New Delhi, Jan. 23 -- A menstrual cycle is a natural process in the life of every human with a uterus, and during reproductive years. But hitting menarche without awareness can be a traumatic or shocking experience for a young girl. The onset of periods for girls usually happens when they are around 12 years old. Some may experience it even earlier. It is important that they are made aware of the signs of first period so that they can embrace and handle this important change in life with a little maturity.

If you are an older woman reading this, you would know that there is no sure-shot way of predicting when your daughter or younger sister will begin periods. But it will always be wiser to prepare her mentally for what lies ahead and wh...