Teen's
Period
Questions Answered by Dr. Radha Modgil
QA &
Teen's Period Questions Answered by Dr Radha Modgil “Puberty can be a bit of a scary time. Physically and emotionally you are experiencing lots of changes which you may have lots of questions about, but might feel too embarrassed to ask. Don’t worry – these worries and anxieties are perfectly normal, and the good thing about puberty, is that everyone is going through the same thing, so you definitely aren’t the only one with lots of questions. To help, I’ve pulled together some answers to those big questions you might have, such as when you might get your period, what period protection to use and even how to use a tampon.”
"Puberty can be a bit of a scary time. Physically and emotionally you are experiencing lots of changes"
Q1: When will I get my first period? A: Most girls start their periods at about 12 years old, but it can vary from as early as 8 years to 16 years old. It is a very individual thing, and it happens as part of the process of puberty; a series of changes in your body linked to your hormones changing. Your periods will start when your body is ready. Your body will already have had some changes before your periods start, like your breasts will have grown slightly and you may have hair under your arms and in-between your legs.
Q2: Will it hurt? A: Sometimes you can get a few stomach cramps just before your period starts, and when you are having your period you may feel some cramps in your tummy area. Remember most people do not have very painful periods, but if they are painful, you can always talk to your mum or doctor for some advice or some simple pain relief. Some people find heat useful for pain, like a hot water bottle or a warm bath. If your periods are very painful then have a chat with your mum, school nurse, or teacher and they can help you see your GP.
Q3: What should I do when I first get my period? A: Be prepared - so ask a parent or a carer to buy you some sanitary towels and unwrap one to see what they are like before you need one! Carry one or two around with you in a cute case just so you’re prepared when your period starts. When your period starts the best thing to do is not to panic but know this is a normal thing to happen. You can always use some tissues folded up until you find a towel to use. When you first get your period there is only usually a small amount of blood. It will also be helpful to find someone you trust – an adult like your mum or big sister, or a teacher or school nurse, and tell them. They will be able to chat to you and reassure you, as well as give you a towel to use. Remember they have been asked this many times before and if they are a woman they will have periods themselves - so don’t feel embarrassed.
Q4: What if I'm at school or out of the house at the time? A: If you are at school then you can tell a teacher or your school nurse quietly, they will be able to give you a sanitary towel and reassure you. If you are out of the house then the best thing would be to buy a towel from the machines they have in public toilets, or a packet from a pharmacy. If you can’t buy anything or can’t find one, then using some tissues folded up will be ok for a short while, until you can ask someone for some help. Don’t panic!
"When your period starts the best thing to do is not to panic but know this is a normal thing to happen."
Q.5 Will everyone know that I have my period?
Q.9 Why do I feel crabby and sad right before my period? Sometimes people can get a bit moody, sad or more sensitive in the 2 weeks leading up to their period starting. This varies from person to person; some girls do not notice any changes but some do. We call the physical and emotional changes before your period starts ‘premenstrual syndrome’ or PMS. You might • Feel bloated • Nauseous • Have pain in your tummy • Have slight headaches. • You might also have mood swings or feel more emotional and upset.
No one will know that you have started your period unless you choose to tell them! There are no external signs anyone can see, so you are in control of who knows. It is a good idea to let one of your parents or a teacher know, so they can help you if you need anything.
Q6: How long will my period last? A: Most periods last for about 4-5 days but some can last longer, up to about 7 days. Each period will probably vary in terms of length especially for the first year after you start them. You’ll be able to use a pantyliner if you’re not too sure when you’re period will start and want some extra reassurance. They can also be useful when your flow is very light at the start or end of your period.
Q7: How will I feel when I get my period? A: About a week before you might feel your breasts getting a bit tender and a bit larger. Sometimes you can get breakouts of spots and feel slightly moody. About a day before your period starts you might feel a bit bloated in your tummy and get slight cramps. When your period starts you might get some cramps or squeezing pains, which come and go in your lower tummy. After the first 1-2 days of your period, these tend to settle down. You might feel less moody after your period starts.
