Girls have periods because of their monthly reproductive cycle. This natural process prepares their bodies for the possibility of pregnancy.
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle
The ovaries release the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones cause the lining of the uterus (womb) to thicken and build up. This built-up lining provides a nurturing environment for a fertilized egg (an egg that has joined with sperm) to implant and develop into a baby. If fertilization doesn't occur, the body sheds this built-up lining. This shedding is what we know as menstruation or a period. [Source: The ovaries release the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which cause the lining of the uterus (or womb) to build up. The built-up lining is ready for a fertilized egg (an egg that has joined with a sperm) to attach to and develop into a baby. If there is no fertilized egg, the lining breaks down and bleeds.]
The process is a cyclical one, typically repeating monthly, although the timing and length vary from person to person. The first period, called menarche, usually begins between ages 12 and 13, but this can vary significantly. [Source: On average, girls have their first menstrual period between the ages of 12 and 13. However, like all changes in puberty, every girl's body changes at a different rate. ] A period is a normal vaginal bleeding and a sign that a girl is nearing the end of puberty. [Source: A period is a release of blood from a girl's uterus, out through her vagina. It is a sign that she is getting close to the end of puberty.]
Key Aspects of Menstruation:
- Hormonal Regulation: Estrogen and progesterone drive the entire cycle.
- Uterine Lining: The thickening and shedding of the uterine lining is central to menstruation.
- Preparation for Pregnancy: The cycle prepares the body for a potential pregnancy.
- Normal Process: A regular menstrual cycle is a sign of a healthy reproductive system.
- Individual Variation: The onset age, cycle length, and flow vary greatly among individuals.
Further Information:
For more detailed information on menstruation, including the different phases of the menstrual cycle, common concerns, and how to manage periods, you can consult resources like the Nemours KidsHealth website (https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/menstruation.html). Numerous other credible websites and medical resources provide further information on this topic.
