Periods: all the facts!

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In this excerpt from A Girl’s Guide to Puberty and Periods, you’ll learn the truth about some weird claims you’ve heard, and we’ll answer some common questions.

Question and answer

How can you travel comfortably with your period?

Questions about blood

At what age is it normal to get your first period?

How do you know when your body is signaling to start your period the first time?

Is it natural to get some breast pains?

Why is my period sometimes only 3 days and sometimes as long as 7 days?

Why does my period skip sometimes? And/or occur more than one time per month?

Questions about cramps

Question and answer

It’s normal to have a lot of questions! Here are some answers to common questions girls have about body changes and periods.

How can you travel comfortably with your period?

Be prepared! If you are travelling and think you might get your period, be sure to bring enough menstrual products, a change of clothing in case of leaking, and anything you need to manage pain from period cramps.

Questions about blood

What kind of menstrual blood is normal?

Normal menstrual blood ranges in color from light red to bright red to dark red to brown. Usually, the first day or two is a heavier blood flow, and then it becomes lighter.

At what age is it normal to get your first period?

Most people will get their first period between ages 8 and 14 years old. But remember that everyone’s body is different, and whenever you start is OK! Your body is on its own schedule!

How do you know when your body is signaling to start your period the first time? 

You will know that you have your period for the first time because blood will come out of your vagina. Some girls feel the blood coming out, while others just notice a stain on their underwear.

Is it natural to get some breast pains?

Yes, many people will experience breast tenderness, especially right before or during their period. Your breasts may also feel a little sore sometimes as part of the growing process.

Why is my period sometimes only 3 days and sometimes as long as 7 days?

Everyone’s cycle length is different, and yours may change over time. For the first year or two after you start your period, it’s normal to be irregular. It will likely become more regular over time.

Why does my period skip sometimes? And/or occur more than one time per month?

For a year or two after you start your period, it’s normal for your cycle to be irregular, but it will likely become more regular over time. Your period doesn’t go by the “month” exactly. It happens on average every 25 to 35 days. So that may mean you get it twice in one “month”!

Questions about cramps

Why do some girls get cramps and some don’t?

It all depends on the hormones in your body! Hormones called “prostaglandins” help the uterus shed its lining during your period, and they also cause menstrual cramps. Some people have more prostaglandins than others, and so they might experience more severe menstrual cramps.

What can help cramps besides medication?

Using a heating pad, sitting in a hot bath or getting some exercise can make cramps feel better. If this doesn’t help, talk to a parent, doctor or another adult you trust about your cramps.

Are extremely painful cramps normal?

Some period cramps are normal, but they shouldn’t keep you from playing sports, going to school, or doing any of your regular activities. If your cramps are so painful that you aren’t able to go about your day normally, you should talk to a doctor or a trusted adult.