Menarch - First Menstruation

Generality

Menarche is the appearance of the first menstruation. This event marks the beginning of puberty and the entry into the fertile age.

In most women, the first menstruation occurs between the ages of 10 and 16. Before this time, many changes occur in the female body, such as, for example, the growth of the mammary glands, the increase in stature and the appearance of hair in the axillary and pubic area.
The menarche presents with small red-brown vaginal discharge, which may be anticipated or accompanied by a sense of tension in the breast, pain in the lower abdomen, back pain and violent mood swings.
After the arrival of the first menstruation, it is quite frequent that the cycle is subject to irregularities as regards rhythm, duration and quantity: this period of adjustment can last up to two years, until the organism finds the right balance.

Curiosity. The term "menarca" derives from the Greek words "ménos"(Month) and"arches”(Beginning), precisely to underline the cyclical character that the menstrual phenomenon will assume.

What's this?

For a girl, the menarche is a fundamental moment from a physical and psychic point of view, as it marks the passage towards adulthood. This event "inaugurates" the period of female fertility, understood, at least, as potential. biological to procreate.
The first menstruation marks the attainment of puberty: during this stage of development, a series of physiological processes and anatomical changes take place that prepare for complete sexual maturation.
The menarche also indicates the beginning of ovarian activity which will culminate each month, in the middle of the menstrual cycle, with ovulation.

What does it mean to have your period?

• Menstruation consists in the flaking of the mucosa that lines the inner wall of the uterus (endometrium), accompanied by a variable loss of blood through the vagina. This phenomenon is renewed cyclically every month and lasts, on average, from 3 to 7 days.
• The first day of menstruation marks the start of a new menstrual cycle, which in most women lasts between 25 and 36 days. Regardless of the length of time between two periods, menstruation occurs 14 days after the period. ovulation.
• Menstruation allows the uterus to eliminate the inner lining built up during the previous phase (if conception has not occurred). By renewing the mucous layer of the endometrium, the uterus maintains optimal, from a biological point of view, the "soil" which will receive the possibly fertilized egg.
• These changes occur from puberty to menopause and are directly related to fertility. In other words, menstruation indicates the presence of an ovulation cycle, hence the ability to procreate.

Age of Appearance