Starting your period

The average age to start getting periods is 12, but most people’s start between the ages of 8 and 15. If you’ve turned 15 and you haven’t had your period yet, then it’s a good idea to see your GP just to check that there’s not another explanation.

You can start your period at any time or anywhere. If you’re nearing the age of starting your period (around age 12), it might be a good idea to talk to your parent or carer 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 trusted adult or experienced friend/sibling might make it feel less scary and you’ll be more prepared when it does happen. 

You might not notice straight away when your period starts, and most people will only see it when they go to the toilet. Some people might see discharge that is a slightly pink colour the day before their period, while other people get no warning and will just see the blood.  

You might feel embarrassed to talk about it, but it’s really important you tell the person you live with that you’ve started your period, whether that’s a parent, carer or older sibling. They can make sure you have period products; help you understand how to use them and answer any questions you might have.  

Period products stop the blood leaking onto your clothes. There are lots of different types that you can use including pads, tampons, menstrual cups and period pants. If you’re unsure, pads are the easiest to use, especially for your first period.

If you’re out and not at home when it happens, don’t panic. It’s completely normal and half the population experience it.  

If you have period products on you, then great! Head to a bathroom or public toilet.  

If you don’t have any, then don’t worry there are lots of places you can get some: 

• 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 menstrual cups and period pants – these can hold more blood than other period products meaning you don’t need to change them as often 
• 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.