The movie 'Turning Red', which released last year was a groundbreaking attempt by animation giant Pixar. It was the company's first film solely directed by a woman, with a relevant theme that was hitherto underrepresented for both young girls and boys. 'Turning Red' deals with the emotional changes and physical challenges that the young protagonist Meiling Lee faces when she starts her first period. The film broke taboos to create a safe space and relatable story for girls on the brink of adolescence and puberty. Across the country, menstrual health taboos abound, making it very difficult to normalise conversations with young girls and other family members. Even if one wants to, conversations about a girl’s first period and puberty can often be awkward.
Dr Renuka David, gynaecologist and MD – Radiant Medical Services, ‘Preparing a girl for the physical and emotional changes that come with puberty is never easy. Puberty occurs when luteinising and follicle-stimulating hormones enter the ovaries, leading to oestrogen production and the release of eggs. You may see the growth of pubic and underarm hair during this period. Your daughter may also have a growth spurt, although this is not necessarily the case with all girls. A slight appearance of ‘buds’ under the nipples may also be seen, which is the first stage of breast development. Pimples may also start to occur.’
Menarche is the medical term referring to the occurrence of the first menstrual cycle. In many cultures across the country, this ‘coming of age’ is celebrated, but there are also cases when women are expected to adhere to restrictions such as staying away from the kitchen or prayer rooms, or in some cases even the main house. For a young girl, this can sometimes be very hard to cope with and come to terms with as well. It can also restrict their free and uninterrupted access to washrooms and hygiene.
Dr Renuka adds, ‘The ideal age to speak to a girl child about puberty is anytime between the ages of 8 – 9 years since this is when the body starts to change and develop. You may also find it easier to do so earlier because children still come to their parents with their help and advice at this age. Begin with age-appropriate information and never be judgemental when they ask questions – else they will just clam up and the whole exercise will be counter-productive. Normalise it as much as possible, and tell them it is an everyday occurrence that 50 per cent of the world goes through! A girl can begin her period as early as 8 these days, and this is nothing to worry about. However, if she doesn’t begin it by 15, you should check with a gynaecologist on the next steps.”
According to a study published in the Journal of Preventive Medicine and Holistic Health, India, the average age of menarche is 12.77 years. There has also been a decline observed in the age of menarche, with 34 per cent of girls showing the first signs of puberty before the age of 8.
‘Logistically, you will have to prepare a girl child so that there are no surprises at all. It is already going to be an awkward time, because she is experiencing so many changes,' adds Dr Renuka. "You will need to demonstrate the use of period products. Sanitary napkins are the best products to start her off on. Tampons are not advisable for girls who are not sexually active, and a menstrual cup may require extra knowledge on how to clean, maintain, and reuse. These can be gradually introduced. Hygiene is of paramount importance. Teaching her how to maintain good hygiene during her period – and even otherwise – will help prevent other complications. This includes changing the napkin frequently, water washes at regular intervals, and so on. You will also have to explain that the process of menstruation can be accompanied by cramps stomach pains or breast tenderness, and these are completely normal occurrences. Talk to her school teacher or counsellor if you feel your daughter is nearing the age of puberty. Ask if you can leave a period kit with essentials such as spare underwear, hypoallergenic wipes and sanitary pads or tampons. That way, if she starts her first period at school, help is always on hand.’
Education of the girl child can go a long way in ensuring that the first few years of her period go smoothly. It is one very easy piece of the puzzle. India’s fifth National Family Health Survey concluded in 2021 revealed that around 90 per cent of women with 12 or more years of schooling used safe period products such as locally-prepared napkins, sanitary napkins or menstrual cups in 17 states and Union territories. This is an increase of 20 per cent more women from the last survey, between ages 15-24.
Linda Pandiarajan, a guidance counsellor says, ‘Before talking to our children about puberty, we must check our own attitudes and opinions about the topic. The idea of bleeding for five days might be scary enough for a child. If we are worried or scared ourselves, we automatically compound that and pass negative emotions to our daughters. I’m not saying you have to sugarcoat it, but let them know that it is a normal occurrence and every single one of the healthy women she knows – pop stars, sports people, next-door neighbours – would have started their period at some point in time. Many parents look at it as a monthly ‘disease’ where a girl cannot function normally. Avoid that line of conversation altogether. You could even prepare her by going shopping for supplies together and picking out an attractive period kit – new underwear in her favourite colour, wet towels and so on, so she looks at it as not scary. Prepare her for mistakes. She might have an embarrassing stain if it catches her unawares, but there’s no reason to let it affect her. Give her the pep talk beforehand. If she’s around 12, also discuss sex with her very seriously, and the fact that pregnancy and STDs could be a consequence of unprotected sex. Lastly, prepare everyone at home as well. If you have sons, it is important to educate them on the reality of periods too!’