AKA:
Girls often start around the same age as their mothers.
Menstruation, monthlies, on the blob, on the rag, the curse, time of the month, coming on, getting the painters in, Aunt Flo.
What are periods?
When a girl's body has developed enough to have a baby, her ovaries will release an egg each month. This is called ovulating. At the same time a thick lining forms in her womb in case a baby needs to grow there.
If the egg isn't fertilised by sperm it doesn't start developing into a baby. The thick womb lining isn't needed that month, so it is discarded. It passes out of the vagina as blood and this is what we call a period - it usually lasts from three to eight days.
The unfertilised egg is discarded, too. But this is microscopic. So we can't see it leaving.
These monthly changes - from the start of one period to the start of the next - are called the menstrual cycle. It usually takes about 28 days for a full cycle, but it varies between women.
When will I start?
The average age in the UK is 12 and a half, but it could be any age from 8 to 20. Girls often start around the same age as their mothers.
If a girl's breasts are growing and/or she's noticed discharge in her knickers - chances are her period will start soon.
What should I do when I start?
Most girls' periods are unpredictable at first, so don't expect them like clockwork every 28 days. Still, it's worth making a note of when they happen, so you'll know when they're settling down and be prepared each month.
You'll need sanitary protection to soak up your period, like tampons, or sanitary towels. It's best to try different kinds to find what's best for you, but most girls start using towels. Check out the Feminine Hygiene aisle at the supermarket.
Do periods hurt?
Many girls get mild cramps in the lower part of their stomachs. Others get backache. For a few, it can be a lot worse.
Exercise is the best cure, or resting a hot water bottle where it hurts, taking a hot bath, lying down and breathing deeply, or taking painkillers. If you regularly have really bad pains, your doctor will be able to help. Make an appointment with your GP.
Some girls get pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) just before their periods, which usually means mood swings and physical symptoms like bloating, sore breasts or spots. This can be reduced by a healthy diet and exercise.
Want to know more about what's going on throughout your cycle? Read our day-by-day guide to your period.
Further help and advice
All about your cycle
More about periods
Written by Dr Melissa Sayer
Last updated 17th June 2007
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Holly, 16
i used to HATE HATE HATE my periods but then i discovered tampons. Try them girls! They make you feel much cleaner, fresher and confident knowing you can wear your best undies! :)
miranda, 17
i think all girls should get the day off the they have the peiods!
Amzz, 13
This site has really helped (: my periods have been really irregular. I really really wanted my period and I'm glad I've started but not when I'm on. It's a bit of a mess and I always feel like I need a shower when I have it (: thank youuu x x
Chloe, 14
I hate the word (Periods)...but luckily i dont have any pain like my sister does x
laura, 15
im nearly 16 now all the girls in school have started and i havnt i have had discharge for 4 years why havnt i started yet ?????
Lauren , 13, 13
OMG i hate peiods (TOO PAINFUL) i wish lads had to go through it all but chocolate really does work!!!!!
Laura, 15
i hate having periods, before i was desperate to have mine, but now i wish it would all stop. girls should get the days off when they are on!
sneakers!! x, 12
i started bout a month ago and ive just finished ma 2nd one, and one of my bestiiz told me bout this site, its really helpful :)
Lucy, 13
Thank you so much for the info!I started yesterday!!!
hannah :), 15
I started my periods when I was 11 or 12, I really couldn't wait to start either. I get really bad cramps but other than that I don't mind my period. x
Rosy, 10
Thanks i am only ten and the only girl in my school that has started
katie, 12
this website is Ace. i started myne on thursday and ive been having really bad headackes andstomach ake its a a pain . xx
Anon, 16
i hate periods, mine have been irregular for 2 years now and last week my boyfriend was close to me bt i had to tell him to stop because of my period, STUPID things..
