Puberty 101: Menarche

Hey Just Tri Tribe!

We're back with another "Puberty 101" mini series post. This series stems from the concept of change. We all know change is inevitable, yet we get accustomed to our bodies being, looking, and performing in certain ways. The journey through life is about constant change and adaptation. Sometimes change is painful. Sometimes it's beautiful. And in the case of puberty, it's both.

Before we dive into these changes, I want to acknowledge that I understand that sex and gender exist on their respected spectrums. So to clarify, I will use the terms "female", "girl", "her", "she", and "daughter" as a reference to a person's sex assigned at birth.

During the process of puberty, change can feel like it happens in an instant. Suddenly, the little girl we once knew looks a little different, fits differently in her clothes, and thinks and acts more constructively. These changes might leave her confused and curious. It's best to encourage her to lean into that curiosity and ask questions, to her parents, coaches, teachers, and friends, about these changes so she can prepare for and look forward to what's to come.

Note to Parents, Guardians, Teachers, and Coaches:

Understanding the changes young girls will experience throughout puberty (before they happen) can be reassuring for the both of you. Inevitably, she will turn to you for guidance and when you arm yourself with the correct information, you'll exude confidence and comfort during a time of uncertainty.

As you may know, from reading "Puberty 101: Breast Development" blog post, the first physical sign of puberty in a girl is breast development. Girls will start to grow small, firm, tender lumps called buds under the nipples. The breasts will continue to grow over the next few years. This is a good time to get fitted for a training bra. For more information on breast development, reference the article.

Other physical signs of puberty in females is a change in their body shape and composition, a growth spurt, acne, and thickening and darkening of body hair. It is very common for girls' hips to widen, which is usually accompanied with weight gain and increased body fat distribution.

Having open and honest conversations about these body changes will help her with body image acceptance and making peace with this powerful, natural process.

What is Menarche?

Menarche is a female adolescent's first menstrual period. Menarche occurs about two years after breasts begin to develop. Remember, being a female and having a period is a normal and healthy part of growing up.

Fun fact: it's common for girls to get their periods around the same age as their mother and/or sisters. 

Prior to the onset of menstruation (about 6-12 months), many girls experience some form of vaginal discharge. This cervical fluid can be clear, milky or white. Once the first period occurs, you can expect them to become more regular after 6 to 24 months.

Tips for Parents:

1. Prepare your daughter EARLY and OFTEN with an explanation of how menstruation works. This shouldn't be a one time conversation. Always use the correct words for body parts and terms (i.e. vagina and period) to establish comfort when talking about their body and menstruation.

2. Share stories and experiences to normalize menstruation and build trust. 

3. Encourage questions. And always be clear and concise with your answers. If you don't know an answer, admit it, and then do some research.

Book recommendations:

- I'm a Girl: My Changing Body by Shelley Metten, M.S., PhD, with Allan Estridge (for ages 8-9)

- The Girl's Body Book by Kelli Dunham, RN (for ages 10+)

4. Show your daughter how to use sanitary products like pads, tampons, and menstrual cups. 

5. Have sanitary products at home for her to use at her convenience. Also, pack a few products in her backpack for school, sports, and other activities.

6. Reassure your daughter that life with a menstrual cycle will take some adjusting to but she can still be active, swim and play sports at any time during the cycle, especially during her period.

At first, these changes can seem overwhelming, but keep in mind that puberty is more than just physical changes. Girls intellectual and emotional centers in her brain are maturing too. You'll see she's capable of fostering deeper friendships, developing new interests and hobbies, becoming more passionate about her values, and being independent. It's a journey that you won't want to miss!

Furthermore, there will always be girls who develop early (before 8 years old) or very late (after 15 years old). This doesn't necessarily mean there's an underlying medical issue, but it's worth talking to her pediatrician or OBGYN. 

Above all, keep the conversation about puberty and menstruation on going. You'll find it becomes very normal after you have a couple open and honest discussions around the topics. Enjoy the ride!

Thank you for reading my blog!

Puberty is a massive change in life. Help your daughter, younger sister, youth female player, niece, female student, etc. understand it’s a completely natural and amazing process and it’s a sign that she’s healthy!

Have a great week, get some movement in, and as always, Just Tri!!

Yours in Sport,

Lindsay

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