Symptoms
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.
Your
Period:
 The
Basics
Home
  • Open your calendar to the
    month you first get your period
    and begin entering your
    information.  For instance, if you
    got your period January 2nd,  
    you would mark that date as Day
    1 of your period.  

  • Count ahead 28 days, and write
    in an X to mark that as the date
    to expect your next period.   

  • Put a Heart on the day you
    actually get your period and
    begin counting again.

  • In between these dates , mark
    any physical signs such as
    bloating, tender breasts,
    headaches or tiredness.  Also
    chart any emotions, or moods
    you are feeling such as cranky,
    sad, happy, tired and distracted.

  • Put a Yellow Dot  on the days
    you see discharge. This is
    usually the middle of your cycle
    and your body is getting ready
    to menstruate in 10 – 12 days.  

  • Your moods will start to become
    more intense and your body will
    start to show some physical
    signs as you get closer to your
    next period. You will feel a
    certain way BEFORE your
    period (the dreaded PMS) and
    absolutely, totally different after
    you have your period.
Tracking Your
Personal Period Cycle