Your first period is a big step, and it’s totally normal to have questions about it. Here’s everything you need to know to feel prepared and confident:
So, you’ve started to see a few changes to your body and maybe even how you feel! We bet your next question is “When will I get my first period?!”.
It can be hard to know exactly what to expect and when it might come. So we’re here to chat through some of the most pressing questions you might have about your first period.
Firstly, periods are a great sign that your body is working just as it should and that you’re on your way to becoming a young adult. However, we know it can be a really confusing time with so much going on, and we want you to feel comfortable and confident as you start this new journey.
A period is a sign that your body is preparing itself for the time when one day you may want to have a baby, even if this is quite a way off from happening!
It's a natural process in your body that happens every month as part of your menstrual cycle.
The Uterus Prepares: Every month, your body gets ready for the possibility of pregnancy. Your uterus (or womb) builds up a thick lining of blood and nutrients that would provide a safe place for an embryo to grow if an egg is fertilised.
No Pregnancy: If the egg isn’t fertilised, your body sends a signal to the uterus that it no longer needs this thick lining.
Shedding the Lining: As a result, the uterus contracts, and the lining (along with blood and nutrients) is shed from your body. This is what we call your period.
This process is called your 'menstrual cycle' and usually happens once a month and can last from 2 - 10. It's a completely normal and natural part of growing up.
There are plenty of signs that will give you a clue that your period may not be too far away. Here are some of the most common ones:
Your first period, also known as ‘menarche’, is an exciting milestone that marks the beginning of your menstrual journey. Typically, you will get your first period between 8 - 18 years old, this will be different for everyone with the average age around 12-13 years of age.
A period does not come at a certain time of day and can arrive during the day or night and for many the first time they even know it’s here is when they visit the toilet and notice either blood on toilet tissue, or in their underwear. Little tip here, ‘it pays to be prepared’.
We’re all different and some of you will notice a very light period for just a day or two and others a little heavier, and a little longer.
When you get your first period, be sure to tell someone; a parent, someone who cares for you, or another trusted adult….even a teacher, because yes, first periods can start in school too!
As we’ve said it good to be prepared and we think as soon as you start to notice breast development and discharge you should have period supplies to hand, both at home and in your school bag.
We know this is a big deal, and for some can even be a little embarrassing, like getting your first bra! Which is why you may want to check out pads and liners designed by Lil-Lets!
It’s also good to know how to use period products and you can learn how to put on pads or by following the package instructions and following this video link.
Remember, your first period is a normal part of growing up and you've got this!
First periods can vary from person to person, and how long your period lasts for, how much blood is lost and how long in between periods will be unique to you. Whilst your best friend’s period might last 2 days, your period could last between 5 and 7 days. In some cases, menstruation can even last as long as 10 days and still be considered normal.
For some, periods can be regular from the very start arriving every month, and anything from 21-34 days is a standard gap between periods, once regular.
But for most, first periods will be erratic often with long, and even short gaps in between them, and it’s a good idea to keep track of what’s going on.
When your period arrives, make a note in your diary, or on your phone, so that you can track your cycle and over time you should be able to predict when the next one is coming, and best of all be prepared.
Experiencing a heavy flow during your first period is not as unusual as you may think. It's important to remember that your body is going through a significant change, and it may take some time to establish a regular pattern. A heavy period could be due to a surge in hormone levels, an immature or irregular menstrual cycle, or the shedding of a thicker uterine lining.
Don’t panic, it may not always be this way and as your body adjusts and your menstrual cycle becomes more regulated, your flow may naturally become lighter.
The simple answer is anything from pink, to brown to bright red is all perfectly okay and normal. Here we explain in a little more detail why you may see a change in colour from day to day.
First periods can be a mix of any of these colours and can vary from day to day, or as your hormone levels change and a more regular cycle starts to be noticed.
Experiencing irregular, or absent periods (amenorrhoea), especially after your first one, is quite common.
When you first start menstruating, your body is still adjusting to its natural rhythm, and it can take time for your menstrual cycle to become regular, so don’t worry if you find that you only have 2 or 3 periods a year for the first few years.
Finally, lots of people worry about their first period, but once it happens, you’ll see it’s not such a big deal—especially if you're prepared! Periods are just a natural part of life and shouldn’t stop you from doing all the things you love.
Why not check-out our FAQ's at the bottom of the page for more tips.
Join our community at Lil-Lets talk, the place to go if you’ve got questions on breast development, puberty, periods, or absolutely anything else!
Lil-Lets Talk
You cannot determine exactly when you will get your first period, but the average age is between 9 and 16. It's a unique and individual experience.
You should not be scared of your first period. It's normal to feel a mix of emotions, including excitement and a bit of nervousness. Remember to educate yourself on this topic so you can embrace this milestone with confidence.
After your first period, your menstrual cycle begins. Your body will go through monthly cycles of preparing for a potential pregnancy (ovulation) and shedding the uterine lining. It's important to track your periods, understand your body's changes, and practice good menstrual hygiene.
You should consider using pads specially designed for teens when you get your first period. Lil-Lets offers pads for light to heavy flow, providing comfort and protection suitable for when your first period starts.
You might not be getting your first period due to genetics, body weight, overall health, and hormonal changes. All these factors influence the timing of your first period. If you have concerns about delayed puberty or not getting your period, consult with a healthcare professional.
Your first period might be heavy, but it’s usually unpredictable. It's normal for the first few periods to be lighter or irregular as your body adjusts. It may take a few cycles for your period to settle into a regular pattern.
Your first period might hurt or result in mild discomfort in the lower back or abdomen. However, the level of pain varies for each individual. If you find the period pain to be severe or significantly impacting your daily life, it's advisable to discuss it with a healthcare provider. Heating pads and pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen are known to help.
It's not uncommon for your first period to be heavier during the initial days as your body sheds the uterine lining. If you're concerned about the volume of period blood or you're soaking through pads quickly, it's best to consult with a doctor.
It's common to have vaginal discharge before your first period for a few weeks, months or even years. This discharge, called leukorrhea, helps keep the vagina clean and healthy. Pantyliners can help absorb the discharge if needed.
You can use a tampon for your first period if you would like to. Try out tampons, pads or other menstrual products and decide what works for you.
You cannot make your first period come — it’s a natural process controlled by hormonal changes in your body. At this time, your oestrogen and progesterone levels are changing. Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practising self-care and being patient.
Brown discharge can mean that your first period is coming. It's a result of old blood mixed with cervical mucus, which may appear brown. While it can be an indication, it's important to remember that you might not have any discharge before your very first period.
Why do I have brown discharge before my first period?
Brown discharge before your first period is common and typically occurs as a result of hormonal fluctuations and the shedding of the uterine lining. You may also have brown blood.
