Menarche– That lucky day to celebrate becoming a young woman. This is the first menstrual cycle a girl experiences in her life. Make it special!
Menstruation– Most commonly known as your “period.” The bloody lining inside of the uterus, known as the endometrium, sluffs off and is expelled through the vagina. When a woman becomes pregnant, the zygote implants in this nutrient rich, bloody lining and in time grows into a human being! When a woman is not pregnant the lining is expelled from the body about every 28 days. The cramping that is experienced during menstruation is due to mild contractions of the uterus causing the endometrium to flow from the body.
Slang for Menstruation– Period, Monthly, Aunt Flow (when I was in Jr. High we would say, “My aunt Flow came for a visit.”), On the Rag (historically women used rags to absorb the blood. Fortunately, we live in a day with tampons and pads!).
Rock Tit– As your breasts begin to develop your nipples get incredibly sensitive to both touch and cold temperatures. This is normal! The areola (the colored ring around the nipple) grows larger and often deepens in color. The nipple itself will also grow larger and harder, sometimes becoming erect and sticking out as much as 1/2”. This happens when the nipples are touched and when the nipples are cold.
Nipples– Nipples of both males and females are erogenous zones, which means that when the nipples are stimulated by hands or by mouth it leads to sexual arousal. Nipples come in different sizes and colors. Some women will have small, pink nipples and others will have large, peach colored nipples. Each of us is unique and special. As we grow into womanhood the nipples become more sensitive with stimulation. As this happens the nipples will become firm and protrude. I call having erect nipples, “Radar” for two reasons. First, very quickly the nipples will react to cold weather by constricting to keep heat inside the body. I don’t know this, but I suspect the word, “Nippy” used for feeling chilled or cold, comes from the instantaneous reaction the nipples have to cooler temperatures! Radar also occurs when we respond sexually to other people, certain smells, romantic music, pictures or movies, and even our thoughts. This is a way that our bodies begin to prepare for romance and intimacy in marriage. Sometimes radar can be frustrating as it can seem like they have minds of their own! For instance, you can be all dressed, ready to go, look in the mirror one last time and….what the heck!? You see your nipples sticking up in your shirt. If radar creates feelings of irritation for you, find comfort in knowing that every woman experiences this condition. You are not alone! Wearing padded bras or nipple guards can help reduce some of the “evidence” when nipples decide to stand up and salute the world!
New Hair Growth– As we become women, we get more hair on our bodies…and in new places! Pubic hair starts along the labia majora or the fleshy outer opening of your private parts. The hair will become dark, coarse, and grow like an up-side-down triangle. Sometimes the hair will grow on the insides of the thighs. Hair will also begin to grow under the arms. Leg hair will thicken. Hair on your toes, fingers, and eyebrows will also become more noticeable. There are decisions regarding what to do with all of this extra hair! Do you let it grow, trim, shave, cream or tweeze? Each woman can choose her individual preferences.
Shaving– One of the exciting changes that takes place as we mature is the opportunity we have to shave! My first experience shaving my legs was in 6th grade. I took my older sister’s razor and used it directly on my legs, without any soap, cream or lotion to help the process. You can imagine the dozens of cuts I had on my legs when I was finished! If you choose to shave, use one of these products to help you be more successful than I was! It is your choice to shave as much and as frequently as you prefer. Tweezing eyebrows is another activity. Seek help from someone to learn how to shape your eyebrows in attractive ways.
Code Blue Days– Nearly every woman, young and old, have several days prior to and during her menstrual cycle that can be difficult emotionally. Some women feel angry; others feel sad. Acknowledging these times is very important! Once you accept that fact that you have fluctuating emotions, you can accept responsibility for your behaviors. You can choose how to act when you feel angry. You can choose how to act when you feel sad. You are not a victim to your emotional state.
Cervical Fluid– You will notice a regular cycle of cervical fluid which will change throughout your monthly cycle. Sometimes is will feel wet and slippery. Other times is will be stretchy and gooey. Getting to understand the patterns of your vaginal discharge (cervical fluid) can be helpful as you become more aware of the hormonal changes happening in your body. You can touch your vagina to feel for cervical fluids. You can also look for it on toilet paper. If the fluid become strong smelling or there is a significant increase in the amount discharged, there may be an infection. Call your doctor.
