Everything You Need To Know About Getting Your Period

14 min read
Everything You Need To Know About Getting Your Period

Getting your first period is a common part of puberty, and knowing what to expect can make it feel a lot less mysterious.

Most first periods begin between about ages 9 and 15, with the average around 12. Your first period might be very light or more noticeable than you expected, and your periods may be irregular for the first few years.

You do not need to know everything before it happens. A few period products, some basic information and knowing who you can ask for help are a good place to start.

What is a period?

A period, also called menstruation, happens when the lining of the uterus sheds and leaves the body through the vagina. The uterus is the organ where a pregnancy can develop.

A period is one part of the menstrual cycle, a series of hormonal changes involving the ovaries and uterus.

During a cycle, the lining of the uterus thickens and an ovary may release an egg. If pregnancy does not occur, hormone levels change and the uterine lining breaks down and leaves the body as menstrual blood.

Starting your periods means your reproductive system is maturing, but a period is not a health check on its own. If bleeding, pain or other symptoms are worrying you, it is still worth talking to a healthcare professional.

Once periods have started, pregnancy can also become possible, so contraception and sexual health are useful things to learn about as you get older. A GP or sexual health service can answer questions whenever you are ready.

When will I get my first period?

Most people get their first period between about ages 9 and 15, with the average around 12.

The first period is called menarche. It often happens around 2 to 3 years after breast development begins, but this is only a general guide. Your body does not have to follow exactly the same timeline as your friends or family.

Talk to a GP if you have not shown signs of puberty by age 13 or have not had your first period by age 15.

What are the signs my first period is coming?

There is no single sign that tells you exactly when your first period will begin. Puberty changes can give you some clues, but you may have very little warning.

  • Breast development: First periods often begin a couple of years after breast development starts.
  • Pubic and underarm hair: Hair growth is another normal part of puberty, although it cannot tell you exactly when menstruation will start.
  • Vaginal discharge: You may notice clear, white or creamy discharge on your underwear. This is often a normal part of puberty. Read more in our guide to vaginal discharge and how it changes.
  • Physical or emotional changes: Some people notice cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, pimples or mood changes before or during a period. Others notice few or none.

These signs are not a checklist. You might notice some, all or none of them before your first period.

For more detail, read 7 Signs Your Period May Be Coming.

What will my first period look like?

Your first period might appear as a few reddish-brown spots on your underwear, light bleeding or a more noticeable flow.

Period blood can be bright red, dark red or brown. You may also occasionally notice small clots. Colour can change over the course of a period and is often nothing to worry about. Our guide to period blood colour explains more.

Although menstrual bleeding can look like a lot, total blood loss across a typical period is usually measured in tablespoons rather than cups.

How long will my period last?

Periods commonly last around 2 to 7 days. Your first few periods may be shorter, longer, lighter or heavier than later periods.

Flow is often heavier during the first day or two and then becomes lighter.

Will my periods be regular straight away?

Not necessarily.

A menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. Cycles can range from around 21 to 45 days, particularly during the first few years after periods begin.

It is common for periods to be irregular during the first three years while the menstrual cycle matures.

If you want to understand your flow in more detail, read How Much Do You Bleed During Your Period?.

Which period products can I use?

There is no single period product you need to start with.

Your choice can depend on what feels comfortable, your flow, your activities and whether you prefer an external or internal product.

Pads

Pads sit inside your underwear and absorb menstrual blood externally. Disposable pads are thrown away after use, while reusable cloth pads are washed and reused according to their care instructions.

Pads can be a straightforward first option because nothing needs to be inserted into the vagina.

Period underwear

Period underwear contains absorbent layers and can be worn alone or with another product depending on its capacity and your flow.

Check the instructions for the particular underwear, including how often to change it and how to wash and dry it.

Tampons

Tampons are inserted into the vagina and absorb menstrual blood.

If you choose to use tampons, select an absorbency that suits your flow and follow the packet instructions. Change them regularly according to your flow and never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours.

You do not have to use tampons if you do not feel comfortable using an internal product.

Menstrual cups and discs

Menstrual cups and menstrual discs sit inside the vagina and collect menstrual blood rather than absorbing it.

Reusable cups and discs need cleaning and each product has its own instructions for insertion, removal and maximum wear time.

Age alone does not determine whether a cup or disc will suit you. They are options you can explore if and when you want to, and there is no need to rush.

If you are curious, read our guide to menstrual cups for teens or learn how to do a dry run with a menstrual cup or disc.

Menstrual sponges

Menstrual sponges are inserted into the vagina and absorb menstrual blood.

Natural and synthetic menstrual sponges vary in their recommended wear times, cleaning instructions and replacement schedules, so follow the directions for the specific product you use.

Our guide to menstrual sponges explains the different types in more detail.

Staying safe with internal period products

Internal period products should always be used according to their instructions.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare but serious and has been associated with menstrual products including tampons and menstrual cups.

Possible symptoms include:

  • sudden high temperature
  • vomiting or diarrhoea
  • dizziness or faintness
  • muscle aches
  • confusion
  • a widespread red rash that may look like sunburn
  • suddenly feeling very unwell

If you think you may have TSS, remove the internal product if you can do so easily and seek urgent medical help. In Australia, call triple zero (000) or go to the nearest emergency department.

Read more in our guide to toxic shock syndrome.

To compare period products, use the Menstrual Products Comparison Hub or browse our first period options.

Choose according to your comfort and preferences, not pressure from friends, family or advertising.

How can I prepare for my first period?

A little preparation can make an unexpected first period easier to manage, particularly at school or when you are away from home.

