Getting Your Period is a Big Deal

Getting your period is a big deal. It’s a sign of your body growing and changing as you continue
 to become a young woman. You may be excited that you’re going through puberty. You may
also be nervous about what it will feel like or what you should do when it starts.

We’ve all been there. All of these emotions you may be feeling are normal. And it’s completely
acceptable to have questions about it too.

Amber is just like you. She couldn’t wait to get her period, but was also freaking out a little!
 Today, she has been getting her period for over a year. We’ve asked her some questions that
 might help you to know what to expect when your period arrives:

• Question: What advice would you give to young girls just starting to get their
  periods now that you’ve had yours for over a year?
• Amber: My advice would be to not be scared and to own your period. It’s not
   embarrassing or the end of the world.
• Question: What advice would you give to them when their period is irregular that
  first year?
• Amber: If your period is irregular in the first year or two, always keep pads or tampons on you. Never leave the house without them. And make sure to bring a change of
  underpants too, in case it gets messy.
• Question: As your period became more regular, what changes did you notice in
  your body?
  
• Answer: My period was pretty regular from the start. I only missed two months out of the year. I actually had PMS during my first period, I only had sore breasts. I did notice the
  signs that it was coming as I became regular. For me, I get light cramps, sore breasts,
   acne, mood swings and headaches.
• Question: How have you changed since last year to now?
• Amber: I have definitely changed since last year. My breasts have developed more, I
   am taller, and I look older. I have also changed emotionally. I have mentally matured
   more, and I am starting to have more adult views on things.
• If you’ve begun experiencing any PMS symptoms, what are they and how have
   you been dealing with them?
• Amber: Like I mentioned, I have experienced PMS. I get it every
  month. The way I deal with it is by remembering to be in tune with my body so I can ask
   myself if what I am feeling is rational. For any pain or discomfort, I often use a heating
  pad or take pain medication.
• Did your friends or family help you in any way over the last year with dealing with
  your period?
• Amber: Mostly, my mom and my friends have helped me get used to having a period.
   My mom is always there to answer my questions, and my friends are there to talk to me
  about it. We can also relate to each other in our struggles.
• Question: Was there anything that surprised you about having your period
   (expectations vs. reality)?
• Amber: The things that surprised me about having a period is how much blood there
  can be, and the blood clots, along with how messy it gets. I also didn’t expect to have
  cramps that can almost bring me to tears. My expectations were that I would be using
  regular pads, instead of extra heavy, and that I would barely feel pain. I also never
  realized how annoying PMS can be until I got it.
• Question: Have you had any memorable period moments?
• Amber: Luckily, I haven’t had many memorable moments with my period. Especially
  with COVID – 19, I haven’t been going many places. I did, however, forget pads once
  when I went out on my period. I had to wear a dirty pad because I was too embarrassed
  to ask a woman for one or to tell my dad that I needed a pad.
• Question: What’s your favorite thing about having your period?
• Amber: My favorite thing about having my period is feeling grown-up like it’s my special little secret.
• Question: What’s your least favorite thing about having your period?
• Amber: My least favorite thing about my period is the PMS and the blood, especially
  when it’s messy. I also hate cramps when they are bad.

Last year, Amber messaged us the following:

– Click here – to read our interview with Amber last year to see how she’s changed.

Worried About Being A Late Bloomer

Amber was worried she would be a later bloomer, but then her period showed up! Are you
 worried you might be a late bloomer? Are you wondering what to do if your friends have all
 started their period but you haven’t yet?

Try to remember these things if you think you might be a late bloomer:

• Everyone’s body is different, so everyone’s time will be different. And that’s okay.
• Your period does NOT define your level of maturity
• It’s okay to talk to a trusted adult about your concerns.

It’s not a bad thing if your period comes later than others – Own your own timeline and be
patient while your body naturally begins its own menstrual cycle.

Questions To Ask Others

If you’re feeling nervous about getting your period, it’s more than acceptable to talk to a trusted
 adult, such as your mom, a teacher or your doctor. This opens up a discussion where you can
ask all the questions you may have about menstruation. If you’re not sure what to ask, here are some examples you can use to start a conversation:

• 1. Can I talk to you about something that’s making me nervous?
• 2. Can I talk to you about girl things?
• 3. When did you start your period? How old were you?
• 4. How did you feel when you started your period?
• 5. What happened leading up to your period beginning?
• 6. Could you feel it when your period started? What did it feel like?
• 7. How often did you have a period in the beginning?
• 8. What did you use when your period started?

Use these questions as a way to begin the conversation but don’t be afraid or embarrassed to
talk about yourself too. Every experience is different, but what you’re feeling is perfectly normal
and something many others go through. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone
face-to-face, you can always check out our PeriodTalk Forum.

Where To Find Resources

Whether you are concerned about cramps, discharge or other menstrual symptoms, we cover tons of these topics here at BPP to help answer your questions. Check
out some of these other resources:

• Quiz: When Will I Start My First Period?
  
• Article: When Will I Start My Period?
• Why Haven’t I Started My Period Yet and Hello…Where are My Boobs?
• How to Make a Menstrual Cycle Calendar
• How to Handle Period Leaks
• Weekly Email Series: Puberty and Period Tips for Girls & Parents
• Learn Tips for Handling Periods Like a Pro
• First Period Stories from Girls Like You
• Period Kits to Help You Be Prepared

In Conclusion

Menstruation can be intimidating and scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Being informed makes a
 world of difference when it comes to the unknown and helps to take away the anxiety that may
 come with your first period. Be proud of who you are and the incredible things your body can do
– you’ve got this!