Girls’ Health Information
Physical Health
Periods
Getting your period is a normal part of growing up. In the first few years, periods may not come at exactly the same time every month. They can also vary in how long they last, how heavy they are, and how much cramping you experience. Learning how the menstrual cycle works, keeping track of your periods, and knowing how to use menstrual products can make periods feel much easier to manage.
Some discomfort during a period is common. Drinking water, staying active, resting, and using heat on your lower abdomen may help with cramps. However, very heavy bleeding, severe pain, periods that suddenly change a lot, or missing periods for a long time may be reasons to speak with a healthcare professional. Understanding what is normal for your body can help you recognize when something does not feel right.
Good menstrual hygiene is also important. Menstrual products should be changed regularly, and you should choose products that feel safe and comfortable for you. Periods should never be something you feel ashamed to talk about. Asking questions and learning about your menstrual health is an important part of taking care of your body.
My Body
During puberty, your body changes quickly. You may notice breast development, body hair, changes in your body shape, vaginal discharge, acne, stronger body odor, and changes in your height or weight. Hormones are responsible for many of these changes, and everyone develops at a different pace. For example, one breast may grow slightly faster than the other, and your body may not look exactly like your friends' bodies. These differences are usually a normal part of growing up.
Taking care of your body includes eating enough nutritious food, getting regular physical activity, sleeping well, staying hydrated, and practicing good hygiene. Nutrients such as iron, calcium, and protein are especially important during adolescence because your body is developing quickly. Iron becomes particularly important after periods begin because blood loss can contribute to low iron levels in some girls.
It is also normal to have questions about your appearance. Puberty, social media, and comparisons with other people can affect how you feel about your body. Health is more important than looking a certain way. Extreme dieting or unhealthy attempts to change your weight can harm your physical and emotional health. If you are worried about your development, eating habits, weight, or another change in your body, talking with a trusted adult or healthcare professional can help.
Sexual Health
Sexual health means understanding your body, reproductive health, personal choices, and how to protect your well-being. Learning about reproductive anatomy, pregnancy, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, HPV, and other sexual-health topics gives you accurate information that can help you make informed decisions. Reliable health information is safer than depending on rumors, social media, or advice from people who may not have correct information.
Consent and personal boundaries are also part of sexual health. You have the right to decide what you are comfortable with, and nobody should pressure you into sexual activity. Consent should be freely given and respected. You should also respect the boundaries and decisions of other people.
Being able to access trustworthy healthcare is important. Healthcare professionals can answer questions about periods, reproductive health, contraception, infections, vaccination, or other concerns. Many adolescents feel embarrassed asking these questions, but healthcare professionals regularly discuss these topics. Knowing where to find accurate information and appropriate medical care can help you protect your health and make informed choices.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental Health
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. During adolescence, hormonal changes, schoolwork, friendships, family expectations, social media, and worries about the future can sometimes feel overwhelming. You may experience stress, sadness, anxiety, mood changes, loneliness, or low confidence. Having difficult emotions sometimes is normal, but you should not feel that you have to manage everything alone.
Healthy ways of coping can include talking with someone you trust, writing about your feelings, exercising, getting enough sleep, spending time doing activities you enjoy, and practicing relaxation or mindfulness. Having supportive friends, family members, teachers, counselors, or healthcare professionals around you can make difficult situations easier to manage.
Pay attention when feelings such as sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, or fear become very strong, continue for a long time, or interfere with school, relationships, eating, sleeping, or everyday activities. These can be signs that you need additional support. Asking for help is an appropriate health decision, just like visiting a doctor when you have a physical health problem.
Relationships & Safety
Healthy relationships should make you feel respected, safe, and valued. This applies to friendships, family relationships, and romantic relationships. Healthy relationships involve communication, trust, respect for personal boundaries, and the freedom to make your own decisions. Disagreements may happen, but another person should not control who you talk to, pressure you to do things you do not want to do, constantly monitor you, threaten you, or deliberately make you afraid.
Understanding consent and boundaries can help you recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy behavior. You have the right to say no, change your mind, and have your personal space respected. Abuse can be physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, or digital. Online harassment, threats, controlling someone's social-media accounts, or pressuring someone to send private pictures can also be forms of harmful behavior.
If a relationship or situation makes you feel unsafe, speaking with a trusted adult, counselor, healthcare professional, teacher, or another appropriate support service can help. You do not need to wait until a situation becomes extremely serious before asking for support. Learning about your rights, recognizing warning signs, and knowing where to get help are important parts of protecting your health and safety.