Q8: How long will it be before my period becomes regular? A: It is different for each person but normally it takes about a year, or just over a year, for your periods to become regular. Sometimes even after that things can affect your period regularity, like stress.
These tend to get better when your periods starts and how you feel varies from month to month. The most important thing to remember is that it is completely normal, and a great excuse for some ‘me time’. Getting plenty of rest, trying some gentle exercise or simply having a girly night in with your friends should have you feeling better in no time!
Q10: What if I bleed through my clothes?
A: Occasionally this might happen, and remember at some point in all our lives it probably has, so try not to feel embarrassed. Just try to get to a toilet and change your pad or tampon straight away and use a damp tissue to help you clean yourself. If you are at home then you can change and wash your clothes. If you are at school, then tell a teacher quietly and they can help you and offer you a change of clothes. Try not to be embarrassed as everyone will understand. If you are using the right kind of protection, such as long pads or high absorbency tampons, then hopefully this won’t happen. It is worth trying a few different types of pads or tampons to see which one suits you. Remember in the first few days you will bleed more and then it will become lighter. Pads and tampons will have different absorbencies (how much they can soak up) and there are pictures on the packs to help you work out what is right for you and when to change the absorbency of the pads or tampons during your period. It is also important to remember to change your pads or tampon as often as the pack recommends. If you are still getting leaks and your periods seem heavy, then see your GP or tell one of your parents, your school nurse or teacher.
Q.11 Will I have to stop activities such as sports when I have my period? No, periods should not affect your ability to do sports. Actually exercise can reduce period pains. You may bleed a bit more heavily during exercise so it is a good idea to change your pad or tampon just before you do sports. There is nothing you shouldn’t do when you are having your period, except if you don’t feel like it.
Q14: What size/absorbency tampon should I use?
"There is nothing you shouldn't do when you are having your period, except if you don't feel like it."
A: Different people will need different sizes or absorbencies (how much blood a product can absorb), depending on how heavy their flow is. You may want higher absorbency products at the start of your period, and then lighter ones towards the end. When you first get your period, try using.... the regular absorbency first of all and then adjust depending on what you need. It is also a good idea to use a pad or a liner, as well as a tampon, in case you get any leaks. When you find the right one, you don’t need to use a pad as well. The key is to try different options and see what you feel best fits your needs. There have also been some great strides in femcare innovation over the last few years, so visit the femcare aisle in your local store to familiarise yourself with the products available so you are well informed when it comes to understanding the right fit for you.
Q15: Can I wear a tampon at night? Q12: Can I go swimming when I have my period?
A: Yes you can, but make sure you change your tampon every 4-8 hours. Never wear one for more than 8 hours without changing it. So make sure you change it before you go to sleep and change it as soon as you wake up, no more than 8 hours later.
A: If you wear a tampon you can go swimming as the tampon soaks up the blood inside of you before it can come out. There have also been some real advances in the design of tampons over the last few years such as high performance tampons that are designed to help protect you from leaks even when you are at your most active, as well as more discreet, compact tampons which are easy to carry in things like your school bag or sports kit.
Q13: How do you use a tampon? A: Most tampon packs have a leaflet with a diagram on it showing you exactly how to use a tampon. • It is important to wash your hands and then open the new tampon packet. • You can crouch down with your legs apart or put one leg up on the bath or toilet seat. • With one hand, hold the tampon/tampon and applicator, and with the other open the folds of skin (labia) around the vaginal opening. • Place the tampon near the vaginal opening and relax. You can breathe out to help to relax the vaginal muscles. Then gently push the tampon up inside the vagina at around a 45 degree angle. • You will see the string hanging out of your body, and then wash your hands.
Q.16 Are there any books or websites you would recommend where I can find more information? There are a lot of useful websites including • www.nhs.uk/Livewell/puberty/Documents/fpa-periods-PDF.pdf • www.fpa.org.uk/commission-us/about-speakeasy as well as booklets such as this one
For more information on any of the above, or to ask a question to Dr Radha Modgil, please contact Ellie.Gill@hkstrategies.com or call 0207 314 3143