Helen, 13 .5
hiii love this site,, but i havent started my periods yet and it is really annoying,, all my friends in and out of school have, my mum has gave me pads, and i have hair down there ,, like no breasts thoo (the nipple is like a redish/pinkish colour and will it change before i start my period?) i shave my legs and under my arms cause i get hair in there as well,, i havent ever found any discharge in my pants.... could you maybe help me on when i am goin to have it? xx ilu if you help... thankss xx
Lizzie, 12
Why? I really hate the fact that my periods have not started i have quite big bobs for my age and i have had discharge for 2 years. Grrrrrr. It's so annoying. I no this sound weird but i wanna start. All my mates have :( :(
becs, 15
uhh i hate periods, especially the cramps :(
Fay, 13
I have not started yet but i probley will soon, i missed the lession about periods in science this website has realy helped thanks. :-)
Demi, 16
i wish i had known this web site was her when i took my perios its a real help! thanks guys.. :)
Neisha, 15
I have developed in every way,and gained a lot of height in the past year maybe more.It's annoying because I have all the signs but it's taking ages.It's a very helpful sight though for teens to prepare them for the problems of growing up!
Karen, 15
I havent started my one yet but i have all the signs for at least two years...all my friends have guess i will have to wait till im ready!!
Rachael-Ox, 15
Oh i started my period today!! It made me feel really uncomfortable!!! But this website has really helped!! Thankyou xx
Rachel, 16
Periods are the WORST thing EVER
Mary, 14
Ugghhhh I don't know why you people are complaining! I want mine so bad, you don't even know. I'm one of the only people in my school who hasn't started hers yet, and to make it worse I have NO BOOBS. I've had discharge for 3 years, and still no period!!! UGGHHH I HATE MY BODY!
Ali, 14
I am 14 and i still haven't started. Loads of other girls have and it is really embarassing that i haven't started!
Dani, 14
I am obsessed with this website
lila, 12
this website is da bomb
Izzy, 10
Thanks for the help, just started and am the only person in the whole school now whos started xxx
Anon, 12 nearly 13
Most of my friends have started their periods but I haven't yet. Also I have discharge for over a year and I still haven't started!
!!!!!!..........(), 11
i love this web site it gives you fantastic tips and not having toworry about your body
sophie, 12
i started mine recently, and, tbh, it's such a pain. I have awful cramps and headaches :[
vicki , 14
i started my period july and it has been horrible the pain is horrid i get so moody if a teacher at school annoys me i shout at them i tell them to get lost i love this website and thanks xxxxxxxxxx
Amy, 13
This website is ace! I started my period last year when I was twelve and I always hated going to school because incase I leaked and stuff. It was really scary but it's a good excuse to have a nice warm waterbottle and watch a dvd in bed ;)...Amy x
Yas, 14
I started my period today and it has been horrible.
Milly , 12 and a bit
I started mine yesterday and i ran downstairs to tell my mum and then she started hugging me....i meen what?
Genna , 14
I had my first period, on my birthday :( and then I haven't had one for 44 days! Why?But now I know, It's just because I've only had one i'm settling into routine.This website is ace!Loveyouguys, thank-you for helping me out! xxx
Mary, 12
Oh how I hate periods. I was the first to start in my class... they always get in the way. And mine are SO SO HEAVY! Grrr!
Laura, 14
Period pains kill! But a good excuse to snuggle in your duvet with a big bar of chocolate, watching a dvd!
Penny, 14
I always get really bad period pains and often need a few doses of paracetamol a day. It kills. Strange thing is my mum gets bad pains aswell i think i inherited it damn you mother :D x
Fliss, 13
I started my peiods today, i wasnt sure about talking to my mum, but i did, she was fine and told me all about it, i wasnt embarassed neither was she. it was fine.dont be embarassed talk to your mum or step-mum! they will understand!
Abbie, 9
i think this website is fantastic. it gives you fantastic tips and helps you to get along and not worry about what your body is doing. it also tells you what to look out for if you have an infection. amazing.love abbie.
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