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 I have had white discharge for about 8 or so months now but no other signs of my period starting. I was wondering if you had an idea of when it will start?
Hi! So i have been ovalating for about a year and ive been seeing brownish reddish spots in my underware. My mom thinks im on my period and i have had ; cramps, dizziness, and mood swings alot so do you think im on my period?
Hi anonymous! Yep, it absolutely could your first period ☺️ How exciting!
-Team Lunette
Hi Lunette! Today out of no where I felt like I peed myself. I just brushed it off and continued my day but when I used the bathroom I noticed I had brown stuff in my underwear. At first I thought it was poop, but It wasn’t solid, it was more liquid-y and it didn’t smell. Could this be my first period? I’m 13 BTW.
Hi Marbethe girlie! Yep, it sounds like you’ve started menstruating! :)
-Team Lunette
Hi! I noticed alot of discharge i beleve and brownish red spots in my underware, I put a pad on and I’m pretty sure I got my period but I didn’t bleed at all today did I still get my period? I’m 11 my breasts started developing at age 9 and I’ve had discharge for around a year! I told my mom and she thinks I got my period what do you think?
Hi, Emmalise! Thanks so much for contacting us! Sadly, there is no surefire way to tell when anyone will get their period. It would be great if there was! But your body knows when its time and the period will start eventually. <3
-Team Lunette
Hiii I’m Emmalise and I have tissue in my breast area and lots of dark curly pubic hair and everyday I get discharge I’m 12 and my mom was 16 when she got hers and my sister was also 12 do have a guess on when I might get mine???
Hi Pearl! Everything you’ve mentioned is a completely normal indication of puberty. :) Your period will start when it’s time. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@lunette.com in the mean time if you have further questions or if you have questions when your period starts! <3
-Team Lunette
Hi I’m Pearl, I am 11 years old. for the last year or so I have noticed that my breasts have grown, lots of pubic hair, I have mood swings all the time, I get cramps, I get head aches all most all the time and lots of discharge everyday, but still have not gotten my period, do all these signs mean that I should get my period soon??
Hi Ananya! It is completely normal that you haven’t gotten your period yet- everybody and every BODY is different, and yours will start at its own pace. :) It’s a good idea to get prepared and have a couple of pads handy in your school bag in case it starts at school, and you can easily put on a pad in the restroom and go about your day. Since everyone is different it’s hard to say what your first period will feel like, it’s possible that you won’t feel anything except a little bit of wet in your underwear, or there could be a little cramp:)
-Team Lunette
I haven’t got my period yet, and I am in 7th grade. I’m pretty scared. Does it hurt the first time you have a period? What do I do when I have my first period, or if it’s in the middle of class? Is it normal that I haven’t gotten my period yet?
Hi, Mackenzie! It’s normal to be nervous when you first get your periods, but don’t worry – half of the people in the world get periods so you are not alone. :)
-Team Lunette
I’m scared to go to the bathroom when I’m on my period. I don’t like seeing how much blood there is.
I just started my period yesterday, and i’m pretty scared because I don’t know what to expect. I have had really bad cramps, headaches, stress, and have gotten sweaty easier.
For all the ones who need help, if it is brown and red, it means your period is starting or ending, i was 11 when i got mine and was panicking. i cried to my mom and pads help, there’s nothing to be worried about.
Hi Emily! It does indeed sound like you’ve started menstruating! :)
-Team Lunette
I have seen reddish brownish stains in my underwear yesterday and today, and when I wipe there is blood on the tissue. Is this my first period I am so confused!
Hi sleekpanther! Based on the bleeding and symptoms you’ve mentioned it sounds like you indeed have started menstruating. Everybody and every BODY is different, so your menstrual cycle, flow, and PMS symptoms will be unique to you. :)
-Team Lunette
Hi Summer! It’s normal for your period to be very light when it first starts, it’s also normal for the periods to be irregular for up to a few years after you start menstruating. :) Everybody and every BODY is different when it comes to menstruation. If you are experiencing something that is causing you concern it’s best to discuss it with a healthcare professional. As we are not healthcare professionals we unfortunately cannot provide diagnosis.
-Team Lunette
Hi Madison! The brownish discharge is called spotting, if you get some pink discharge that is also spotting, and both are completely normal while your body prepares for menstruation. :)
-Team Lunette
Hi Sara! The small amount of bleeding you’ve been experiencing every now and then that last’s just a day or so. is called spotting. Spotting, and the discharge you mentioned, are completely normal signs of your body preparing for menstruation. When you are on your period there will be blood on toilet paper when you wipe, that is normal. :) If you’re concerned that there could be something wrong it’s best to talk to an adult about your symptoms, like your parents or a school nurse.
-Team Lunette
Hi Lunnette,
My mum said I started my period but I don’t know anymore and from other people talking about it. It looks mostly brownish and red and it’s been around for 5 days. I have been having definite mood swings, headaches, cramps, and cravings. Please help, thank you!
I have just started my period and I was wondering if it is normal to have only the smallest amount of blood on your first day,I stopped bleeding at the end of the day and I don’t know if it’s normal I’m just a bit nervous
Hi I’m Madison and I’m 11 and since 2 days ago I have been getting brown and reddish discharge. It’s mostly brown and a little bit chunky (?) and it has stained all of my underwear. I’m scared to tell my mom because I’m not sure if it really is my period or something else because it’s gross looking. Please help!
