I just started my period a few days ago, and I need help on how it all works. I don't have a mom...?

Question

I need tips because my dad doesn't know anything about it except for the fact that it comes every few weeks.

Answer 1

Well the basics of the scientific side of things is that an egg is released from your ovaries about once a month, and the lining in your uterus builds up ready for a pregnancy - and when the egg remains unfertilised cause there's no sperm getting in there, your uterus flushes out this lining in the form of your period, and the whole cycle happens again next month. Here's the need-to-know stuff though! Hope it helps, sorry if there's way more than you wanted to know....

It comes approximately every 28 days - but the actual cycle varies hugley between people and can be really irregular for the 1st year or so, you may want to keep some pads/tampons in your school bag and stuff so as to avoid being caught out. You may also like to mark with just a little star or something in your diary the 1st day each month when you get your period so you can work out how long your cycle is and when to expect your next one. The length of time it lasts for is really different for different people as well - often around 5 days, but they say anywhere between 2 and 8 is normal.

You may find you get PMS each month before it starts - eg feel really down, or moody, tearful - that's pretty normal, some people get mega-bad PMS (if you feel suicidal or something once a month you may wanna talk to your doctor about supplements or something to control it though!) I used to have a screaming fit followed by a crying fit when I was ~16! Don't get that anymore, thankfully...

Basically you've gotta find what suits you in terms of pads and tampons... you can go swimming during your period if using tampons as they soak up the blood internally (can't go swimming with pads though) and tampon boxes always include instructions on how to insert them. If you don't feel comfortable with tampons and they've got swimming at school, just get your Dad to write you a note (He can say you've got a cold or something, pretty much any excuse, if you don't want a note to the teacher saying you've got your period!) It's best to use pads near the end of the period when there's not much blood there. There's a range of pads out there - eg ones with wings to hold them in place, and ones for different flows - you might want to wear an 'overnight' one for overnight, etc... So you'll find the ones you prefer. You need to change the pad about every 3-4hrs, or earlier if it's full. There should be a little bin in most women's toilets, and you just chuck it in there, if it's a pad wrap a bit of toilet paper or the wrapper or something round it so it doesn't stick to the chute... that's just yuck! I'd wrap something round it whatever the bin... It can be kinda difficult at other people's houses if they don't provide a bin in either their toilet or their bathroom and you've really gotta change it, but usually there's something somewhere!

If you get really bad cramps sometimes a hot-water bottle against your tummy can help a bit. You may also feel a bit bloated. Make sure you're getting enough iron and Vitamin C in your diet (this doesn't necessarily mean eat tonnes of red meat - I'm vegetarian! - you can get iron through foods like spinach, raisins, etc.. You can probably find a list of iron-rich foods no prob) as although you really don't lose much blood at all, it can make you slightly more at risk of iron deficiency. I wouldn't recommend taking any iron supplements or anything unless a blood-test by a doctor has actually shown you to be low on iron, as too much is just as bad as too little!

Not sure if I've left anything out... and sorry if that was a case of mega-TMI! Better to know more than enough than less than enough... but if you do have any more questions just add them to the top bit!

