While there is no way to know exactly when your first period will start, there may be signs: bloating, cramps, pimples, sore breasts, or fatigue. However, this doesn’t happen for everyone. It’s a good idea to carry a pad, a tampon, or period underwear in your bag to help you feel more prepared for when your first period comes.

Having said that, the average age for a first period is around 12, but the truth is, it can happen anywhere between ages 9 and 15. Try to remember that every body is different, so don’t stress if your timing is slightly earlier or later.

Remember to keep some pads, tampons, or period underwear in your bag so you have them handy if your period shows up unexpectedly. It's also a good idea to have an extra pair of underwear with you. 

What if you start your period and don't have a tampon or pad? Don’t worry! Ask a friend or trusted adult - like a parent, teacher, or the school nurse for a tampon or a pad.

When it comes to choosing the right period products, it's important to think about what's best for you, considering your age, emotional maturity, and personal beliefs. Pads are great for all ages and come in different absorbencies for different times of the day. Tampons might seem a bit intimidating at first, but they're a safe option, especially for active people like swimmers. You could also think about using a menstrual cup, but keep in mind that you'll need access to clean water to rinse it out.

It's totally okay to have questions about period products! We recommend chatting with a parent or trusted adult. Remember, everyone who menstruates has to make these choices at some point, so you're not alone.

Oh, and don't forget - it's super important to dispose of these products properly. Never flush them down the toilet, and always wrap used products well before throwing them in the trash. You can use the product wrapper to get you started, and then add an extra layer of toilet paper or tissue. Some bathrooms provide little sanitary bags that you can seal and toss in the trash.

It’s common for people to experience cramps with their period, especially within the first few days. If cramps bother you, you can try:

• A warm heating pad on your belly
• A tens device
• Taking an over the counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or store brand) or naproxen (Aleve or store brand). 

**Before trying any of the treatments mentioned above, it's really important to chat with a parent or a trusted adult. It's important to find a treatment for cramps that is safe and right for your body.

It’s important to take care of the stain as soon as you can. The longer it stays, the tougher it is to remove. Take your underwear or the affected area of your jeans, skirt, or dress and rinse it under some cold water in the sink. You'll notice a lot of the period blood wash away immediately. If needed, you can use soap or a stain remover on the remaining stain and gently rub it. Things like hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, salt, or baking soda, which parents often have at home, work really well. You can even use an old toothbrush to help work it in.

Lots of people like to keep track of their periods by marking them on a calendar or using an app. This can help you predict when your next period is coming and figure out if it's late or early. It's totally normal for periods to be a bit irregular, especially when you're a teenager.

A tampon is a tube-shaped product made of cotton and rayon, which absorbs your period blood. It's designed to sit comfortably inside the vagina between the vaginal opening and the cervix. Tampons usually come in cardboard or plastic applicators that might remind you of a syringe from science class. At one end of the tampon, you'll find a little blue or white string that hangs outside the vagina. You can tuck this string inside your vulva lips, although it’s not necessary to do so. When you're ready, you can use the string to easily pull out and remove the tampon.

There are many different brands and types to choose from. You can find tampons for light, regular/normal, or heavy flow. "Flow" refers to the amount of period blood you produce during menstruation. If you're unsure of your flow, it's best to start with light or regular tampons and change them more often until you have a better idea.

It's best to avoid using tampons when you're not on your period. Inserting or removing a tampon when your vagina isn't sufficiently lubricated can be uncomfortable and may cause small tears in the tissue, potentially leading to infection.

TIP: When you are menstruating and learning to use tampons for the first time (or on lighter days), consider using a lubricant on the tip of the tampon for easier insertion.

When it's time to remove a tampon, make sure to wash your hands first. Find a comfy position - like sitting on the toilet, or standing with one knee raised. Then, gently hold the tampon string and pull it at a slight downward angle until the tampon is out. It’s a good idea to wrap the used tampon in toilet paper before tossing it in the trash. Remember, it's really important not to flush it down the toilet. If you're having any trouble, don't hesitate to ask a trusted adult or a healthcare professional for help.

It's important not to wear tampons for longer than eight hours to reduce the risk of infections and Toxic Shock Syndrome. If you plan to wear a tampon overnight, be sure to use a new one before going to bed. If there's a chance you might sleep in, it's better to opt for a pad instead.

