Hi I just got my first period and I don’t really know anything about it
Hi hi 💛 When you first get your period, you might be having a range of emotions – it could be shock, happiness, sadness, annoyance. There's no normal – it's all normal!
Here's what you can do on day 1:
- It's a good idea to get a period kit together, with pads, fibre-filled snacks, pain killers, heat pads, wipes – whatever makes you feel comfortable!
- Tell a trusted adult, like a parent or guardian, so they can help you out if you need it e.g. buying your period products for you
- Start tracking your periods on luna, so you know when to expect them as your cycle settles into a regular pattern (though this can take a couple of years, so be prepared for them to be a little all over the place!)
- And finally – check out luna's "periods & hormones" content in Learn. There's sooo many tips and tricks to help with managing periods
If you want to understand periods in general:
- Your period is a natural part of your menstrual cycle, the average menstrual cycle is about 28 days, but it can be shorter or longer than this – especially when you're just starting out (it can be pretty irregular)
- During your period, you'll experience bleeding through your vagina. This can last anywhere from 2 to 7 days
- You can use lots of different period products to manage your bleeding – it's a good idea to try different products to see what feels most comfortable for you
- You might experience some cramps, bloating, or mood swings. These are common symptoms, but if they become too uncomfortable, it's a good idea to talk to a trusted adult or a healthcare provider
If you have any more questions or need more detailed information, check out luna's "periods & hormones" content in Learn. There's a lot of great info to help you feel more confident and prepared.
Hope this helps – luna's here for you every step of the way! 🫶
How we answered this question:
luna's team of experts comprises GPs, Dermatologists, Safeguarding Leads and Junior Doctors as well as Medical Students with specialised interests in paediatric care, mental health and gynaecology. Questions are answered and reviewed by this team.