What to Expect When You Get Your First Period
Getting your first period can be really exciting - and also a little scary. Not to worry, though. I’ve been there, done that, and have some information that will help your first period experience flow smoothly. First periods come anywhere between age 11 and 15, but for some it does happen a few years earlier or later. This is normal - your body is just as unique as you are and it knows when the time is right. Knowing the answer to some common questions that people have when they first start menstruating (which is another way of saying “having your period”) can make you feel less nervous about the changes your body is going through.
What is a period?
Basically, your period happens when your ovaries release an egg that doesn’t get fertilized (sperm is what turns an egg into an embryo, which eventually becomes a baby). Once you start menstruating, you release an egg each month. When that egg doesn’t become fertilized, it dissolves into the lining of your uterus. The lining then sheds. That’s what the blood is that comes from your vagina when you have your period.
How much am I supposed to bleed?
Everyone is different. Some people have heavy periods, while some only bleed a little. On average uterus only releases about 2-3 tablespoons of blood every period. Sometimes, your period may be heavier at first and get lighter towards the end. If you have a heavy flow that soaks through your pad every hour for several hours, you should see a doctor.
How often will I get my period?
This depends. The average person gets their period every 28 days. But, ironically, most women don’t have “average” periods. You could start your period every 21 days or every 35 days, depending on your body. Remember, though, that during the first 2 years you have your period, it may be irregular. This is completely normal!
How long will my period last?
Periods can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days. If it lasts longer than a week, you should talk to your doctor just to make sure everything is ok.
Can I still play sports and swim when I’m on my period?
Of course! Your period doesn’t have to stop you from doing any of your regular activities. Just don’t wear a pad to go swimming - it absorbs water and will swell up. Menstrual cups are the perfect option for this!
Does having a period hurt?
While bleeding doesn’t hurt, you may find that you have cramps or a headache a few days before your period. This is called PMS or premenstrual syndrome, something that most women experience. Do some yoga, use a heating pad, or exercise to help relieve cramps.
Will other people know I’m on my period?
Nope! A common concern is that everyone will know you’re bleeding, but this just isn’t true. Period blood has no odor and, despite how it feels, other people can’t tell if you are wearing a pad. Having a period isn’t bad, though, and you should feel free to talk about it with whoever you want.
What if I bleed through my pants?
This happens sometimes. Don’t freak out! Just laugh it off and get to the bathroom as soon as you can to clean up. Keeping an extra pair of pants in your locker might not be a bad idea, as you learn how to manage your period.
Which products should I use on my period?
This is really up to you! Different people choose different things, depending on what they’re comfortable with. Menstrual cups are a great choice - they help you keep your body safe from toxic chemicals and are good for the environment. Period panties are excellent choice for first periods. Other options are reusable or disposable pads and organic tampons. It can take practice getting comfortable with using any of these but after a few months, you’ll be a pro!
185 comments
Hi Hannah!
It sounds like you may have had your first period. Do you have pads, a menstrual cup or another products to help you manage your period? Or do you have someone you trust and who could help you get them? 😊
The amount you bleed can be affected by many factors and is different for everyone. Light red(ish) or brown discharge is called spotting, which is completely normal before periods or as your first period.
Periods are not always accompanied with pain or cramps, but for many that could be a sign of periods too.
Especially if your period is very light, it could be that you only really notice it when you go on the toilet. However, if you have trouble peeing or you suspect the blood could be coming with your urine, or generally if you are worried, I would recommend consulting a doctor. Please keep in mind that we are no medical professionals and therefore cannot make a remote diagnosis. Only a medical professional can make the necessary examinations.
-Team Lunette
I’ve never had my period before, and yesterday I had my first one (at least I think it was my period because I didn’t get cramps or anything). The blood only comes out when I pee. Is this normal?
Hi Katie! Sometimes, especially if you have light flow, you might only see it on the pad. Brown or pink light bleeding is called spotting. It’s common to experience this before your period actually starts. And this can also happen at other times when your menstrual cycle is already well on track.
If you are unsure or suspect if could be something else, please contact your doctor! But especially if you are on your period or your cycle is starting, that sounds quite normal :) Maybe you could use your calendar or a period tracking app to write down your periods to follow your cycle better!
-Team Lunette
hi i have a question, so basically there is blood on my pad but when i pee there is no blood is this normal or is this just not my period?
-Katie
Hi Ilia,
the amount of blood on your pad (or tampon, or in your cup), depends on how heavy your flow is and how long you have been using your pad. The longer you use the pad and the heavier you bleed, the more blood there will be on your pad. This is per se nothing to worry about. We know it may look scary when the pad is fully soaked and there is a lot of blood; there may also be some tissue, as period blood contains of blood aswell as the shedding of the uterus lining.
Best regards, Team Lunette
Hello Lunette!
I’m Ilia and this is about the period blood. So I’m afraid to check the blood everytime I’m changing because I’m scared if there would be a lot of blood or something not normal in my pad. My mom told me it’s normal for all girls but I’m still scared to check it myself. I’m only ten years old so can you give me some tips to not be scared anymore?
Hello! I’ve been having discharge for like a year, but I still don’t have my period! Is this normal, or is this a yeast infection of something???
