Period Q & A

Getting your period for the first time can be really scary. Especially when you don't have the information or the tools to handle what you're going through; this is what we're here for. 

So, what exactly is a period and what happens when it comes for the first time?

A period happens when a girl's body sheds their uterine lining and tissue through the vagina. Most girls get their period for the first time between the ages of 9 - 15 years old and all it means is that your body is working as it should. This happens every month because your body is preparing for an egg to be fertilized, and if this does not happen then your body's next move is to shed that lining. This is your period.

Will I feel any different when I get my period?

The short answer to that is yes. You may experience different physical and mental changes over the course of your period, but the good news is that it is all temporary.

What may usually accompany a period is a slew of fun stuff. Headaches, cramps and general fatigue are all common physical period symptoms and shouldn't be of any concern unless the symptom is becoming too much for your body to handle on its own. Sometimes girls experience lots of different period symptoms and sometimes none at all; it just depends on the person.

Mentally, emotional changes due to your hormones fluctuating (rising and falling irregularly) can leave you feeling extra moody. Sadness, irritability, sensitivity and even a bit of anxiety are completely normal emotions to feel in excess on your period.

How long will my period last?

So a period usually lasts for 3 - 7 days over the course of a 28 - 31 day cycle. This can definitely fluctuate throughout the course of a woman's life depending on many different factors including exercise levels and diet, sleep and lifestyle, hormone levels or even stress can change the amount of days a period may last for. 

What do I use when I get my period?

This is totally personal preference, but there are quite a few options for what girls can use during their period. Most start out with pads depending on their flow. Your "flow' is how heavily you bleed throughout the course of your period and this may fluctuate depending on the day. Most girls heaviest day of their period is day 2. 

While pads are a great starter, lots of people switch to tampons when they get a bit older and both of these options have different sizes ranging from light to super plus. Flow may also determine how often you change your pad or tampon. It is generally recommended that you change your preferred product every 2-4 hours, but if your flow is heavier you may need to change it sooner. For the first few months of your period, this may be hard to keep track of because of how your body changes as it adjusts to this new thing in your life. The best thing to do is pay attention to your body and adjust as your cycle regulates and you find what works best for you.

Is there anything I can't do on my period?

Great question and the answer is... it depends. For the most part no, there is nothing you cannot do on your period. The reason it depends has to do with the period product you are using. For example, it is not recommended that you go swimming if you are using a pad because of leakage concerns, but if you wear a tampon you should be perfectly fine. Same thing with sports! Lots of people prefer tampons during sports because of the cleaner feeling and the lack of leakage concerns.

Overall, it is best to go with and do what you are most comfortable with because you are the one experiencing it. 

Who do I talk to about it?

Generally, the most trusted adult in your life will be able to guide you with the proper info and tools. School nurses and trusted female teachers are also great options to turn to.

If you need supplies and are too scared or nervous to ask, just remember that every girl has gone or will go through the same thing you are experiencing. It is all completely normal and while it's totally understandable, there's nothing to be scared of.

Remember that the more you know, the more prepared you will be and our box and website are meant to help guide you through this time with as much info as we can safely provide. 

Check out our "What's in The Box" post to get more info on our products and exactly how they will help out during this new time in your life!