Put together a small period kit

Keep a small zipped pouch in your school bag or somewhere easy to reach containing:

  • a few pads or your preferred period product
  • spare underwear
  • a small bag for used underwear or reusable products
  • tissues
  • anything else small that helps you feel prepared

If you use reusable products, clean them properly according to their instructions when you get home. A storage bag is simply a way to carry used items until you can wash them.

Our Period Care Kit Guide has more ideas for school, work and travel kits.

Know where to get help at school

If your period starts unexpectedly, ask a trusted adult, school nurse, teacher or another supportive person for help or supplies.

In Western Australia, free period products are available through public schools. Where the products are kept may vary between schools, so ask at the front office, student services or wellbeing area if you are not sure.

Talk about periods before they happen

A conversation with a parent, caregiver, older sibling, teacher or healthcare professional can help you know what to expect.

You can ask questions at your own pace. You do not need to understand every part of the menstrual cycle or know how to use every period product before your first period arrives.

What if I leak through my clothes?

Leaks happen, particularly while you are learning what your flow is like and how often your product needs changing.

If you notice blood on your underwear or clothes, go somewhere you feel comfortable, change your period product and underwear if you can and ask someone you trust for help if you need supplies.

A jumper tied around your waist can be useful temporarily if you are worried about a visible stain.

A leak may simply mean your pad, tampon or other product was full, shifted position or did not have enough absorbency or capacity for your flow that day. An occasional leak does not mean you have done something wrong.

How can I look after myself during my period?

You can usually continue your normal activities during your period, including school, sport, swimming and spending time with friends. You can also slow down or change your plans if you feel uncomfortable or unwell.

For cramps

A heat pack or hot water bottle on the lower abdomen or back may help. Gentle movement, a warm bath or relaxation can also help some people. Rest is fine when you need it.

If you want to use pain-relief medicine, talk with a parent, caregiver, pharmacist or doctor about what is suitable for you and follow the directions on the packet.

For everyday comfort

Wear whatever clothes feel comfortable and carry spare period supplies if that helps you feel prepared.

For tracking

Writing down the first day of your period, how long it lasts and any symptoms can help you understand your cycle over time.

You can use a paper calendar, our downloadable period tracker or one of the options in our guide to period tracker apps.

Tracking can help you notice patterns, but it cannot predict every period exactly, particularly during the first few years when cycles may still be irregular.

For general wellbeing

Sleeping well, eating regular balanced meals, drinking enough water and staying active are useful for general health and wellbeing.

They cannot guarantee that you will not experience cramps, bloating, tiredness or mood changes, so do not feel that you have done something wrong if period symptoms still happen.

When should I talk to a healthcare professional?

Periods vary from person to person, particularly during the first few years. However, symptoms that are severe, persistent or interfering with everyday life are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Talk to a GP or another qualified healthcare professional if:

  • you have not shown signs of puberty by age 13
  • you have not had your first period by age 15
  • your periods regularly last longer than 7 days
  • you need to change a pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours, bleed through your clothes or bedding or pass very large clots
  • period pain is severe, getting worse or stops you going to school, sleeping or doing your usual activities
  • it has been more than 3 months since your last period and there is no clear reason
  • you have bleeding between periods or after sex
  • you are worried about bleeding, discharge or other symptoms

If bleeding suddenly becomes much heavier than usual and you feel dizzy, weak or very unwell, seek prompt medical care.

Call triple zero (000) if you faint or collapse, have trouble breathing or feel seriously unwell.

Keeping a note of your bleeding, pain and other symptoms can make it easier to explain what has been happening at an appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Is it common to feel nervous about my first period?

Yes. You may feel curious, excited, worried or a mixture of different emotions. Learning what to expect, carrying a few supplies and knowing who you can ask for help may make you feel more prepared.

Can my first period start at school?

Yes. A first period can begin at any time, including while you are at school, playing sport or away from home. Keeping a small period kit in your bag and knowing which trusted adult to ask for help can make an unexpected start easier to manage.

Will my first period be painful?

Not necessarily. Some people experience cramps or backache while others have little or no pain. Pain that is severe or repeatedly gets in the way of school, sleep or everyday activities is worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Will my periods be regular straight away?

Not always. Irregular periods are common during the first few years after menstruation starts. Cycles can be longer or shorter from one month to the next while your body adjusts.

Do I have to use tampons, cups or discs?

No. Pads, cloth pads and period underwear are all valid options. You can use internal products if and when you want to explore them, but there is no requirement to do so.

Can I use a tampon, cup or disc if I haven't had sex?

Yes. Having had sex is not a requirement for using a tampon, menstrual cup or disc. Whether an internal product suits you depends on your comfort, anatomy and preferences. You do not need to use one if you do not want to.

Can I swim or play sport during my period?

Yes, if you feel well enough and want to. Choose a period product that suits the activity, your flow and your comfort. Menstrual cups, discs, tampons and menstrual sponges can all be used for swimming, while period swimwear is another option. Read our guide to swimming on your period for more information.

How do I know when to change my pad or tampon?

Follow the instructions for your particular product and your flow. Change pads when they are full or according to their recommended change interval. Change tampons according to the packet instructions and never leave one in for more than 8 hours.

A final word

Your first period is one part of puberty, and you have plenty of time to learn what works for you.

Start with information you trust, choose period products that feel comfortable and ask for support when you need it. Your period does not need to look exactly like a friend's, sibling's or parent's experience.

If you are helping a young person prepare, our guide to talking to young people about periods is a good place to start.

Related reading

Sources

This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional if you have concerns about puberty, bleeding or period symptoms.