Answer 2

This has to be hard for you. You can talk to your school nurse if you want more in depth advice than I gave here. To start, you might already know the basics. (typically comes once a month, it usually lasts between 3 and 7 days, etc.) When I first started, it would come once month, and then not come for another two. For some people when they first start, their period is a bit sporadic, but it tends to even out as you get older (if this happens to you). Also, the decision on whether or not to use a pad or a tampon varies. Some people prefer tampons, while others like pads. When I first started I was more comfortable using pads. You can't swim in these though. You can, however, swim while using a tampon. (You can go to the bathroom while using one as well, but you'll need to change it afterwards.) If you find that your period is fairly regular in start date, make sure to always have a pad or tampon with you a few days before you're due to start. (I tend to keep one in my purse at all times just to be safe.) You'll notice that different pads and tampons have different absorbency capabilities (light, regular, super or heavy, overnight, etc) too. It's good to have a package for each absorbency in the beginning. After several months on it you might get a feel for how heavy or light your period tends to be, and be able to buy pads or tampons accordingly. (Mine for example only seems to have two settings: regular and heavy) Things called pantyliners are also sold, and they are meant for days when your period is extremely light, or sort of "spotty". Be sure to always have extra pads or tampons with you while on it as well. Also, if you get really bad cramps, some things you can do for them without taking a medication are using a heating pad, taking a hot bath, and sometimes exercising works for people. If none of these work for you, there are numerous safe medications available, although be sure to take them in the right amount. (midol, tylenol, etc.) Only take these when you have a bit of food in your stomach, as taking any medication on an empty stomach isn't typically a good thing to do. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Hey Hun,
I bet you're probably feeling a little bit lost, huh? I remember when I started my period I was too scared to tell my mom and I didn't tell her for the first 6 months! Luckily, my period was really light in the beginning and it only lasted for 2 days at a time, so I got by keeping it a secret. The link that someone posted earlier isa good one. What people don't tell you though is that having your period can make you very uncomfortable and you may not feel like yourself during your period. You could get cramps, feel irritable, and tired. It's not all bad though - it sounds tacky, but this is really your entrance into womanhood. You are growing up, and it might not seem like it, but it's pretty fascinating. Good luck with everything! I helped my little sister though this same thing a couple of years ago, so I know exactly what you are going through! When it comes to feminine items to use during your period, it's probably easier to start with pads. They are a little hard to get used to, but they make ones that are really thin so they do not feel so bulky. I always use tampons, and I think that once you get used to the routine during your period, they are the most convenient and do not get in the way if you want to swim, shower, or do any physical activity. Good luck with everything, we're all here for you!

Answer 4

That's exactly why pads are nasty. Sitting in a diaper all day long. You're a grown woman! You're leaking blood, and you're sweating, and sitting in it all day. Ugh... disgusting. Learn your body and go buy some damn tampons. I recommend OB. When you're on your period, you should wash yourself twice a day. Taking a bath the night before and going to work with your dirty crotch is nasty. Bathe yourself. You probably do stink.

Answer 5

You will bleed an average of 3-7 days. Sometimes longer, sometimes shorter. Your period starts heavy & gradually gets lighter towards the end of the bleeding. You need to buy pads or tampons from the store. Start with regular absorbancy. Read the directions on the box. You will bleed like this about every 28 days on average. Keep track with a calendar & a pattern will develop. You can now get pregnant so if sex is an issue, use protection PLEASE.

Answer 6

The time between periods can be different for each female.
They are usually about every 28 days but in the beginning you may skip one or have a heavy one. Don't be concerned about this.
Thanks for being brave enough to ask about your concerns.
It would be best if you kept a little calendar for yourself.

One of your internet mamas!

Answer 7

they come once a month and last about 3-7 days..... use pads and change them as often as you need to.....(as long as you feel comfortable) ........... dont worry if they dont come regularly ............for the first 2 years they will be irregular!! you might even skip a month! so dont worry! and if you need ANYTHING just e-mail me!! my e-mail is .... [e-mail] ................ so remember if you need anything im here!!!!!.................. also, if you use tampons there is a risk of getting TSS ( toxic stress syndrom) so make sure you change the tampon every 4-6 hours!!!!

Answer 8

it comes once a month and keep a calender to check when it comes and use some pads and keep changing after you pee or whatever. Its pretty simple. It lasts a week but yeah you should get the hang of it later.

Answer 9

it comes once a month and it lasts 3-7 day you some times have cramps but it will get better change your pads every time you go to the bathroom and one way to tell right before you get it your nipples will get sore and you will crave food . ps.don't wear light colors

Answer 10

aww talk to your school nurse. it sucks but it's easiest to hear someone explain it outloud