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!
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