It’s here, your first period has arrived! You might be feeling nervous, curious, excited, or even a bit unsure. However you’re feeling, it’s completely normal. Everyone’s experience is different, and there’s no right way to feel.
It can feel like there is a lot to learn when you start your period for the first time! But once you get familiar with how your period works, what to do, and how to take care of yourself it only gets easier, we promise.
With each cycle, you’ll learn what works best for you, and it will soon become just another part of life. So to help you along the way, we have put together this reassuring and handy guide to help you navigate this new time for you!
What Is A Period?
Most people get their first period between the ages of 10 and 13, but it can happen earlier or later, as everyone’s body has its own natural rhythm.
A period usually comes once a month and can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days (sometimes a little longer). Each individual is different! During this time, a small amount of blood leaves the body. This happens because each month the lining of the uterus (womb) builds up in case it needs to support a pregnancy. When it isn’t needed, the lining naturally sheds, which is when we get our period!
A first period is often a very light one. This is because it’s your body’s first time getting the hang of this new change! Your period may get heavier after the first day (usually day 2/3) or it may stay light. It all depends on everybody’s body, each one is unique! It might also take a while for your body to settle into a regular 28-day cycle immediately.
A Rundown of the Menstrual Cycle
Everyone’s cycle is unique, so try not to worry if yours looks a little different from someone else’s! A menstrual cycle (the time from the first day of one period to the first day of the next) can be anywhere from 21 to 35 days, with the average being around 28 days. During this time, your body goes through four different phases that affect your mood, appetite, libido, energy, and mental wellbeing. These four phases are:
🩸The Menstrual Phase
🌱The Follicular Phase
💡The Ovulatory Phase
💗The Luteal Phase
We dived into these four different phases previously on the blog so if you would like to learn more, have a read here.
Most newbies, experience between 12-18 months of infrequent periods. They can sometimes be several months apart, before a regular pattern becomes established. There is rarely any need for concern when this happens, unless there are other health-related issues which may be a contributing factor. Nonetheless, if you are worrying about an irregular cycle, then it is sensible to speak to your GP or Practice Nurse for advice.
What Kind Of Period Care Do You Need?
When starting a first period, most people prefer to begin with using pads because they’re simple, comfy, and easy to use. Over time, you might decide to try other products like tampons, or even reusable options such as period pants, or menstrual cups. The right choice is completely personal, it’s about what makes you feel most comfortable.
Pads and tampons come in different absorbencies (like light, regular, or super) to suit how heavy or light your flow is. As a guide, use lighter absorbencies for lighter days and heavier ones for when your flow is stronger.
If you use tampons or a menstrual cup, it’s really important to change them every 4–6 hours, and never use a higher absorbency than you need. This helps reduce the risk of a rare but serious condition called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
At TOTM, we have organic cotton pads and organic cotton tampons that are designed to be gentle on your body and better for the planet, while our reusable menstrual cups give you eco-friendly alternatives if you’d like to try something different.
Whatever you choose, remember there’s no right or wrong way to manage your period, it’s all about finding what feels best for you!
What Symptoms Might Come With Your Period?
During your period you may experience some additional symptoms too. It’s important to take care of yourself during this time and find what works for you to support those symptoms. Not everyone has all of these, and symptoms can vary each month.
- Cramps caused by your uterus gently contracting.
- Tiredness or lower energy.
- Mood changes (thanks to fluctuating hormones!).
- Breakouts or acne.
- Food cravings or changes in appetite.
- Back pain
- Poor sleep due to the drop in progesterone levels. Read more about this here
If your pain or flow feels very heavy and is affecting school or daily life, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP.
Taking Care Of Yourself During Your Period
Taking care of yourself on your period is so important on your period since your body is working hard, and your mood and energy can dip, so think of this time as a little reminder to be extra kind to yourself. Here are some gentle ways to look after yourself during your period:
Rest when you need to. If you’re feeling tired, it’s okay to slow down. A cosy night in with a blanket and a hot water bottle can do wonders.
Keep moving (gently). Light exercise like stretching, walking, or some gentle yoga can actually help ease cramps and boost your mood.
Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water helps with bloating and fatigue. Herbal teas (like peppermint or chamomile) can also be soothing.
Eat nourishing foods. Cravings are normal, but try to balance them with foods that give you energy, like fruit, veg, and wholegrains. Dark chocolate is a great treat that also gives you a little boost of magnesium.
Soothe cramps. A hot water bottle or heat pad on your tummy can bring comfort. Warm baths can help too.
Be kind to your mind. Hormones can affect your emotions, so if you feel more sensitive, that’s completely normal. Journalling, listening to music, or talking to someone you trust can help.
Tips To Make Your Period A Little Easier
Period Kit
Putting together a period kit with the essentials is so useful and handy to throw in your bag and carry around with you in school or on the go. It means you are covered and always have something on you. Having this kit ready means you’ll always feel prepared at school, out and about for example and if a friend ever needs some period care you will always be prepared for those caught short moments!
Put together a small bag filled with pads, tampons, period pants, and pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen. You could also add a few extras for comfort, such as:
• A snack for energy or cravings
• A small water bottle for cramps
• Wipes or hand sanitiser for quick clean-ups
• Spare underwear just in case!
Track Your Cycle With The Clue App
Now is a great time to get a tracking app to track your period. A tracking app helps you to notice patterns, track your symptoms, and predict your next period. At TOTM, we’ve teamed up with Clue, offering a full year’s subscription for just 52p a month (£7 a year). It’s an easy way to stay organised and feel in control. Purchase your subscription here.
Magnesium
Magnesium may be the secret to helping with period pain. Magnesium can actually help ease period cramps because it relaxes the muscles in your uterus, so they don’t squeeze as much. It also helps lower prostaglandins which trigger pain and inflammation during your period.
You can usually purchase magnesium tablets in supermarkets or health shops but you can also find magnesium in a lot of foods too like; leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Managing Cramps
Cramps are one of the most common symptoms of a period. So, resting with a hot water bottle and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen (with a parent’s or doctor’s guidance) can really help! Additionally you might want to consider running a warm bath which can help reduce those cramps too.
Your First Period Reminder
This is your reminder to be gentle with yourself as your body starts going through these changes. It’s completely normal to feel a mix of things during this time and that’s okay. Simple things like resting when you need to, eating well, and keeping active in ways you enjoy can really help. And remember, you don’t have to go through it all on your own. If you ever feel unsure or just want to chat, reach out to someone you trust, whether that’s a parent, carer, sibling, friend, or teacher. Talking about it can make everything feel a lot easier. You’ve got this! 💗
