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
Thanks so much lunette! I’m not so worried about getting my period now my friend at school told me that it’ll be Okay. And even if it takes me by surprise I’ll be ready!
Love,
Ava. 🙂
P.S-i’ll keep in touch with you as best as I can!
Hi Ava! Thanks for your questions :) Tampons work by absorbing the menstrual blood. Menstrual cups work by collecting the fluid. It may be better to have pads or menstrual underwear on hand (in your school bag for example) as these will be easier to use when your first period comes. Then you can practice with tampons or a Lunette Cup when you feel comfortable. :) Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have further questions!
-Team Lunette
Hi I am Ava,
So I am only nine and I am pretty afraid to have my period.
But this really help me. I am not friends with pain at all. So I am curious have do tampons work? And my mom hasn’t talk to me yet about this…should I be worried? 😬
Thanks so much! This help me a lot!
Ava 🙂
Hi Daniella! If you don’t feel comfortable telling your dad in person you could send him a text or leave him a note. :) As for the school trip, you’ll be okay if it starts as long as you have some pads/tampons/a cup/period underwear packed. <3
-Team Lunette
Hi Audrey! Glad this was a helpful read! Tampons work by absorbing the period blood when it exists the cervix. They can take some getting used to. It’s best to start with pads or period underwear if you’ve feeling nervous about using tampons or menstrual cups. :) Don’t hesitate to reach out at info@lunette.com if you have more questions! -Team Lunette
Hi I’m Audrey, I really like this paragraph it helps. I have 3 questions, 1st, do tampons hurt? 2nd, how do they work? I’m only nine and is it ok to be afraid of tampons?
Hi Lunette ! I have another question.
I haven’t had my first period yet, but I can feel it coming soon. I know what to do when it happens, I have everything ready, but I live with my dad only, I have no sisters, and no aunt. So how do I tell him about it when I get one?
Hi Lunette!
I’m 11 years old and I think I’ll have my period soon- I’m having discharge and my breasts have been developing for 2 years now. But I am scared about something. There is a school trip coming in less than a week. We’re supposed to bring only a really small bag. It is a residential trip so I stay over. What am I supposed to do if it happens on the school trip? It lasts for a week so I think it is possible. Any advice?
Hi Blessing! Thanks for your question! If you’re experiencing anything of concern it’s best to contact a healthcare professional. As we are not medical professionals we cannot provide diagnosis.
-Team Lunette
So I have discharge and it mostly smells like my pee sometimes I have a strong pee odor anf it smells bad because I didn’t drink enough water and so it does smells like my underwear that smells like nothing and mostly smells like my pee so my discharge smells like my pee so is that normal
Hi gecko! Thanks for your question! It’s possible that the odor could be caused by a yeast infection and it would be best to consult a healthcare professional, especially if the odor is accompanied by itching.
-Team Lunette
I am 12 and haven’t gotten my period yet but for some reason there’s a strong order down there. Is that normal…?
Hi Karina! Thanks for your question! The red/brown stuff is called spotting – this is perfectly normal before your period really kicks into gear. ☺️ It sounds like your body is ready for menstruation and will settle into a cycle at its own pace. It’s also completely normal for your cycle to be irregular for the first year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@lunette.com if you have further questions. Our Menstrual Mentors are happy to assist!
-Team Lunette
Hi! My breasts have developed quite a bit, and I have had discharge for the past year. A few weeks ago I noticed some brown/red stain in my underwear, but nothing since. Is this my period? I’m confuzzled.
Hi Kylie! Thanks for reaching out to us! It’s totally normal to be a bit scared and nervous about all the changes happening in your body, but these are normal things that happen as you’re growing and getting towards puberty. 😊 If you can, it can be really helpful to talk to your mom, sisters, or another adult who has been through the same changes before. The most important thing is that we all go through those changes, and you are not alone. 💙 -Team Lunette
hi! I am kylie I have been havimg some Cramps in my lower stomach I am 9 and also I have been beting hair under my arms and developing more older girl things what should I do I am scared?
Hi addysonim11! Yes, it’s perfectly normal to be scared and excited to get your first period! But don’t worry, half of the world’s population menstruates, so you’re absolutely not alone. If you have further concerned about periods you’re more than welcome to chat with us on social media or email us at info@lunette.com. ☺️
-Team Lunette
Hi Sally! It is typical to experience some brown or pink discharge when you begin menstruating. As everybody, and every BODY is different, everyone’s periods are also different. It’s also good to rememberer that it’s typical for your period to be quite irregular for the first year of menstruation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@lunette.com if you have further questions or concerned about periods, or menstrual cup use. Our Menstrual Mentors are more than happy to help! 💙
-Team Lunette
Hi Sarah! Yep, it definitely sounds like your period has arrived! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@lunette.com if you have any questions about periods or Lunette Cup use.😊
-Team Lunette
is it okay to be scared like… im excied but scared
Hi, I have been wanting my period for awhile, and I think I got it today. However, I’m not completely sure, so I was hoping you could help me out.
There is is a liquidity brown smear in the crotch of my underwear, about the size of two or three quarters. There’s discharge mixed in too. Does this sound like my period? Thank you so much.
hi im 15 and im pretty sure ive started my period, i have fully developed breast, pubic and armpit hair. for a couple days i experience brown and red substance in my underwear, its usually light but im unsure if this is my period or not
Hi, Jewel! Thank you for reaching out! Unfortunately, it’s not possible to predict when one might get their period – we wish there was an easy way to tell! If you have any questions about periods or menstrual cup use, don’t hesitate to email us at info@lunette.com
-Team Lunette
Hi, Mira! Thanks for you message.Unfortunately, it’s not possible to predict when one might get their period – we wish there was an easy way to tell! If you have any questions about periods or menstrual cup use, don’t hesitate to email us at info@lunette.com
-Team Lunette
Hello I’ve noticed that my breasts have grown a bit and I’ve had discharge for around 6-10 months now everyday, but not much pubic hair. Do you have an idea when I’ll get my period?
