Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on the site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you're seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
On this page, you'll learn a little bit about what to
expect when you start your period.
Emotional Changes:
During your period, you may have mood swings and feel down. It's okay when this happens, try doing something you love whether it's sports or games! Want to dig deeper into why you feel this way? Or want more things to do to make you feel better? The three videos here can help.
Physical Changes:
You might get bloated and feel uncomfortable when on your period, that's okay. Try to avoid wearing tight jeans, tight shorts, or skirts because it could hurt your stomach if you're bloated. Instead, wear sweatpants or loose fitting clothes, dress comfortably! Want to dig deeper into why and how you bloat? The video to the left has all of that information.
You may notice an odor from your period. You should keep yourself clean by showering everyday, and you may use wipes when going to the restroom.
Your breasts may begin to hurt when you are getting close to the time your period starts. If you would like to know exactly why your breast may hurt, click on the video to the right!
Exercising:
When you're on your period, you should stay active, it may help you take your mind off of it. When more oxygen gets into your body, it decreases the prostaglandin (something that is released when on your period) and helps reduce cramping. Also, consuming alcohol or tobacco products unbalances the work the prostaglandin does, worsening period cramps. To help your period, try this exercise by clicking on the video to the left!
Heating Pads & Tylenol:
When I'm on my period, I use Heating pads because it helps with the pain of cramps. (Sometimes you are lucky to not get cramps on your period). You can buy a heating pad at any drugstore or even amazon. The heat relaxes the muscles in your uterus, which helps reduce the pain of cramps. Also, Tylenol, Vitamin-E, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B-1, Vitamin B-6, or Ibuprofen are other things that may help you.
Sleeping with the Pain of Cramps:
When sleeping, we may get cramps and we wish they would go away. I have a two ways that helps me. Laying down on your stomach, scrunched up helps a lot. Also, putting a pillow against your stomach and between your legs helps as well.
How To Use/Dispose of Pads and Tampons:
If you need to know how to use and dispose of pads or tampons. The videos here can help you! There are also other products like Menstrual cups and period underwear that some people use instead of pads or tampons. You will find what works for you and what you are most comfortable with. Their is no RIGHT or WRONG product!
Period Pack:
It is always best to be prepared. We recommend using a small makeup bag to create a personal period pack so you can always be ready. In our packs, we like to have the following items: 2 pads (sanitary napkins), 1 tampon (if preferred), 1-2 flushable wipes, an extra pair of underwear, pain reliever (if allowed), Ziploc bag for soiled underwear or soiled pad if no there is no trash can available, and hand sanitizer to use until you get to the sink. You may even want to put a piece of candy so you have something nice to get you through the day!
Period Tracking Calendars:
It's always good to track your period. You can use a regular printed calendar so you can mark the days you have your period or just you can look on the app store of your phone for a "Period Tracker." This app allows you to track your period and lets you know when you are most likely to have your next one. We have some images of some of the possible apps that you can use.
The Adult Woman
You
Who To Talk To:
At times it might be very scary to talk to others about your period. If you think about it, all female adults have had their period as well. They probably went through the same thing that your going through. So, just talk to any adult females in your life. This may be your Mom, Aunt, Grandma, a close family friend, even an older sister! They will understand any questions you have and help you to answer it.