Why Teach Pre-Teens About Menstrual Cycles?

According to the Mayo Clinic, some girls begin menstruating at the age of 8 while others do not start their period until the age of 12. Most pre-teen girls find the subject of menstruation embarrassing and difficult to talk about, although they generally have very little knowledge about the subject. Therefore, beginning an early communication about menstrual cycles for pre-teens is important.

Teaching Promotes Understanding

• Teaching pre-teens about menstruation allows girls to have an understanding of what is happening to their bodies when menstruation begins. For example, pre-teens should comprehend that a menstrual period is not a curse, as some people suggest, but it is a female's body indicating that she can conceive children. Your pre-teen should learn that what happens in the menstrual cycle is that an egg is produced by an ovary during ovulation and if the egg is not fertilized the uterus lining extracts it, resulting in a period.

Teaching Assists Pre-Teens in Coping With Cramps

• Cramps, from mild to severe, are common during menstruation. Pre-teen girls may become scared or uncertain of how to cope with these cramps if they are not informed about their menstrual cycle. You can assist your pre-teen by letting her know that drugstores provide a variety of over-the-counter medications for cramps and that there are a few home remedies that she can use to help relieve the pain. Remedies may include the use of a heating pad on the lower abdomen or light exercise. Let her know that different approaches to lessening the severity of cramps work differently for different people and she will have to be persistent in finding out what works for her.

Teaching Aids Pre-Teens With Proper Personal Care

• You will need to teach your pre-teen about the use of tampons and pads. The Mayo Clinic suggests purchasing a variety of tampons and pads so that your pre-teen can see which is most effective for her personal use. You will need to talk to your pre-teen about how tampons are inserted, how often they should be checked and how long they should be worn. You should also discuss the proper wearing of pads, as well as personal hygiene and their use. When pre-teens understand the proper procedures to use in caring for themselves during the menstrual cycle, they will become more independent in caring for themselves.

Teaching Promotes Confidence

• When you teach your pre-teen about her menstrual cycle you should advise her to carry extra pads or tampons in her purse or backpack so that she is prepared if she starts her period. You should also explain to her that she might visit the school nurse if she begins her period and is not prepared. In addition, discuss with your pre-teen what she can do if leaks occur through her clothing while she is away from home. For example, she may want to take a change of undergarments or pants to school and keep them in her locker, or she may want to use a jacket tied around her waist to cover visible leaks until she can change clothes. When your pre-teen understands how to avoid and/or deal with leaks she will have more confidence in coping with her period.

Teaching Allows Your Pre-Teen to be Aware of Potential Problems

• The Mayo Clinic indicates that for the first year your pre-teen may be subjected to irregular periods and varying period lengths. However, after that time there are signs that she can look for that may indicate that she needs medical care. When you teach your pre-teen what the symptoms of potential problems are, she becomes active in addressing her own heath care needs. The Mayo Clinic advises that if your pre-teen has a menstrual cycle lasting longer than seven days, if she has a very heavy flow, if she is unable to control cramps, or if she has not had a period for longer than three months you will need to take her to the doctor.