physical Activity: Adequate and balanced nutrition helps the puberty process progress healthily. Also, being overweight or underweight can play a role in the development of the puberty process.

• Environmental Factors: Family stress levels, living conditions, and environmental factors can affect the timing of pubertal stages.

• Psychological Health: The psychological health of young people plays an important role in the development of adolescence. Situations such as stress, anxiety or depression can make it difficult to go through this period healthily.

Why Should I See a Doctor When I Get My First Period?

After their first period, it is very important for young girls to see their doctor. This will both provide them with psychological relief and help them gain the information they need to protect their health. Here are some reasons why it is important to see a doctor:

• Understanding Menstrual Cycle Patterns: Understanding how the menstrual cycle works and what is normal is critical to the healthy development of teens.

• Identifying Period Problems: There may be problems like excessive pain, excessive bleeding or irregular cycles during menstruation. A gynecologist can examine the underlying causes of such symptoms and recommend treatment if necessary.

• Monitoring Health Status: A gynecological examination after the first menstrual period is important to monitor the reproductive health of the young girl and detect possible health problems.

• Sexual Health Information: The first menstrual period is a period when questions about sexual health begin. Accurate information should be provided about sexual health, protection methods and safe sexual relations.

Doctors who specialize in adolescence and the health of young girls offer a comprehensive approach to ensure that women of all ages can have a healthy development process. During this period, guidance and health support provided to young girls and their families are of great importance in laying the foundations for a healthy life.