Specifics
Be Prepared!

Be sure to have
your Period
Pieces Kit with
you on a daily
basis and load it
with stuff you
need - sanitary
products, aspirin,
 extra set of
panties...whatever
you need should
be in your Kit.  
It's roomy!

Being prepared
means one less
thing to stress
over.  
  • Puberty is a time of growth
    and change caused by
    hormones that change you
    from a girl to a woman.  
    Some of these changes
    include breast development,
    growth in height and weight,
    hair growth under the arms
    and in the pubic area and an
    increase in body odor.  

  • Puberty starts between the
    ages of 8-13 and ends
    between the ages of 16 -
    17. But remember, every girl
    develops at her own rate.  
    Most girls start their periods
    1 - 2 years after the start of
    these changes.

  • A normal menstrual cycle is
    every 21 - 35 days but the
    average is every 28 and your
    period can last anywhere
    from 3 to 7 days.  If you find
    your period is continuing for
    longer periods, talk to your
    mom, guardian or a doctor...
    just to make sure there is
    nothing wrong.  
P
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You may notice changes to your body 7 to
10 days before your period begins due to
changes in your hormone levels.  These
changes may include some or all of the
following:
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Cramps
  • Slight weight gain and bloating.
  • Tender breasts
  • Skin break-outs
  • Food cravings (we're thinkin'
    chocolate)
  • Backache  

All women have vaginal discharge, a creamy
white/yellowish fluid during their monthly
cycle.  This is normal but if your discharge is
unusually heavy, a different color or has a
strong smell, talk to someone about it - mom,
aunt, doctor, trusted adult - as it may be the
sign of an infection.  



You'll notice a change in your emotions
before your period - that's normal!  Moody,
cranky, irritable, clumsy...it's all part of PMS.  
P
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Period Solutions
    Activity is a good way to increase your mood and ease pain.  Walking or biking in the
    fresh air is helpful.

    Exercise is always good - even during a period.  BUT don't push yourself - If you feel
    tired, rest. Having your period is a great excuse to do nothing.  

    Pamper yourself:  do your nails, take a nap, read, watch a movie, CRY, talk, eat
    chocolate.

    Check out the "Things to Do When You're Blue" page for more suggestions on
    beating back the symptoms of PMS.

    Pay attention to all the changes.  Use the All About Me Calendar (included in your
    Period Pieces kit) to track your moods and period cycle.  It'll help keep you ready
    and in control.  

    REMEMBER:  Accidents do happen.  If you stain through to your outer clothes, wrap
    a sweater, sweat shirt or jacket around your waist and go home (if you're in school,
    ask first!).  Just remember - this can and does happen to every woman.
Symptoms
Your
Period:
 
The
Basics