Hey London! It sounds like you’re experiencing spotting – this is light bleeding that is brown or pink in color. It’s very normal to see this ahead of your menstruation really starting. This can also happen for many reasons throughout your menstruating years. It’s normal to be nervous about your period, but half of the world’s population gets their period, so you’re not alone and you got this! :)
-Team Lunette
Um hey! So, i used to get a white discharge, and my mum said that was alright, but since yesterday i’ve noticed it become brown! Is that normal! Please tell! Im really, really scared about my period! I’m only a little 11 year old and i’m really scared of my period!
Hi Olivia! It’s typical for your period to start anywhere from 9 to 16 years old. And before and after that are okay too. There is no specific way to tell when your period will actually start, we all have unique bodies and the period will come when it’s the right time. There is no need to be worried, but it’s normal to be a nit nervous. :) You can make sure you’re prepared by having some pads or periods underwear handy to start with. <3 -Team Lunette
hey,
I have only just developed pubic hair under my armpits, on google, it says that it is going to happen in 3-6 months, 3 months is Christmas time :| my 13 and 12-year-old cousins are coming up for Christmas. It would be my first period and I’m really nervous
Hi Mae! Brown or pink light bleeding is called spotting. It’s common to experience this before your period actually starts. And this can also happen at other times when your menstrual cycle is already well on track. Symptoms of a yeast infection are white or yellow thick, cottage cheese like, discharge, itching, stinging, and a bad odor. If you are experiencing any of these it is best to consult your school nurse or tell an adult so that they can assist, yeast infections are very common and easy to treat. :) -Team Lunette
Hi anonymous! We recommend using a menstrual cup instead of a tampon when swimming. A tampon absorbs liquids, and this means that in addition to your period flow it can also absorb the water you are swimming in. The menstrual cup however only collects the flow that flows down into the cup from your cervix, leaving the water outside where it belongs. :) -Team Lunette
Hi poppy! It does sound like your period is starting up. :) It’s normal to see some “spotting” which is brown or pink light discharge, before your period starts. Don’t hesitate to contact us at info@lunette.fi if you have further questions about periods! We also have lots of great info here in the website.
-Team Lunette
Hi anonymous! It’s totally normal and common to be nervous and excited about your period approaching! Don’t worry, half of the population of the world has their period, so you are not alone. :) -Team Lunette
I see this brown stuff in my underwear and I also notice it comes every few hours I’m so scared to tell anyone because Google said it wasn’t my first period and that I had a yeast infection and I’m 11 and I dont no how to tell anyone its like omg she so young and she like like going to get pregnant early but can you tell me some. Tips on what I should do
hi lunette
I went for a run today and felt something in my underwear so I checked to see what it was and it was some brown coloured sorta like discharge that was sticky and I don’t know if it’s a sign that my periods coming because nothing has happened to me the past few days and i’m scared
thanks poppy
One more question, how do I go swimming if I’m menstruating without a tampon, if you can do it?
Hi Lunette, I’m 13 and haven’t started mine yet, many of my friends have and I feel like the odd one out. I’m kinda nervous but also excited. I don’t know what to do.
Hi Kylee.w! It sounds like your body is revving up for puberty and everything sounds normal. :) It’s okay for your period to be very light in the beginning, (the drops of brown, red, and pink blood are called spotting) and irregular for the first year or so.
-Team Lunette
Hi So! Thanks for contacting us! Sorry to hear you don’t feel comfortable talking to your family about periods, but you can always message us! We’re always here via blog, Facebook chat, Instagram DMs and email at info@lunette.com. To prepare for your period it’s a good idea to think about having a period kit of period underwear or pads with you to start. 💙
-Team Lunette
Hi Layla! It sounds like you’ve gotten your first period! It’s common for the first period to be very light and either pink or brown in color. This is also common to keep experiencing throughout your menstruating years, it’s know as spotting. We have a post on our website called What’s the Difference Between Periods and Spotting you could check out. ☺️
-Team Lunette
Hello,
So I am really kinda scared. I don’t really want my period. It’s scary. I only have brothers. I see in ads that your period is really fast and unexpected.. Is that true? If so that’s horrible cuz I have brothers and just what’s if it just happens one day and they can see the blood in my pants or something?? Ahh I don’t feel comfortable talking to my mom about this stuff like pads, tampons, bras and stuff like that. I just turned 12 I have Pubic hair and underarm hair and my breasts are sore sometimes i wear bras sometimes.. I have no spotting or whatever its called and idk if my period will come anytime soon (I hope it wont!!!) But when it does and like maybe I’m wearing my favorite clothes will the blood stain it forever or could it be washed off? I don’t like wearing bras they are uncomfortable. I keep feeling that people can see a change with how I look. Its so embarrassing and I hate it!!
I have been seeing brown and red stuff in my underwear lately and I have been seeing more hair under my arms and my below and I don’t know if I’m starting my period or what but I’m 11 and I’m scared I don’t know why but ya
I have never gotten my period before ,Yesterday a brown discharge came out onto my underwear and I thought it was normal maybe my period was coming I said I went to school and opened my pants and saw a dark discharge and every time I wiped it came out as this light colored red, this blood keep coming onto my underwear but the problem is that first of all it isn’t smelling like anything and second of all the blood isn’t going or leaking into the toilet anytime I open my underwear it just appears in my underwear also iam 13 and the blood in my underwear is a light sticky red this is my second day of maybe my period, how do I know if it’s not a pooped vessel or my period
