Picture
When menstruation occurs first is called menarche, and is associated with breast development, widening of hips and appearance of pubic hair. This stage begins between 10 and 15 years of age, and marks the beginning of reproductive life of women.

Besides the physical changes that accompany the first period, into the body substances are released from the hypothalamus (gland in the brain) and hormones called follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone, whose function is to induce ovarian activity; latter increases the levels of estrogen (female sex characteristics provided) and is involved in the growth of the uterus (womb) and endometrium (lining of the uterine cavity).

These hormones are responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle, which begins with the first day of bleeding and ends just before the next rule; a process that lasts an average of 28 days is generated due to the expulsion of a mature egg with unfertilized remains of the lining of the uterus (endometrium), and lasts between 3 and 7 days.

Note that after menarche occurs there is no regularity in menstrual cycles, they may take more or less than 28 days, which is normal, and are often determined after 1 or 2 years.

Now, it is important to know that the menstrual cycle develops in the following stages:
I. Preovulatory. Is the initial phase and includes bleeding, which occurs because at the beginning of the period the levels of estrogen and progesterone (hormone that prepares the lining of the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg) are low, which causes the coating uterine degenerate and shed. Also during the first half of this stage the body releases a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone, whose function is to promote the growth of a group of between 3 and 30 small organs called follicles, each containing an egg, and only one of them continues its development. By the end of this cycle increases the secretion of hormones.

II. Ovulatory. At this stage one of the hairs grows and releases an egg that travels to the uterus through the fallopian tubes.

III. Postovulatory. Characterized by giving rise to the formation of a corpus called luteum, which in the presence of pregnancy is maintained by the implantation of the embryo in the uterine cavity. In the absence of pregnancy, this period lasts 14 days and after that time, there is the following rule.

Notably, before menstruation, most women experience premenstrual syndrome, which is a set of troublesome symptoms such as breast pain, headache, muscle weakness, fluid retention, abdominal cramps, constipation or diarrhea, fatigue, nervousness , breast tenderness and swelling belly. These discomforts usually disappear within hours after the onset of menstrual flow, or until the second day of bleeding.

Although you can not do much to alter hormonal activity, which causes PMS, can be implemented some tips to help reduce symptoms. These include reducing salt, sugar, coffee and alcohol to relieve nervousness, breast tenderness and fluid retention also should restrict the intake of foods containing fat, exercise, and light and manage medication indicated for the prevention and relieve discomfort.

It is important those girls who are about to start or just learn menarche said basic hygiene measures to be followed during the days of bleeding:
* Bathe daily and wash the genitals gently with mild soap.
* Change the sanitary napkin every 4 to 6 hours to avoid the formation of malodor and bacteria infesting the area.
* Cleaning up after urination or evacuation must be from front to back to prevent fecal microbes infect the vagina.

Advance or delay
Although menarche occurs between 10 and 15 years, is now reporting cases of children who experience at age eight, a situation that is accompanied by physical changes typical of adolescents.

These situations are to be unknown, or are influenced by family history or various conditions such as lesions in the hypothalamus (brain structure that regulates hormonal changes and testicular and ovarian function), excessive production of hormones or growth in ovaries.

In contrast is the delay of menarche, which can extend beyond 16 years and can be caused by any of the following factors:
* Excessive use of exercise.
* Lower body weight considered normal.
* Stress and nervousness.
* Family history.
* Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.

In either situation forwards or backwards, it is essential to go to the gynecologist, specialist by physical examination, examination and laboratory tests (e.g. measuring hormone) may determine the cause and, if deemed necessary, provide treatment based on drugs.

Finally, it is important to note that it is necessary that mothers tell their daughters what is menstruation and the physical changes it brings before their appearance, so be prepared mentally and will be easier to accept them without confusion.

Read more on How to increase small breast size and firm larger breast. And more how to firm saggy boobs to look attractive