First period signs and symptoms

The average age to start getting periods is 12, but most people’s start between the ages of 8 and 15. Everyone’s body develops at its own pace, some might start their periods at 8 while others will start in their mid-teens.

If you’ve turned 15 and you haven’t started your period yet, then it’s a good idea to see your GP just to check that there’s not another explanation.

First period signs and symptoms can include growing pubic and underarm hair which usually happens 12 months before your first period.  If you’ve noticed discharge in your underwear (clear or whiteish fluid that comes out of your vagina), this can also be a sign your period is likely on its way in the next few months or within the next year.

In the days before your first period, you might experience some premenstrual symptoms (PMS) such as:

• Acne
• Tender breasts
• Cramping or bloating
• Mood swings

Some people might see discharge that is a slightly pink colour the day before their period, while other people’s period will start quite suddenly. You might only realise your period has started when you go to the toilet, so being prepared ahead of time can help ease any worry.  

You can start your period at any time or anywhere. It’s a good idea to talk to your parent, carer or safe adult about having some period products ready at home ready for when it happens. You could also carry some in your bag and make sure you know where to access them at school in case you need to. 

If you’re worried about using period products like pads , tampons or menstrual cups, having a conversation about how to use them with a safe adult or experienced friend/sibling might make it feel less scary and you’ll be more prepared when it does happen.

Your first period might not last long because it can take your body a few months to get into a regular pattern. You might only have some light spotting for a couple of days, and you might only see brown or dark coloured blood rather than the red we typically think of with period blood.

All of this is normal and not something to worry about. It’s also common to then not have a period the next month. Irregular periods are common during the first couple of years of starting them.

If you’re not at home when your period starts then don’t worry there are lots of places you can get period products: 

• Ask a friend – if you know someone who has started their period, they might have some period products on them that they could give you.  
• Get free products from your school – If you’re in school at the time, your school will likely have period products they can give you. If you don’t know where these are kept or who to go to, it’s a good idea to go to the school’s reception or go to the school nurse.  
• Go to a shop – most supermarkets sell period products in the toiletries aisle.
• Buy products at public toilets – lots of public toilets have vending machines for pads and tampons. These are normally about £1 each but will get you out of a sticky spot until you can get some.  
• Ask – you know how sometimes when you’re in the loo you might ask the person in the cubicle next to you if they have any toilet paper? If it feels safe, you can also ask anyone in the toilets if they have a spare pad or tampon. Most people will be more than happy to help you out if they can. 
• If it’s a real emergency and you can’t get your hands on any period products, you can temporarily use something else like a clean sock or toilet paper wrapped around your underwear. This isn’t recommended, but it can absorb some of the blood whilst you locate a pad or tampon. If your bleeding is light, which is likely at the very start, you will probably be okay with just your underwear for an hour or so.

First things first, don’t be embarrassed. It’s completely normal and pretty much everyone who has a period has leaked onto their clothes at some point.  

It might be that your pad has moved, you forgot to change your pad or tampon or your menstrual cup or tampon wasn’t inserted properly. With time, this gets easier and leakages are less likely, although can still happen.  

If you are worried about leaking, here’s a few things you can try: 

• Use a higher absorbency pad or tampon on your heavier days.
• Double up on products – for example use a menstrual cup and a pad.  
• Wear dark clothing on period days so any leaks won’t be noticeable until you’re more confident with using period products. 
• Keep a spare pair of underwear with you during your period – that way, if you do have a leak when you’re out and about, you can change.
• Use menstrual cups and period pants – these can be more absorbent than regular period products meaning you may not need to change them as often. 

Getting your first period is a memorable moment and everyone’s experience is different. Here are just a few examples of people’s first periods:

• “I got up and went to the toilet- I remember thinking ‘oh no a pen has exploded I my pants’ but then was super confused and thought no it can’t be that! I didn’t know what to buy from the shop so I bought panty liners which weren’t enough for heavy days so a friend’s sister gave me some pads with wings that would give me more protection from leaks.”
• “I was 14 and at school when my period started. I panicked and used some toilet paper as a makeshift pad to try and stop the blood from leaking onto my clothes but I ended up leaking onto my skirt and coat during Chemistry and had to walk home with my coat tied around my waist. But no one noticed and after getting pads from my sister I was all set for the next day at school.”
• “I was super tall and thin, with no boobs and often thought to myself ‘why haven’t I had mine yet, and I just didn’t feel girly enough’. I remember going to the toilet and thinking ‘Is this it? No, it’s more brown then red, it can’t be.’ But then convinced myself, ‘Yes, it was my first period!’”
• “I was 10 watching The Polar Express on Christmas Eve. I had tummy ache, went to the toilet and there was blood. Told my mum and she knew what to do.”

Be prepared with lil-lets

Lil-Lets Teen Starter Pack includes a range of period products in a reusable bag, so you’re prepared wherever you go. It lets you try different options without buying full packs, keeping everything organised and easy to carry.

Check out the Teen Starter Pack