Menarche - Yours Child’s Transition Period Towards Adolescence

The onset of first menstruation in life is called menarche.  It is the result of interaction between the hypothalamic hormones,pituitary hormones and the ovarian harmones.  It is the Period of gradual development of secondary sexual characters.

There are profound biological,morphological and psychological changes which lead to full sexual maturity and eventually fertility. Girls experience menarche at different  ages but the usual age is between 9 to 15. Most of the changes occur gradually but only the menarche can be dated. Moreover,there is a lot of variation in the timing of the events.The most common order is the beginning of the growth spurt > Breast budding > Pubic and axillary hair growth > Peak growth in height > Menarche.

Important controlling factors for onset of puberty are Genetic, Nutrition, Body weight, Psychologic state, Social and Cultural background, Exposure to Light and others. A girl,living in urban areas with good nutrition, adequate body weight and whose mother and sisters have early menarche, starts puberty early. 

What is Precocious Puberty ?

The term Precocious puberty is reserved for girls who exhibit any secondary sex characteristics before the age of 8 or menstruate before the age of 10.

What is Delayed Puberty ?

Puberty is said to be delayed when the breast tissue and pubic hair have not appeared by 13-14 years or menarche appears as late as 16 years.Treatment is directed according to the aetiology. Assurance,improvement of general health and treatment of any illness may be of help in endocrine causes.

Don’t Ignore These Signs: When to See Your Doctor :

• If your child experiences either an early menarche before the age of 9 or late menarche after the age of 16 diagnosis is required to evaluate the cause of the problem.

• If your child experiences severe abdominal pain,nausea and vomiting which hampers the day to day activities.

• Your child is experiencing a slower rate of growth.

• Your child is experiencing severe vaginal bleeding associated with fatigue and loss of appetite.

These are some primary self care management before approaching your doctor

1. Oiling the Navel - Take 1 tsp of sesame oil to make it lukewarm and apply over navel and abdomen and massage for 5minutes it helps relieve the menstrual cramps, abdominal bloating and constipation.

      

2. Constipation during the period - Drink 1 cup of milk along with 1 tsp of cow ghee in early morning helps to relieve constipation also it helps in proper development of ovum.

3. Drinking Ajwain Water - Take 200 ml of water and add 1 tsp of Ajwain boil and reduce to ¼ th drain it and  pour to a glass of water and drink it, it helps relieve from abdominal pain, indigestion and nausea. 

Follow Menstrual hygiene: 

• Use clean cotton breathable undergarments

• Dispose your sanitary pads every 2 to 6 hours. 

• Shower at least twice a day. 

For more menstrual related issues you can visit our clinic Suryavedam Ayur Wellness where we provide Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatments designed to regularise the menstrual cycle.

Dr. Manisha J R