Bosensational
Bosensational
Your period, explained. Your cycle, tracked.
My cycle
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Flow
How I feel
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Why it happens
Your body getting ready, every month
A period (also called menstruation) is part of a monthly cycle that starts during puberty. Each cycle, your body prepares in case a pregnancy happens. The lining of your uterus (womb) thickens to make a soft place for a fertilised egg. When there is no pregnancy, your body does not need that lining, so it sheds it. That lining, mixed with some blood, leaves your body through your vagina. That is your period.
It is controlled by hormones, mainly oestrogen and progesterone. They rise and fall through the month, which is why your energy, mood and skin can change at different times.
How it happens
The four phases of a cycle
Day 1 is the first day of bleeding. This example uses a 28-day cycle. Yours may be shorter or longer, and that can be completely normal.
Period (days 1 to 5)
The uterus lining sheds. Bleeding usually lasts 2 to 7 days. Hormone levels are low, so you may feel more tired.
Follicular phase (days 1 to 13)
Oestrogen rises. Eggs in the ovaries start to mature and the lining begins to build up again. Many people feel more energy here.
Ovulation (around day 14)
One ovary releases an egg. It travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus.
Luteal phase (days 15 to 28)
Progesterone rises to keep the lining thick. If the egg is not fertilised, hormones drop, and that drop starts your next period. PMS (bloating, moodiness, sore breasts) often shows up in the days before.
What is normal?
- Most girls get their first period between ages 10 and 15. Some earlier, some later.
- For teens, a cycle anywhere from about 21 to 45 days is common, especially in the first few years.
- Bleeding usually lasts between 2 and 7 days.
- Blood can be bright red, dark red or brown. Small clots can be normal on heavier days.
- Clear or white discharge between periods is normal and keeps your vagina healthy.
Puberty
How your body changes
Puberty usually starts somewhere between 8 and 13. Everyone goes at their own pace, so comparing yourself to friends will not tell you much.
Often the first sign. It can start with small, tender bumps under the nipples. One side may grow faster than the other for a while. That is normal.
Hair appears under your arms, on your legs and in your pubic area. Whether you remove it is your choice.
You may grow taller quickly. Hips widen and your body stores a bit more fat around the hips and thighs. This is healthy and needed for your cycle to work.
About 6 to 12 months before your first period, you may notice white or clear discharge in your underwear. It is a sign your period is on its way.
Hormones make skin oilier, so pimples are common. You may sweat more and notice body odour. Daily washing and deodorant help.
Changing hormones can make emotions feel bigger. Feeling up and down is part of it. Talking to someone you trust really helps.
Usually about 2 years after breasts start growing. It may be very light or just a brown stain at first. Keep a pad in your school bag so you are ready.
Looking after yourself
Feel comfortable during your period
Choosing a product
Stick to your underwear. Easiest to start with. Change every 3 to 4 hours, or sooner if full.
Go inside the vagina. Use the lowest absorbency you need. Change every 4 to 8 hours and never leave one in longer than 8 hours.
Reusable silicone cup worn inside. Empty and rinse up to every 12 hours. Wash well and boil between periods.
Washable and reusable. Rinse in cold water first, then wash. Good for light days or as backup.
Easing cramps
- A hot water bottle or warm compress on your tummy or lower back.
- Gentle movement: walking, stretching, dancing. It can ease pain more than lying still.
- Drink water and get enough sleep.
- Pain medicine like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help. Ask a parent, guardian or pharmacist first, and always follow the dose on the box.
Staying fresh
- Wash the outside area (the vulva) with warm water once or twice a day. Plain water or mild unscented soap is enough.
- Do not wash inside the vagina or use douches and scented sprays. Your vagina cleans itself.
- Wrap used pads in toilet paper or their wrapper and put them in the bin. Never flush pads or tampons.
- Pack a small kit: 2 pads, wipes, spare underwear and a plastic bag.
Look after your mind too
It is fine to feel cranky, teary or tired before or during your period. Rest when you need to, do things that calm you, and talk to someone. Your period is nothing to be ashamed of.
Speak to a doctor or clinic nurse if
- You are 15 and have not had a period yet.
- You soak through a pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours for several hours in a row.
- Your period lasts longer than 7 days.
- Your cycles are often shorter than 21 days or longer than 45 days, or your periods stop after being regular.
- Pain is so bad that you miss school or normal activities, even with pain medicine.
- You feel dizzy, very weak or short of breath.
- You have a high fever, rash, vomiting or feel suddenly very sick while using a tampon. Remove it and get help straight away.
Eating well
Food that helps you feel good
No food is banned. Your body is growing and needs plenty of energy, so eat regular meals and do not skip them. Some foods help with tiredness and cramps, and some can make bloating or moodiness worse if you have a lot of them.
Helpful
Go easy on