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 just got my period today and i have really bad cramps i’ve tried taking medicine and it won’t go away :(
Hi Payten!
We understand getting your first period can cause you stress and anxiety, but don’t worry too much! :) You’re always welcome to email us at info@lunette.com and ask any period related questions you have, seriously, any questions at all, one of our Menstrual Mentors will be more than happy to answer them all for you :)
Best,
Team Lunette
Hi. I am 12 and I think I might start. I have been having mood swings like crazy, my ace has gotten bad and more. I don’t know what to expect and I am terrified!
Hi Tia!
Welcome to the Period Party! Because everybody is different there is no one size fits all answer for how long your first period, or any period, is going to last for. Not having cramps is also normal, everyone’s PMS and menstrual symptoms are different. :)
Wishing you all the best!
-Team Lunette
Hey!!
Yesterday I started up with my periods…Neither I have got a cramp nor a pain I have felt..Is that normal or soon I am gonna get cramps?Am I fit that i am not having cramps…Also how long does first period remains??
Pls tell
I just got my period yesterday and I don’t know how to ask my mom for pads :/ I don’t know what to expect cause I don’t know when to expect my next period, I have some pads but they don’t have wings and I would love the ones with wings but I’m scared to ask my mom though
Hi Paris!
Every body and every menstruation is unique. Therefore some have lighter and/or shorter periods whereas others have longer and/or heavier periods. Also at the beginning the body will need some time for the menstrual cycle and menstruation to become regular.
However, if you find this worrying, you can of course always consult a doctor!
Best regards,
Team Lunette
I just started my first period a day ago, and it’s a little heavy. I heard that a first period should be light, so should I be worried?
Hi Italy!
It could be that the cramps are a sign of your period starting. But please note that we are no medical professionals. If the cramps continue it may be best to consult your doctor and have this checked upon.
Best regards,
Team Lunette
Hi Italy!
Every person is unique and therefore every person experiences the period differently. Some have a rather heavy flow, while others have a light flow. Do not worry that your period isn’t like your cousin’s period ;)
Best regards,
Team Lunette
I have been having really bad cramps lately, but don’t know if I am going to start.
I am 13 and am not sure if I have started yet. My cousin just started a few weeks ago and it had a lot of blood, and i only bled a little bit so I am not sure if I have actually started. I have only had discharge for about a year.
Hi Havanna,
every period and every person is unique. Some have a lighter period other a stronger period. Also at the beginning when you are young and haven’t had your period for a long time it is common that the period varies in length and intensity of the flow – it can easily be that one time your period is longer/stronger and next time shorter/lighter.
Best,
Team Lunette
Hi Jilli,
Your period is nothing you need to be scared of :)
In the meantime, if you’re feeling concerned about your level of discharge, it might not hurt to consult your doctor. They should be able to provide you with valuable insight.
Wishing you all the best. <3
Team Lunette
Hi Avery,
Your period is nothing you need to be scared of :) Some people have menstrual cramps, others don’t or have only light ones.
Unfortunately there is no way of telling when exactly your first period will come. But don’t worry, your body knows when the time is right and your period will show up exactly when it should.
In the meantime, if you’re feeling concerned about your level of discharge or the cramp/muscle strain, it might not hurt to consult your doctor. They should be able to provide you with valuable insight.
Wishing you all the best. <3
Team Lunette
Hey!
Don’t worry, the period is nothing to be scared about. Also, your body knows when the time is right and your period will show up exactly when it should.
It isn’t necessary that you use tampons. Use whatever period product feels best for you :)
Wishing you all the best. <3
Best regards,
Team Lunette
Hello 👋
I’m 11 and I have been having white stuff in my underwear and I’m really scared on getting my period, does it actually hurt? I just recently got some sort of cramp or muscle strain I’m not sure which. There is nothing to worry about right? Also does this mean I’m getting my period very soon or maybe on the next year or so? Let me know when you can, Thanks for the info!
~ 𝓐𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂
Since I finally got my first period yesterday, I feel like not going to the bathroom it scared me when I see the blood and the more I think about it I feel ashamed but not at the same time.
Hello it’s me! I’ve posted a comment here on May 6, finally the day has came, I got my first period yesterday! And it has came unexpectedly in the morning, I thought it was discharge but it wasn’t!
I’m 11 and I’m very scared about it…😫😫 I have had cramps for a few months, and I have ssssooooo much discharge ( the whitish cream stuff in your panties) I should probably wear a pad or pantie liner. Plez hlp….
I am 14, I had discharge for 1 year and haven’t gotten my first period.
i woke up this morning and went pee, found no blood in the toilet but on the paper there was. i was half asleep so i didn’t think of anything. Later, i had gone to Walmart then felt like i peed a little in my pants (i felt really stupid). I had gone to McDonalds for dinner and went to the washroom and saw brown in my under wear. For a second i thought i pooped my self. I then relized i had been feeling dizzy, having headaches, and diarrhea the day before so i was like “whatttt,did i just get it???”. then got my dad to get me pads.
sadly my mom wasn’t there to help me with my first period….
well thats my period story:/
literally just gotit today june30th
I started my first period yesterday, and I read that your first period should only have a couple of spots, but I’m bleeding more than that and it has me concerned.
I am 11 i have just asked my mum for panty liners ( it was so embarrassing) and then she gave some to my sister! 😭😭😭😭 but as I was saying I’m only 11 is it normal for me to have a lot of discharge at the end of the day????when I get my period, how do I keep it a secret! I’m so embarrassed 😩 my whole family except for my mum ( she is proud of my changes) are all teasing me about it!!!!😭😭😭 when the time comes and Mother Nature does come, do you have any tips about how to keep it a secret from my family!!! My mum will tell everyone, my sister will laugh and tease me, and my dad will keep on saying, stop growing, I wish you would become a baby again!!!! All of these changes are so confusing and anoying!
Hi,
I’m 11 years old and I had my first period today my mom got me some pads but I’m not sure if this is just a leak because I have had no discharge and I do not wear a bralette. I hope you can get back to me.
Thanks! XoXo
Hello,I’m 11 and a couple weeks ago I had this sharp abdominal pain,and I got another little one a week later.My boobs became buds and tender.I have been having mood swings.And today I ate at 12 and was starving at 2…and I have been having acne for some time and I have also been having discharge is it possible I’m getting my period in about 2 or more weeks?
