Getting your first period can be pretty nerve-wracking, especially when you don’t know exactly when it’s going to make its first appearance. But on top of that, it can sometimes be annoying waiting for your period to arrive, particularly when it feels like all your friends have already got theirs.
If you haven’t gotten your first period yet (it’s not all as great as it’s made up to be anyway!), here are four things you should remember, and you can always ask people who menstruate any questions you may have too.
The timings are different for everyone
Typically, people get their period between the ages of 12 to 14, usually around two years after the first sign of puberty. But this is just the average and it’s not the same for everyone. Periods are different for everyone and anyone: The timing of their first period, their experiences, the side effects. If you can, ask your mam when she got her first period, or if you have any older sisters then ask them too. Sometimes people who get their period later on will find that their mam or female relatives also got their period late too.
Watch out for the signs
While you won’t know exactly when your period will arrive, there are a few signs that you can look out for. Typically, around six months before your first period, you may notice some discharge in your underwear. This is a thin, whitish liquid which is completely normal and nothing to worry about. When your hormones are settling in, it might look different from time to time. But if it’s particularly heavy, you can also use a light liner.
Be prepared
If you’re nervous about your period coming and want to be prepared, the good news is that that’s pretty easy. Although, now that we’re all spending as much time as possible at home, chances are you won’t be caught out too badly. Grab a spare makeup bag and pop inside a spare pair of underwear, a couple of pads, some biodegradable wipes, a couple of pain relief tablets and for good measure, a bar of chocolate too. Then, you’re good to know!
Talk to someone
If you’re really worried about your first period not arriving, it’s a good idea to chat to your mam, sister, guardian or someone you trust about it. There could be plenty of reasons why you haven’t got your period just yet, so try not to worry and chat to someone about it if things get too much.