Your first period is an important step. It is one of the first signs of puberty, and it is often a way your body tells you that you are healthy! Even though it may seem scary, it is perfectly normal, and every menstruator will have to go through their first period at one point! When you get your first period it is normal to have a lot of questions. Sometimes you might be too embarrassed to ask a family member (you shouldn't be embarrassed, but it can be stressful when you first start), and not everybody has the chance to talk about periods and puberty in schools, or it might not have been elaborated enough. So now, someone needs to answer your questions! Down below we have questions and answers to help guide you with your first period (This might even be helpful to menstruators who have already started, or a boy interested in learning about what periods are and understanding what the opposite sex goes through every month so that humankind is possible). We also have an anonymous form where you can write any questions you may have about periods!
Positive Period-My first period video.mp4Watch this short video explaining what periods are!
When am I going to get my first period?
Often menstruators will get their period from ages 9-15. The average is around 12 years old, so schools often have the puberty and period conversation in 5th grade. Don't worry if you get your period at 9, it happens a lot more often then you think! If you are 15+ and still don't have you period, don't stress about it! Many menstruators are late bloomers and it is perfectly natural! However if you are concerned about not having gotten your period yet, ask your doctor if you should be concerned, and if they should look into why you haven't gotten your period. Some women suffer from MRKH (Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome) a condition where "the reproductive system starts to grow but doesn't fully develop" (Barnett 231). This condition is found in 1 out of 5,000 females so there is a chance that this will not effect you. If you are really concerned about why you still haven't gotten your period in your 'late teens', considered looking into conditions for why you haven't gotten your period as well as seeing a doctor. Just remember, if you are ever worried about having gotten your period too early, or still not having it, voice your worries! Talk to your family, teachers, doctors (and possibly even your peers-but don't just tell them, you must tell a trusted adult to receive help).
What is PMS?
PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome, it is when you get cramps, acne breakouts, feeling bloated, having discharge, and having a range of mood swings right before you get your period. You will often get similar symptoms during your period cycle, but often when you get any of these symptoms it means your period is coming!
Why does my stomach hurt during/right before my period?
Those stomach aches are called cramps. They are "contractions of the uterus, which occur as it sheds its lining" (Pandia Health Editorial Team. 2021). You can usually feel them in your stomach, but also happen in your lower back. Some menstruators have light cramps, but others have extremely painful cramps, recent research suggests that some cramps are as painful as heart attacks. However, if your cramps are extremly bad, go visit a doctor as you may have a condition causing all this pain which could have major consequences later on in life (such as being infertile). Even if your doctor says everything is fine, listen to your body! You know your body best and for to long menstruators have been told that they are just being dramatic and overreacting. This is not the case, fight for your voice to be heard and get a diagnoses. Not enough research has been done around period related problems and that needs to stop now.
How often will I get my period?
Most periods come every 28 days, so you get your period every month. When you get a period every 28 ish days, we call that a regular period. However, during your first year of getting periods it probably will be all over the place, with very long cycles, and mix of flows!
How long will I be bleeding?
Periods can last from around 2-8 days, but during your first year of periods they won't be regular, and you might not be bleeding the same amount of days as your last period. Your period might even last much longer than 8 days, so don't worry! Once your periods start getting regular, they might be lasting the same amount of days every cycle.
What is the right period product for me?
Often, when young menstruators start their first periods they chose/are advised to use pads. Younger menstruators seem to prefer pads, as they are a great tool while getting use to periods. Later on, you might want to start trying other products, such as tampons, cups, period underwear, or discs. Of course, you don't have to try them, if you are happy with pads or any other product, stick with it! Many menstruators now are using more reusable, and sustainable products.
Is it normal that some of my blood is brown?
Yes! Often when you start your period or at the end of your period you will see some brown blood in small quantities. Don't worry about it, as most people will have that too!
Why are there so many kinds of pads?
Different pads are for different days and time of your cycle. The longer pads (they often are labeled as night pads on the packet) are worn at night as you don't want to get up every 4 hours to change your pad! The pads that are labeled as regular are for during the day, often you change those pads every 4-6 hours, but most pad companies mention how many hours they are design for. Later on in your period, you might want to wear panty liners. Panty liners are designed to be worn when there is very little blood at the end of your period. They can also be worn a couple of days before your period, so that you don't leak through if you get your period suddenly.
How do I get rid of cramps?
When you get cramps it can be very hard to concentrate, one of the ways to get rid of cramps is to apply heat on your stomach. How do you do that? Go boil some water and put it in a hot water bottle and place on your stomach to relieve the cramps. You can also ask a trusted adult if you can take a pain reliever, make sure to not take to much. According to research, doing light exercise on your period can relieve cramps and make your period end quicker, but make sure to not push yourself to much!