What's a period all about?

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In this excerpt from A Girl’s Guide to Puberty and Periods, you’ll learn what a period is and how it affects you and your body.

All about periods!

Why is it called a cycle?

So … how much blood will there be?

What does period blood look like?

How do I keep clean during my period?

What about leaks?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

How do you manage cramps?

All about periods!

A “period” is a part of something called your menstrual cycle. It happens to girls and women about once a month and you’ll bleed a little bit from your vagina. It usually lasts three to seven days. Don’t worry — it’s not because you’re hurt!

It’s a natural and normal process that all girls and women go through!

There’s an organ in your body called the uterus where a woman’s body prepares itself to have a baby.

During your cycle, your uterus builds up a cushy lining on the inside and then sheds it. This is where the blood you’ll see comes from.

Why is it called a cycle?

Your menstrual cycle has four main stages that repeat over and over — just like a circle. A regular cycle happens on average every 21 to 35 days, but some girls have shorter cycles and some girls have longer ones! A cycle can also vary. So, don’t worry if your period comes after 29 days one month, and after 33 days the next month.

1. Menstruation: days 1 through 5

   This is the part of your cycle where your uterus sheds its lining — also called your period!
2. Follicular phase: days 6 through 14

   Your uterine lining begins to build back up and your ovaries get ready for something called “ovulation.”
3. Ovulation: days 15 through 19

   Your ovaries release an egg!
4. Luteal phase: days 20 through 28

   The time between ovulation and the first day of your period. It’s sort of like your uterus’s rest period.

So ... how much blood will there be?

There is no right “amount.” On the first day or two, it is usually a heavier blood flow. And then it slows. Usually it’s about the amount of two to three tablespoons in total for your whole period. If you think you are bleeding more than this, talk to a parent or caregiver for advice.

What does period blood look like?

Menstrual blood comes in all different colors. When you think “blood,” you think bright red! But menstrual blood will often look to be different colors of brown on your underwear. And it can be very light, just small stains. Or you can see a “clot” or a “clump” sometimes.

This is all normal!

How do I keep clean during my period?

Taking a shower or bath once or twice a day can help you to feel clean.

What about leaks?

It’s good to change your product every few hours. For lighter blood flow, you can change less often. If a leak stains your clothing, don’t worry, it happens to everyone! Tie a shirt around your waist to cover the stain until you can change. And if you get your period and don’t have a pad or tampon on hand, just roll up some toilet paper and put it in your underwear until you can find one!

How to clean stains

If you get blood on your underwear or clothes, don’t worry! Washing them with some soap and cold water will help get the stains out.

How do you manage cramps?

It’s always good to ask someone you trust for advice on cramps. Some people like to take pain medicine, like ibuprofen (but make sure to get this from an adult!).

Putting a heating pad or warm washcloth on your stomach or lower back can help with the pain.

Some girls also find that exercise can reduce the pain too!