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 Amber! Yes, when you get your first period it’s normal to experience spotting, this can be dark and brownish, or light and pinkish. :)
-Team Lunette
Hi I really need some help. I’m 13 and don’t think I’ve had my first period yet. So there’s been a few times in the past year that I’ve seen blood in my underwear, but it would only be once and it wouldn’t happen again for another few months. Within the past 3 months or so, I’ve been having a lot of vaginal discharge, like my underwear will have wet spots in it, and then yesterday, I noticed a red spot in my underwear, so I figured it must be my period, but there was also a lot of blood when I wiped. I saw more blood in my underwear this morning, and even more when I wiped. I’m wondering if it is my period or if it is something more serious. I just don’t know if it is normal for there to be blood when I wipe on my first period.
I think I just got my first period. It was dark brown. I was wondering if it’s normal to only bleed once on the first day or your first period.
Hi Oof! We completely understand that starting your period can be stressful and a little scary! Don’t worry too much though, periods are a completely normal part of life! :)
-Team Lunette
Hi Khloe! It does sound like your body is revving up for menstruation! :) Discharge and spotting are common when your periods first start, and it’s normal for the cycle to be irregular for the first few years, everybody and every BODY is unique. Your body knows what’s best for you so don’t worry too much about the cycle being irregular. :)
-Team Lunette
Hi Holly! It does sound like your body is revving up for menstruation! :) Discharge and spotting common when your periods first start, and it’s normal for the cycle to be irregular for the first few years. :)
-Team Lunette
My breast have been soar for a few days now and since I just had to use the bathroom I noticed blood and I’m a bit afraid to tell my mom I’m 14 years old but I’m about to turn 15 next month, but I was surprisingly calm about seeing the blood but I kinda need a little help to know what’s the right thing to do. Thanks!
im khloe and im not sure if i started my period i was 12 when i think i got it on my underware was brownish red and i tried a pad and saw yk brownish blood and since then i think it didnt come and i cant go to the doctors i just want to know how to get my period at home and make it regualr like all my friends
Hey, I just curious to know if I’ve started my period or not (by the way I’m 14). So my boobs grew in grade 8 not a lot really haha, I’ve had discharge since then, and grew pubic hair. Basically showed puberty symptoms. Currently, just this week, I’ve gotten more pimples, tired, and headaches. Today I went to the bathroom and saw my underwear stained with brown and ended up throwing it away changed and same thing happened, decided to wear a panty liner the third time around. There were reddish mostly brown spots on it. Is this my first period?
Hi, Hailey! It does sound like you’ve started menstruating based on what you’ve described. :)
-Team Lunette
Hey, Emma! It sounds like you’ve started menstruating. :)
-Team Lunette
Hi, Lotee! You should not be worried at all that you haven’t got your period at 14! It’s completely and totally normal to not have your period at your age. Everyone is different and your body will know when it’s ready and time to start menstruating. :) If in a few years time you still don’t have your period you could discuss this with a doctor, but for now don’t worry about not having them yet. :)
-Team Lunette
Hi everybody! I need your help. I’m 13 and haven’t gotten my period yet. But this morning I went to the bathroom because my stomach hurted, so I went to pee and poop and all that and I got distracted on my phone and then looked down at my underwear and it was smudged with a reddish-brownish color, I thought I peed myself but nope! how do I know if it is my first period? Afew months ago i got a bit of blood, maybe I scratched myself near that area. But I have a bit of back cramps and i’m a little nauseous. I just want to make sure it’s not infected or something. Thanks!
Hi I’m a bit concerned because I am 14 and haven’t got my period yet .Should I be worried that I will never get it ?🤔
i’m 12. i’m not sure if i got my period or not and i’m scared to tell someone in case it isn’t cuz it’s gross. it’s brown and red. how do i know it’s my period? i’ve always been looking forward to getting my period bc all of my friends already got theirs but now i’m scared worried and panicking. i’m not sure i remember getting any cramps except when i walk on the treadmill for 30 min. i do it every day and it used to not give me cramps but lately it has been. please help me i’m scared!!
Hello. I’m 13 and I think I’ve gotten my first period but I’m not sure. There is blood when I wipe and I had a some redish brown blood I think but not alot. I don’t know if it’s my period or something else and I’m embarrassed but I don’t know why because it’s normal.
Hi! I’m really scared/excited to get my period. I don’t know if I had my period yet, I have had lots of lower abdomen pain recently, and I have had some discharge ( like how some other websites describe). I could really use some advice! Thanks!
Hi Willow! Everybody and every BODY is different, so what is normal for you may not be normal to others, and vice versa. That is why it’s difficult to say if the amount you’ve experience is normal. If you are feeling concerned it is best to call a doctor. :)
-Team Lunette
Hi Hope! It sounds like it may be your first period :) If you are feeling concerned it is best to ask your guardian or contact a doctor.
-Team Lunette
Hi Amaya! It’s completely okay to be nervous about what it will be like to start your period, but don’t worry too much :) It will okay!
-Team Lunette
Hi sumaiya! It does sound like your period has started :) If you’re feeling concerned that it might be something else it is best to contact a doctor.
-Team Lunette
Hi Aliza! It sounds like your period is fast approaching! It’s okay to feel nervous about it but it will be okay. :)
-Team Lunette
Hi,I am 13 and im SO SCARED of what its gonna be like. I feel like i should be excited im almost there and i feel like i should be scared.
i have little dots of blood in my underwear but it stops for a couple days then goes back on so far it happened again straight for two days is this my period or spotting?
Hi. I’m 11. I haven’t had my period yet and i think I just did. Theirs blood when I wipe and a pinch of blood in my underwear so I don’t know if I started or if theirs something wrong. Pls help!!
