A first period often meant a girl was ready to be married and start having children. Nowadays, most families in most cultures don’t boast to their friends and neighbors that a daughter has had her first period. Can you imagine? I’d be pretty embarrassed if everyone knew such a personal thing! Most of us prefer to be discreet.
Most girls have their first period between the ages of 12 and 13. For some, it’s earlier, and for some, it’s later. I was 15 when I got my first period. My mother was very shy and didn’t really tell me what to expect, so when it happened, I wasn’t prepared. But here are some tips to help you be prepared when you get your first period:
1. Learn more.
If your mother, aunties, or older sister and cousins are too shy to answer all of your questions, there are dozens of books and websites that can help. WebMD in particular is helpful in answering detailed questions you may have.
2. Plan ahead.
Keep a sanitary pad in your purse, your locker at school, your gym or dance bag, and in your bathroom. That way, when you get your first period, you won’t have to scramble around and ask for one.
3. Have a support person.
When you get to the age you might start having your period, make sure you have a woman you are close to that you can tell, and in case you have any questions, or if you need more pads. You may be too embarrassed at first to buy them yourself.
4. Don’t be shy.
Getting your first period may seem embarrassing, but it’s completely natural and almost every woman does it. It is not the end of the world if someone finds out.
5. Be prepared.
Know what to expect your first time. Most girls assume their first menstrual blood will be bright red and a very heavy, obvious flow. That’s not always the case. For most girls, their first couple of periods are very light, and are a reddish-brown color.
6. Expect some discomfort.
Most women get cramps or experience some discomfort. A heating pad can help relieve cramps, and there are certain foods to avoid during your period.
7. Take some time out.
If you’re not feeling well because of your period, it’s okay to take some time for yourself, especially away from physical activity. For the first few months, until your body and hormones level off, you may need to skip the gym and try yoga instead.
8. You’re normal.
Most girls don’t have regular periods for the first few months. Some even skip a month after their first period. That’s normal, and after a few months, your body’s hormone level will even out, and you’ll become more regular.
9. Know when to ask for help.
If you bleed heavily, pass a clot bigger than a quarter, or if you experience severe pain, you need to consult a doctor.
10. Consider birth control.
This may be an embarrassing topic, but now that you’re menstruating, you are able to become pregnant, so if you are sexually active, you must consider your birth control options. Your doctor or Planned Parenthood can help you choose an option that is right for you.
Welcome to the sisterhood of women! We’re not going to announce to the world that you’ve had your first period, but we’re excited for you. Does anyone else out there have any tips to share, or anything they wish they would have known when they got their first period? Please share!
Hi Jennifer,
after many comments that I made on this website, today I have to say that this is the best young woman site I know. It is so interesting and talks about everything that matters (and also things that don’t matter but are funny =P)! Even if I had my period long ago, I recognize that this article is important to a lot of girls.
I’m sad that here in Portugal (at least that I know) we don’t have nothing I can compare to All Woman Stalk. Congratulations to all of “All Woman Stalk” team for your effort and your daily inspiring posts! It’s like reading a good quality magazine everyday, and for free!
Hey Mariana,
Thank you for that wonderful comment!!! We’re nothing without our amazing readers! And it doesn’t matter where in the world you are, we are all bound by the amazing technology that is the internet. Keep visiting us and feel free to suggest post ideas. We’d love to know what our readers want to read about :)
This post brings back some rather dreadful memories! I’m from India…South India to be specific and tradition here apparently requires that you celebrate the fact that you are a woman after your first period. So here I am all of 10, confused and troubled, while my mom is busy inviting each one of my relatives to come over for a party! Can you imagine how embarrassing that is? All these people coming over and you’re all dressed up to look like some kind of Indian goddess and they’re congratulating you like it’s your wedding! I could kill my mother for making me go through all of that. *shudder* Oh well, atleast I got tons of gifts :) :)
Hi Sheila,
That was so nice to know :), but I would feel quite strange too in a situation like that!
The most interesting thing I have to share about the day I got the period for the first time is that it was a Saturday and I was at home alone with my father. When I went to the bathroom and saw something different, I new immediately what it was, but I didn’t feel that happy and confortable about it so I went back to bed and stayed there for the rest of the morning with a magazine in front of me but not reading a single word.
My father came to me and asked “Are you ok?”, and very shy I said “No… I got the period.”. His reaction was very nice, because he acted very naturally, called my mother to bring home what I needed (pads, etc) and started making fun of me. Humour can be a great weapon, better than a big conversation when we are not up to it! He also bought me a present ;)
Awww Mariana,
Your dad is so adorable! I’ve never been able to have a conversation about my period with my dad. Lol!
i was 15 too when i got my period..
Every time I read an article like this one, I have to say it, nowadays young ladies having their first periods are really lucky. With just one click you can find everything you need to know on the internet. Best of all, some questions are answered for you.
Thank God I always had a very open relationship with mum and she prepared me for what seemed a great event at that time!
Of course best way is to have a person who you can talk to and ask questions but if you may be too shy or the people around you are shyer just search some websites and surely you’ll find your answers. Prepare your self the best way you can. First period is always a bit worrying, first timers get panicked at what they’re feeling and seeing the change through their bodies, but first time is a one time sensation through woman hood!
Sheila,
What a strange situation that was! I can’t imagine what you went through that they cause I’m not at all shy but a party for my period with my relatives whould surley made me more than shy!!
At least now you could say that you’ll never forget your first period !! And presents are always better consolation! ;)
Xannyyy,
That was by far the most embarrassing thing to ever ever happen to me. I’ll never forgive my mom for putting me through that. I actually bought it up with her after reading this post but she STILL thinks it wasn’t a big deal and that I’m just being a drama queen! The nerve….lol!
Sheila,
Loool!!
I think that’s your culture there!
And even if by right you should be angry, you still have to love her for the importance she gave you when you were becoming a woman :)
Regarding to what Mariana said –> You’re really lucky, I would never talk about my period in front of Dad even if I’m quite open about everything else.
Xannyyy,
Lol! I know. I love her even though she’s a wee bit crazy sometimes :D
She’s better crazy than boring :)
Are you close with her?
Me and Mum are like twins, inseparable :<)
Xannyyy,
We have our phases. The past two years have been turbulent but we love each other under all that madness. I’m closest to my younger sister. Do you have any siblings?
Sheila,
Everyone have their turbulent times, but when your relationship is strong you can survive anything :)
No I’m an only child :( I wish I had a baby brother : P
Apart from a younger sister you have other siblings?
Xannyyy,
That’s true. Especially mothers and daughters. Nah it’s just me and my younger sister! :)
You’re lucky love.
Having a younger sister is a blessing.
You always have each other to lean to when your parents aren’t arount.
I contend with my best friend as sister :)
Xannyyy,
And my sister is my best friend :) She’s actually not been keeping well for a month now. And we’re all worried. I want her to get well soon! :(
Sheila,
You mean is she sick?
I’m sorry to hear that and may she get well soon and God be with her! :)
Thank you so much Xannyyy. We need all the prayers :)
Sheila,
I’m not a fanatic Chatolic person, but I believe there’s one God and if we have real faith thing will be protected and looked by him!
No offence to anyone. Any religion you are pray and believe in your faith :)
Hope she will feel better soon.
Update me on how she is :)