What to expect when getting your first period

As a teenager, getting your period can be a daunting experience. Your first period is a milestone and signifies that you are now able to get pregnant. The gates to womanhood are opening as your body begins developing in several different ways. You begin growing some pubic hair, your breasts hurt, and you have either had your growth spurt, you’re currently going through it or it’s just around the corner! It’s ok, these changes are normal and can happen at any age. Some girls get their first period as early as 8 years old and some don’t get their first period until 15. Everyone’s body is different and develops at different times.

You can expect your first period to be very light, sometimes with spotting or a small amount of blood. A typical menstrual cycle is approximately 28 days long however, in the first few years of menstruation, your period may be irregular. In these first few years, some girls skip menstrual cycles, their cycles occur multiple times in one month, or they occur less frequently than expected. Even though irregularities are common in the first few years, it is important to talk to your doctor about these irregularities to make sure it isn’t something more serious. If you have a smartphone, it may be a good idea to download an app to track when your period has been so you can anticipate when it may come and be prepared. Alternatively, you can take note of you period in a notes app or physically in a journal or notebook.

Although talking about your period may be scary at first, it is a normal bodily function in which all humans born with the female anatomy usually go through. Some girls feel really anxious or afraid of getting their period whereas some girls are really excited. Remember that everyone is different and develops at different stages, so try not to be ashamed of what your body is going through and when.

There could be a likelihood that you get your period at school or when you aren’t at home so talk to a parental figure or trusted adult about getting supplies ready for when it comes. Veeda offers safe and affordable pads and tampons for girls and women who have their periods. Our products are easy to use, don’t contain any nasty chemicals and are made of sustainably sourced GMO-free cotton. This means that unlike our competitors, our products don’t contain any fragrances, chlorine, rayons or synthetic fibres that can be harmful to your body. Veeda period care is dermatologically and gynecologically tested making our products hypoallergenic and safe for daily use. Feel comfortable counting on Veeda to be your choice of safe and reliable period care every month.

You may still have some unanswered questions about your period, here are some answers…

Why do girls get periods?

Women and girls have what is called a menstrual cycle which allows them to get pregnant. When pregnancy doesn’t occur, hormones signal to her body to shed the baby-ready uterine lining. When this happens, it is called having your period.

What is PMS?

PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome meaning before your period starts. Symptoms you might experience having PMS include mood swings, tender breasts, irritability and bloating. Sometimes girls do not experience PMS in their first few years of having their period however if you do, resting, regular exercise and a healthy diet can help manage symptoms.

Is it normal to get period cramps?

Many girls experience pain and tightness in their lower abdomen and/or their back around the beginning of their period. Your cramps should be mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief however, if they feel severe, you should talk to your doctor.

Are pads or tampons better?

Both pads and tampons are good options to absorb period blood. When using these products, they need to be changed regularly (every 6 to 8 hours or before if they’re saturated) to avoid infections. Pads are worn in your underwear and are often the easiest to use when first getting your period. Tampons are another option but can take a bit of practice getting used to inserting it into your vagina properly. If you have inserted a tampon and it feels uncomfortable, it generally means that you haven’t inserted it correctly. When you have inserted a tampon correctly, you shouldn’t be able to feel it. Veeda tampons come with instructions about how to insert a tampon properly to make you feel as comfortable as you can be when battling your period.

How much do you bleed on your period?

When on your period, it may feel like you are bleeding a lot however you only lose a few teaspoons of blood. If you find that you have to change your pad or tampon very frequently (every hour) because it is fully saturated, it is advised to speak to your doctor.

How long does a period last?

Generally, periods last for around 5 days, but everyone is different. Some girls may have their period for 7 days and some may have their period for only 3 days. Once you have had your period a few times, you will learn what your typical period looks and feels like.

If you have concerns about your period or have more questions, it is important to speak to a doctor, parental figure or trusted adult. Getting your period is normal and shouldn’t be something to be ashamed or embarrassed about. Remember that everyone is different and develops at different stages, so try to embrace the change to womanhood!

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Medical Disclaimer: Articles are intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. Ask a medical professional if you have any health-related questions or concerns.

Additional Resources

McCoy, K. (2010). A Teen’s guide to her first period. https://www.everydayhealth.com/pms/a-teens-guide-to-her-first-period.aspx