The menstrual cycle has four phases: Menstrual (days \(3\)–\(7\)), Follicular (days \(6\)–\(14\)), Ovulation (around day \(14\)), and Luteal (days \(15\)–\(28\)), each involving specific changes in the uterus and ovaries.
Adolescence: A stage of growth and change
The development stage between childhood and adulthood is called adolescence. It is a period of rapid growth and development, typically occurring between the ages of \(10\) and \(19\).
Puberty is the stage in which the body of a child undergoes observable and internal changes to develop into an adult capable of reproduction.
Significance of adolescence:
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Organisms reproduce to maintain life and sustain their populations, and humans must grow and reach maturity to gain reproductive ability.
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During growth and development, humans undergo noticeable physical changes as well as internal emotional and behavioural changes.
Changes that mark the onset of adolescence:
Common in boys and girls:
- Grow taller and gain weight
- Changes in facial skin: Appearance of pimples and acne
- Growth of hair in different parts, like the armpits and pubic region
Observed only in boys:
- Broadening of the shoulders and widening of the chest
- Hoarseness of voice
- Development of facial hair, chest hair and back hair.
Observed only in girls:
- Widening of the hips
- Shrillness of voice
- Development of breasts
Secondary sexual characteristics in males and females
Secondary sexual characteristics in female:
Acne is a skin condition caused by increased oil secretion during adolescence, which clogs pores and leads to pimples and infections.
Some of these characteristic changes, like voice changes, the growth of facial and chest hair in boys, and the development of breasts in girls, are not directly involved in the process of reproduction.
Features that help to distinguish the male from the female but are not directly involved in reproduction are called secondary sexual characteristics.
The voice box grows during adolescence, forming the Adam’s apple, which is more prominent in boys and can cause a hoarse voice, while in girls, the change is less noticeable.
Emotional changes:
Emotional changes are simply new or stronger feelings that adolescents experience. These emotions can be exciting, confusing, or both.
Some common emotional changes include:
- Mood swings (feeling happy one moment and sad the next)
- Strong emotions (feeling things more deeply)
- New interests and passions.
Reasons for these changes:
- During adolescence, increased hormone release causes rapid physical and emotional changes, such as puberty, mood swings, and heightened curiosity, which are a normal part of growth and development.
- Emotional changes in adolescence offer opportunities for self-exploration, creativity, compassion, and making thoughtful decisions by understanding one’s emotions.
Menstruation:
The menstrual cycle recurs generally every \(28\)–\(30\) days and is more commonly known as ‘the period’. Many healthy girls have menstrual cycles that range from \(21\) to \(35\) days.
Menstrual cycle and beginning and end of menstruation:
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Menstruation begins at about \(11\)–\(13\) years of age and marks the onset of puberty, called menarche.
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The menstrual cycle is a natural monthly process \(21\)–\(35 days\) that prepares the body for pregnancy.
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Each cycle, the uterus forms a blood-rich lining to support a fertilised egg.
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If fertilisation does not occur, the unused uterine lining is shed as blood and mucus, called menstruation.
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Menstruation usually lasts \(2\)–\(7\) days with normal abdominal cramps and continues monthly until menopause at about \(45\)–\(55\) years.
Menstrual myths and taboos have no scientific basis and should be avoided as they cause unnecessary fear and shame.
Phases of the menstrual cycle:
The menstrual cycle has four main phases:
Menstrual Cycle phase
To have a Joyful and Healthy Adolescence, we need to have;
1. Proper nutritional needs:
Proper nutrition is necessary for many different reasons, such as the following:
- Proper body growth
- High energy for play and studies
- Building strong bones and muscles
- Strengthening immunity
Balanced Diet and Its Role in Growth and Health
Balanced diet
Milk, pulses, cereals, fruits, and vegetables provide essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, carbohydrates, iron, vitamins, and vitamin B12 that support growth, energy, blood formation, and overall body health.
2. Hygiene:
Besides nutrition, good personal and menstrual hygiene during adolescence prevents infections, ensures comfort and health, and requires social responsibility to provide facilities and reduce stigma.
Personal Hygiene:
- Bathing regularly, cleaning underarms and private parts.
- Keeping nails trimmed and hands clean.
- For girls: using sanitary pads or clean cloths during menstruation.
Menstrual Hygiene:
- Use sanitary pads or cloth pads during menstruation.
- Sanitary pads should be changed regularly for every \(4\)-\(6\) hours.
- Used pads should be wrapped in paper and disposed of in a dustbin.
Important!
Government initiatives such as Menstrual Hygiene Scheme, Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram, Suvidha, and state schemes provide affordable sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene awareness to support adolescent girls' health.
3. Physical activities
Regular physical activity, such as sports, exercise, dancing, or cycling, builds strength and stamina, improves mood, and helps maintain a healthy body weight.
Physical Exercises
4. Balanced Social Life
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Good social habits: Be polite, respectful, and responsible in both offline and online interactions.
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Safe online behaviour: Use social media carefully, avoid sharing personal information, and report cyberbullying to trusted adults.
5. Substance abuse and its negative impacts
Harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, and drugs can seriously damage adolescents' health, as substance abuse leads to addiction and harms both physical and mental well-being.
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Reasons for trying harmful substances: Peer pressure, curiosity, temptation, and media influence.
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Dangers: These substances are addictive, can quickly become a habit, and cause serious health problems.
Say No to Drugs
