Whether you think your period might be coming for the first time or it takes you by surprise, it can feel nerve-wracking! This guide explains the signs your period is coming, how your period works, and what to do if it arrives unexpectedly.
Recognizing Signs Your Period Is Coming
Before your first period, you might notice:
- Cramping or bloating in your stomach
- Feeling sad, irritable, or cranky
- Increased hunger
- Acne breakouts
These are common symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), caused by hormonal changes just before your period. PMS symptoms usually disappear within the first few days of your period as hormone levels balance out. You can help reduce PMS by drinking hormone balancing herbal tea and enjoying some dark chocolate.
Your First Period: What to Expect
How long does a period last?
A first period is usually very light. Bleeding may last about 2 days, but can be up to a week. If your period is still heavy after 7 days, talk to a parent or healthcare provider.
You might see a few spots of bright red blood or a sticky stain in your underwear. Blood can appear red, brown, or even black. The bleeding itself doesn’t hurt, but cramping can be uncomfortable. Over your whole period, you will likely lose only about 3 tablespoons of blood.
Will people know I'm having my period?
No one will know you’re on your period unless you tell them. It’s a good idea to talk to your mom or a trusted adult for advice and support.
Are there things I can't do when I'm on my period?
You can do most activities you enjoy while on your period! This includes:
- Playing sports (exercise can help with cramps)
- Taking showers or baths (staying clean is important!)
- Swimming (with the right period products)
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle
Your menstrual cycle is your body’s way of preparing for pregnancy each month. Here’s what happens:
The Female Cycle Explained
Each month, your ovaries release an egg. If the egg is not fertilized by sperm, it passes out of your body during your period. If you have questions about fertilization, talk to a parent or trusted adult.
Key facts about your cycle:
- The first day you start bleeding is the start of your menstrual cycle. The cycle ends and restarts with your next period, usually 28-30 days later.
- Hormones send chemical signals to your ovaries and uterus to prepare for pregnancy. If you don’t get pregnant, your body sheds the uterine lining during your period.
- The first period is called menarche, and the last period is called menopause. Hormones also affect your skin, digestion, headaches, and emotions. Estrogen is the main hormone involved in the menstrual cycle.
The Four Phases of Menstruation
A menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of your period to the first day of your next period. The four phases are:
- Menstrual phase (your period, included in follicular phase)
- Follicular phase (10-22 days): Hormones thicken the uterine lining with blood and tissue.
- Ovulation phase (about 24 hours): An ovary releases an egg, which travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus.
- Luteal phase (12-14 days): The uterus prepares for a possible pregnancy. If the egg isn’t fertilized, the cycle restarts with your period.
The average cycle is 28 days, but anything from 21-45 days is normal, especially in the first few years. It may take up to 6 years or longer for your period to become regular. For hormone support, see our hormone balancing herbal tea.
The ovaries hold your eggs, which are released each month. The egg travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus. The endometrium is the uterine lining that is shed during your period if you are not pregnant. The cervix is the opening that allows blood, endometrium, and egg to flow through the vagina and out of your body.
Tracking Your Cycle
Tracking your period helps you find your body’s pattern and predict when your next period will start. You can:
- Mark each day you bleed with an X on a calendar
- Use a smartphone app to track your cycle
Period Products and How to Use Them
There are several products to manage bleeding during your cycle. Many people start with pads and may try tampons or cups as they get more comfortable.
Always talk to your mom or a trusted adult if you feel unsure. Remember to wash your hands before and after changing your period product.
- Reusable Pads: These are eco-friendly and cost-effective. Change every 4-6 hours or when full. Fold and store in a waterproof bag when out, or rinse and store until washing. To clean, spray or soak with hydrogen peroxide, then hand or machine wash. Air dry or use low heat. Our charcoal bamboo pads are naturally stain resistant!
- Disposable Tampons: These are inserted into the vagina and may take practice. Use the smallest size and change every 4-8 hours to lower the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Tampons are popular but can leave behind fibers and cause microtears, increasing TSS risk. You can swim and be active while wearing tampons.
- Reusable Tampons: Made from soft sea sponges, these absorb blood like disposables but with fewer health risks. Wet, squeeze out excess water, insert vaginally, and rinse out when full. Sanitize daily.
- Menstrual Cups: Small cups that collect blood internally. Fold and insert like a tampon. Can be worn up to 12 hours or until full. Empty, rinse, and reinsert. The Easy-Empty Menstrual Cup can be emptied without removal by releasing the valve. Cups are gentle, eco-friendly, and do not leave fibers behind.
What if You Don’t Have Period Products?
If your period starts and you don’t have any feminine hygiene products, use toilet paper as a temporary pad. Wrap it around the crotch of your underwear to make a liner.
Safety Note: Never insert toilet paper into your vagina.
How to Handle a Period Accident
Not knowing exactly when your period will start can be stressful. If you’re worried about accidents at school or while out, prepare a “period kit” with:
- A few pads
- A change of underwear
- Tea packs for cramps
- A water bottle
- Dark chocolate
Keep your kit in your backpack, locker, or another easy-to-reach place.
If you leak through your clothes, don’t feel bad—it happens to almost everyone. You can:
- Wrap a jacket or sweater around your waist
- Ask a friend to walk behind you to the bathroom
- Change into clean clothes as soon as possible
- Soak stained clothes in cold water (never hot) to help remove blood stains
- Use hydrogen peroxide to treat blood stains on clothing
Change your period product regularly—don’t wait just because you’re busy.
Periods are a normal, manageable part of life. If you have questions, talk to your mom, grandmother, or another trusted adult about what to expect and how to manage this time of change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs that my period is about to start?
Common signs include stomach cramps, bloating, mood changes (like feeling sad or cranky), increased hunger, and acne breakouts. These symptoms are usually caused by hormonal changes before your period.
How long does a typical period last?
Most periods last between 2 and 7 days. The first period is often lighter and shorter, but if bleeding is heavy after 7 days, talk to a parent or healthcare provider.
Can I swim or play sports during my period?
Yes, you can swim and play sports while on your period. Using tampons or menstrual cups makes swimming possible. Exercise can also help reduce cramps and other symptoms.
How much blood do I lose during my period?
On average, you lose about 3 tablespoons of blood over your entire period. It may look like more, but this is the typical amount.
What should I do if I get my period unexpectedly and have no products?
You can use toilet paper as a temporary pad by wrapping it around your underwear. Never insert toilet paper into your vagina. Try to get proper period products as soon as possible.
How can I track my menstrual cycle?
You can track your period by marking days on a calendar or using a period tracking app on your phone. This helps you predict when your next period will start.
Is it normal for my period to be irregular at first?
Yes, it’s normal for periods to be irregular for the first several years. Cycles can range from 21 to 45 days and may take up to 6 years to become regular.
What are the different types of period products and how do I choose?
Options include disposable pads, reusable pads, tampons, reusable sea sponge tampons, and menstrual cups. Start with what feels most comfortable and talk to a trusted adult if you have questions.
