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:

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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.

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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!

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Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Jessie
2013-06-02T18:41:11.000Z
I really want to know when I will get my first period I feel so left out. Are there any ways to make it come faster?
Cm
2011-02-05T01:07:20.000Z
Iv just started. Or so I think. It's just a small drop. How can I tell if it's my period?
Xannyyy
2009-10-26T14:35:22.000Z
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! ;)
Mariana
2009-10-24T16:27:32.000Z
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 ;)
Xannyyy
2009-11-09T10:00:46.000Z
She said hello back, and she really like you :) Have a good week by the way, hope your weekend was great! :)
Ellie
2012-11-22T12:50:07.000Z
Oh no, it's another problem here... I started to realize that my scores are going down, because of my period ( I mean those headaches and backache) :( What should I do? I used to get rank 1, but then, it all changed! Please tell me what to do!