So… it’s finally here. Or maybe it’s about to be. Maybe you’ve already had some weird symptoms and are Googling this in a quiet panic. Either way, welcome. You’re in the right place!

Your first period (also known as menarche) is a major milestone in your life, and it’s totally normal to feel a mix of emotions: nervous, excited, confused, grossed out, curious… all of it is valid.

This post is your no-shame, no-fluff guide to what to expect when Aunt Flo shows up for the first time.

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1. What Even Is a Period?

Let’s start here. A period is part of the menstrual cycle. It is your body’s monthly way of preparing for a possible pregnancy. When no pregnancy happens, your uterus sheds its lining, and that’s what comes out as blood (and some other tissue) through your vagina.

Totally natural. Totally normal. Totally human.

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2. When Will It Happen?

Most people get their first period between ages 9 and 15, but it can happen earlier or later. It often follows other puberty changes like breast development, hair growth, mood shifts, and vaginal discharge.

Fun fact: Vaginal discharge (that white/yellow stuff in your underwear) is actually one of the first signs that your period might be a few months away.

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3. What Does It Look Like?

Not what TV shows you.

The first period is usually light, maybe some brownish-red spotting or a small flow that lasts 2–7 days. It might even stop and start.

You might see:

• Reddish, brown, or rust-colored stains
  
• Mucus-like texture (don’t panic it’s just part of your body’s natural process)
  

This is normal. You are not broken.

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4. What Might You Feel?

Symptoms vary (and sometimes surprise you). Here’s what you might experience:

• Cramping in your lower belly or back or anus
• Mood swings (crying because your internet isn’t working properly? relatable.)
• Fatigue or bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Headaches or irritability
• Diarrhea or constipation
  

Or maybe… nothing much at all! Everybody is different.

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5. What Should You Use?

There are a few options to manage your flow:

• Pads – Great for beginners, easy to use
  
• Period underwear – Absorbent and comfortable

Start with what feels least intimidating. Pads are often the go-to for a first period. As time goes on, preferably a few years into your period you can introduce tampons, menstrual cups or menstrual discs as those will require vaginal insertion and some of which are more eco-friendly than the others. You can also try diapers if you experience issues with pad rash or heavy flow that isn’t contained with your regular pads. Watch this video on how to wear a diaper for your period.

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6. What Should You Do When It Happens?

• Don’t panic. Take a breath. You’re okay. It’s totally natural.
  
• Get a pad or panty liner and place it in your underwear. Watch (this) video for placement directions and as many youtube videos as it’ll require for you to fully understand placement. Remember, proper pad placement helps prevent leaks and stains.
  
• Track it. Jot down the date, how long it lasts, and how heavy it is. You can do this using a notepad, the menstrual pad from BMB, the Health app if you use an iphone, Flo app if you use an android or any other period tracking app that you think is best for you. It’s okay to test and try out as many as possible to find the best that caters to your needs and fits your vibe perfectly.

• Always be Prepared. The first few months will be irregular so always have a small pack of pads with you, this could come in handy in cases of emergency for either you or a friend.
• Tell someone you trust. A parent, sibling, guardian, teacher, or friend. You deserve support. Start with a female support person and in the absence of that, who you trust most. Remember you are now a woman and everything you do from this point onwards holds consequences that are more dire to you than the other participating party (except of course its female).
  
• Dispose properly. Always read instructions on the proper disposal method of your preferred sanitary product. For wipes, don’t flush, bin it. For pads, diapers and tampons, don’t flush; wrap it up neatly and bin it. For menstrual cups and discs; pour out the content in the WC, rinse it and reuse (remember to sanitize by dipping it in hot water after your cycle and air dry to prep it for next month).
• Hydrate, rest, and be kind to yourself.
  

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7. And always remember;

Angel, You are not “dirty”
Baby, You don’t need to hide it
Real hot girl, You can still swim, exercise, and live your life!
Sweetie, You’re not too young or weird for getting it early or late❤️

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8. What If Something Feels Off?

If you’re having:

• Pain that keeps you from doing normal things
  
• Bleeding that soaks through a pad in less than an hour despite using the required flow strength
  
• Periods that haven’t started by age 16
  

Talk to a doctor or a trusted adult. Your body deserves attention and care.

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Your first period is just the beginning of a journey with your body that will evolve over time. Some days you’ll hate it. Other days you’ll feel in sync. And through it all, we will be here to help you feel less alone and more empowered.

You’ve got this.

— Zortura