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The Beginning of the Journey
Celebrate and Embrace
I grew up in the 80s and 90s, and I love how Mrs. Huxtable [The Cosby Show] took Rudy out to celebrate "Woman's Day" when she started her cycle. Our bodies are to be celebrated!
If you are a mom of a daughter, answer her questions as she asks them with age-appropriate answers. Make sure to talk to her about puberty before the school system does: Hillsborough County starts in 3rd grade (8 years old).
Hygiene
Girls and boys both go through puberty, but little girls are different than little boys. Something important that was not talked about in the 1980s and 1990s was proper wiping: front to back. This keeps bacteria from getting into the urinary tract and the vagina. Makes total sense, right!?
Preparing your Daughter
Most of my conversations were at inconvenient times, like when I took her into the one-room bathroom with me in the dentist's office. I told her to turn around, and she listened for all of one minute, then proceeded to "check on me". This led to "Mommy, what are you doing?" Well, um...something age-appropriate for a 3 year old came out and she was set, but I was mortified.
Womanhood is sacred. Our bodies can bring life and give love, and being a woman is an amazing journey.
The Change
It's not just for the 50+ year old woman.
Yes, I said it. Young women can go through the change, too. I was 28 years old when I was diagnosed as perimenopausal. My eggs were crap, my cycles irregular, and hot flashes and night sweats were occurring.
If you are experiencing any changes in your cycle, libido, sleep, or mood, please speak with your doctor. Diagnosis is as quick and as easy as a blood draw.