Absolutely! On those heavier flow days, you might feel more comfy and secure by wearing a pad along with a tampon.

No way! While it's a common concern, a tampon cannot get lost in your vagina. The tampon is too big to pass through the small opening of the cervix. If you experience difficulty in removing a tampon, it's important to remain calm and gently use your fingers to remove it.  If you're having any trouble, don't hesitate to ask a trusted adult or a healthcare professional for help.

Absolutely! You can pee or poop without needing to change your tampon.

Your period, also known as menstruation, is when your body naturally releases blood from the uterus through the vagina. It usually happens every 28-34 days and can last for 3 to 8 days. Remember, every cycle is different, but after a while, your body may settle into a routine. It's a good idea to chat with a trusted adult about helpful tips for keeping track of your period!

"Normal" symptoms can be different for everyone. You might experience some symptoms right before, during, or right after your period, such as:

• Bloating
• Acne
• Backaches
• Mood swings
• Fatigue or changes in your sleep patterns
• Changes in appetite
• Constipation / Diarrhea
• Sore breasts
• Lower abdomen cramps

TIP: If your period tends to be irregular, it's a good idea to keep an eye out for these symptoms. It could be signals that your body might be giving you that your period is on its way.

The amount of period blood can vary from person to person. On average, most people lose about 30-40 milliliters of blood during their entire menstrual cycle, which is roughly 2-3 tablespoons of blood over the course of a period. However, what's considered a "normal" amount can be different for each individual. If you have any concerns about the amount of blood you're experiencing during your period, it's best to talk to a parent, trusted adult, or healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

The color of your period blood can vary and may change throughout your period. It can be bright red, dark red, brown, or even have a hint of pink. Don't worry, it's all normal! The color is influenced by factors such as the flow of your period, how long the blood has been in your uterus, and how quickly it’s expelled from your body. In general, the color of your period blood is not a cause for concern unless you notice a sudden, significant change in color or if you have other symptoms. If you have any concerns about the color of your period blood, it’s always a good idea to talk to a parent, trusted adult or consult a healthcare professional.

Cervical fluid and vaginal discharge are natural secretions produced by the female body. Cervical fluid changes throughout the menstrual cycle and is influenced by hormonal fluctuations. It plays an important role in fertility and helps in the movement of sperm. Vaginal discharge, on the other hand, is produced by the vagina and cervix to keep the vagina clean, moist, and protects against infection. Both cervical fluid and vaginal discharge can vary in consistency, color, and volume depending on factors such as menstrual cycle, hormonal changes, and overall health.

It’s important to remember that periods can be different for everyone. But call your doctor if you:

• Are 16 and haven't started your period
• Bleeding or spotting between periods
• Experience severe cramps that can’t be relieved with over the counter pain medication like ibuprofen or naproxen 
• Very heavy bleeding (for example: bleeding that fills a pad or tampon within 1 hour)
• Experience periods that last more than a week
• Experience severe PMS that gets in the way of your everyday activities
• Have had your period for more than 2 years and it still doesn't come regularly (about every 4–5 weeks)

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) can cause emotional and physical symptoms before or during a period. These symptoms may include moodiness, sadness, anxiety, bloating, and acne. Typically, the symptoms subside after the first few days of a period.

So, a period happens because of changes in hormones in the body. These hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, are released by the ovaries and cause the lining of the uterus to build up. This lining is all set for a fertilized egg to attach to and start growing. If no fertilized egg comes along, the lining breaks down and sheds through bleeding. And then, the whole cycle starts all over again.

You might have heard that the average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but we're all unique. Some people have periods more often, while others have them less frequently. It's also completely normal to skip a period now and then. Irregular periods are very common, especially in the first few years of getting your period. Once you understand your own regular schedule, it'll be easier to manage your period. And if you have any worries that what you're experiencing isn't quite right, don't hesitate to chat with a parent or doctor. They're there to help!

Period cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, happen because of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause the uterus to contract, resulting in cramping and pain. The stronger and more frequent the contractions, the more severe the cramps. If there's an imbalance of prostaglandins, it can lead to more intense cramping. It's a natural part of the menstrual cycle, but there are various ways to alleviate the discomfort, such as using heat therapy, over-the-counter pain medication, and regular exercise.