Menstruation And Teenage Hormones Are No Joke! Parents, Here’s How You Can Help Your Daughter

The teenage years mark a period of rapid transformation for girls, both physically and emotionally. Menstruation and puberty can be overwhelming for teenage girls, but with the right parental support, they can navigate these changes confidently. And so, when one of my childhood BFF got her first period, she was completely aware and both her parents supported her openly, making her feel safe, at ease, and ensuring all her questions are answered, while in contrast, another friend had a different experience with her mother explaining things in rather hushed tones, making it feel secretive. Now, as an adult, one panics at the slightest pregnancy symptom, her mind spiralling, unprepared for another hush-hush conversation and the other really doesn't make a big deal about it (or does!). These two drastic experiences help create a clear picture of how you first process and adjust during your first period it makes a big impact on you for life.

As puberty sets in, significant hormonal changes impact teenagers mood, self-esteem, and overall well-being. For parents, particularly mothers, understanding these changes and offering the right support can ease this transition. Fostering open conversations and equipping daughters with accurate information, parents can help them embrace menstruation and puberty with confidence.

Teenage Hormonal Changes and Their Impact

It is that period at which puberty unleashes a chain reaction of hormonal changes that sculpts a teenage girl's physical and emotional landscape. According to Dr. Shilpa Venkatesh, Senior Obstetrician and Gynecologist, the changes include:

Growth Spurts: A definite height increase accompanied by the appearance of pubic, underarm, and facial hair.

Breast Development: Breasts grow and may become tender due to hormonal activity.

Voice Changes: The larynx becomes more mature, and the voice may drop slightly.

Skin and Hair: Oily skin, pimples on the chest and back and face, along with a texture change in the hair, occurs.

Onset of Menstruation: This is the beginning of body changes, hips tend to expand as well as sweats and odors.

The hormonal fluctuation makes them overly emotional and susceptible to mood swings, anxiety, and loss in self-esteem.

These changes are normal and to be expected, and both the teenager and her parents can be reassured.

Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle: The Scientific Play

The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone. It has three distinct phases:

Follicular Phase

Estrogen levels increase, causing the uterine lining to thicken in preparation for pregnancy. The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the development of eggs.

Ovulation

The luteinizing hormone (LH) peaks, causing the ovary to release an egg. Estrogen levels decrease slightly, and progesterone starts to rise.

Luteal Phase

Progesterone is the dominant hormone, preparing the body for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, causing menstruation.

According to Dr. Venkatesh, mothers should explain this cycle to their daughters in simple terms, making it clear that periods are a natural result of these hormonal changes.

Common Menstrual Health Issues among Teenagers

Teenagers encounter several health issues related to menstruation, physical and psychological in nature:

Physical Issues

Dysmenorrhea or Menstrual Cramps: Uterine contractions cause chemical release, leading to pain; hence, most teenagers need some form of pain management.

Heavy or Irregular Bleeding: Hormonal imbalance may lead to heavy or unpredictable bleeding. It may even lead to iron deficiency anemia in some cases.

Psychological Issues

Anxiety and Shame: Fear of stains, discomfort, or missing school because of pain can cause anxiety.

Difficulty Concentrating: Severe period pain may cause a girl to lose concentration and disturb daily activities.

According to Dr. Venkatesh, if a girl has severe pain or excessive bleeding, she needs to be taken to the doctor. Regular gynecological check-ups can help the girl manage the symptoms well.

How Parents Can Help Before The First Period?

Many mothers and other parents struggle to bring up the topic. As Dr. Venkatesh emphasizes, open conversation is what will help alleviate teenage girls' anxiety and normalize the process. Here's how parents can create an environment of support:

Start with Simple Explanations

Do not bombard your child with technical, biological jargon. Explain using simple analogies. Like this:

"As you grow into a young woman, your body prepares for the possibility of having a baby. Every month, hormones cause your uterus to prepare a soft lining. If there is no pregnancy, the lining sheds as a period. This is a completely natural process."

Encourage Healthy Menstruation Habits

• Physical Activity and Exercise: Regular physical activity, deep breathing, and stretching help reduce menstrual cramp and mood.
• Balanced Diet: It is rich in iron, calcium, and healthy fats and aids in menstrual health.
• Hydration and Hygiene: The habit of daily hygiene practices must be encouraged. It includes the frequent change of sanitary products and proper cleanliness.

Choosing the Right Menstrual Products

Today, there are several menstrual hygiene products available. However, comfort and lifestyle would dictate which is to be used. There are options like:

• Disposable sanitary pads
• Reusable cloth pads
• Tampons
• Menstrual cups
• Period underwear

Letting your daughter explore and decide what suits her best is more likely to ensure a more positive period experience.

Also Read: Moms Teach These 5 Menstrual Hygiene Tips To Your Girl Before Her First Period

How Can Fathers Help And Support Girls During This Process?

Support during puberty need not be solely by mothers. Dr. Geetha S, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist, says, "Fathers and family members have a vital role in this transition.".

"Dads need to stay involved and above all, assure their daughters that these changes are normal and nothing to feel shy about. Listening attentively and encouraging daughters can boost self-esteem."

A father should not avoid talking about menstruation. Helping daughters with some small tasks like buying sanitary pads or inquiring after the well-being of daughters can be helpful.

Many cultures still associate menstruation with stigma, which unnecessarily causes stress for young girls. Parents can break down these taboos by:

Using positive language: Frame menstruation as a sign of growth, not something to be ashamed of.

Normalizing discussions: Speak about periods openly at home, so it doesn't feel like a secretive topic.

Debunking myths: Address common misconceptions and ensure your daughter has access to accurate information.

Dr Shilpa Venkatesh is a Senior Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Dr Geetha.S is a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Natus Women and Children Hospital in India.