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
I just got my first period today and it’s a lot of blood is that normal???
Hi, I have been spotting lately and it’s red/brown sometimes and get cramps is this my first period?
Hi Kay! Because everybody and every BODY is different so is everyone’s menstrual cycle and flow. This is why it’s hard to say if your flow will be light or heavy when it first starts. If possible, I encourage you to prepare by having some pads in your bag at school so you are ready when it starts! :)
-Team Lunette
Hi Amelia! It sounds like your mother is looking forward to answering your questions about periods. :) I encourage you to bring your thoughts up with her and you can create a period kit together to be prepared for when your menstruation starts! :)
I am really scared to get my first period. Will it go threw black pants?
I’m 13 and I think I got my period but how do I tell my mom and also is it normal to not have cramps because I haven’t got any
I haven’t started my period yet and i am very nervous. my mom says that when i start my period or want to start shaving i should tell her , she will help me through it. i have sooooooo many questions like does it hurt? my breast have kind of started to develop so thats a sign i have a little sister and dont want her to know my feelings. should i have a kit forwhen it happens so i am ready. i have heard so really ebrassing things happen in public plz help
Hi I’ve been having mood swings like twice a week and last week I was having really bad cramps my cousin has it and got it at 11
Hi annie!
Because everybody and every BODY is different, we recommend consulting a doctor to discuss any medical concerns.
Wishing you all the best!
Team Lunette
hi, i have dark purple dots in my underwear, i think it’s spotting, but why is it purple? am i sick?
Hi Maggie!
It does indeed sound like you’ve had some pre period spotting- this is very normal! It would be a great time to make sure you’re stocked up on period care products so you’re prepared for the flow :) Keep in mind it is very normal for your period to be irregular for the first few years, so don’t worry at all if it doesn’t work like clockwork every month. It might be a good idea to download a period tracker app, so you can start to get familiar with your cycle and keep track of your PMS symptoms like hunger, cramps, mood changes, tender breasts etc. You’ll also find a lot of helpful information right here on the Lunette website in all our blog posts. Not to mention one of our amazing Menstrual Mentors can always assist you if you email us at info@lunette.com :)
Wishing you all the best!
Best,
Team Lunette
Well, I think that I may have started my first period, but I’m still not sure. While I was at school, I noticed a light flow sized amount of darkish reddish brown stuff. When I wiped there was blood there, too. I had little cramps, but I was tired and moody. The bleeding only lasted one day… so I’m unsure.
Hi Isabella,
Feeling scared and nervous when you get your first period is completely understandable! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@lunette.com if you’d like to chat with one of our Menstrual Mentors. :)
Best,
Team Lunette
Hi Virginia!
Because everybody, and every BODY, is different we recommend consulting a doctor if you’re experiencing anything of concern as they will be able to best help you and offer answers to your concerns. :)
Best,
Team Lunette
So today I had a tiny amount of blood and I don’t if it’s my period or something else!
Hello. I just realized I got my first period when I was changing and noticed blood! I’m really scared and nervous and I feel embarrassed and I don’t know why since all women get it.
Hi Emily!
It’s totally understandable that your first period is scary! However, periods are a completely normal part of being a female and there is nothing to be ashamed about :) Feel free to email us at info@lunette.com if you’d like to chat with one of our Menstrual Mentors about your first period experience.
Best,
Team Lunette
Hi Kay!
Feel free to reach out to us at info@lunette.com if you’d like to discuss your period with one of our Menstrual Mentors over email :)
Best,
Team Lunette
Hi Natalie,
Every body is unique and runs on its own schedule, don’t worry too much about not having started your period yet as you’re still very young! It definitely sounds like your hormones are working extra time and your period may be just around the corner :)
Best,
Team Lunette
I got my period yesterday at my grandmas house. My parents are away for the week so I’ve been using tissues. I’m a very quiet person so I dont know how I’m supposed to tell someone about this and ask for more. I’m really scared and I’m one of the last people in my year to get my period. I’m searching the internet like crazy but I’m scared
Hey I posted a comment on here earlier and now I know that that was not my period because today was my first period… I had a very heavy flow and don’t know what to do now, I’m scared
Hey so I’m about to turn 13 and (almost) all of my friends have started their period already and I havent… I’ve been getting white stuff in my pants, cramps, bad moods, headaches, stomache aches and I feel like throwing up sometimes. I also just get sad or angry for no reason. My mom says I’ll probably start it soon, does it sound like I will? Thanks :)
Hi Haley!
If the bleeding was light and brownish or pinkish in color you may have been experiencing spotting ahead of your period, and it might be on it’s way :) We have a post on spotting as well that might be very helpful for you, you can find it here: https://www.lunette.com/blogs/news/whats-the-difference-between-periods-and-spotting?pos=1&_sid=2141c7b58&ss=r
Best,
Team Lunette
Hey so last night I had some blood but today I have had none at all just a lot of discharge and I have had some cramps today did I get my first period
Hi Katherine!
Oh no, so sorry to hear the cramp pain won’t go away with medicine! We have a few blog posts on here titled “6 Ways to Ease Period Cramps”, “PMS – cramps, headache, squeamishness, what to do?”, and “How Does Food Relieve Period Cramps Fast?” you can search for the titles in the search bar and you’ll be able to read a lot of tips we’ve gathered on how to ease those annoying painful cramps! <3
Best,
Team Lunette
