Understanding Your Period

Menstrual Cycle

Your menstrual cycle usually lasts about 28 days, give or take a few. You have your period only for five to seven days of each cycle. This means that you should get your period about every 3 1/2 or 4 weeks.

When you first get your period it can be a little wacky, like skipping a month or coming after only 21 days. After a while, your cycle will probably become more predictable. Keep track on a calendar or with an app so you’re prepared for when it’s coming.

Quick Facts About Your Menstrual Cycle:

• Your cycle technically begins on the day you start bleeding.
• This "bleeding" is your body shedding the lining of the uterus, which was not needed because you were not pregnant.
• The bleeding (your period) lasts on average two to seven days.
• The second day is sometimes heaviest.
• You only lose about 1/4 cup blood during your period (although it can seem like more).
• During your cycle, between your periods, your ovaries release an egg. If the egg isn't fertilized (pregnancy), it is released during your period and your cycle starts all over again.
• About 28 days after you got your period, you'll get it again.

You may notice that before your period you are cranky, achy or just feel sick. This is called premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and happens because of the changing levels of hormones in your body.

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

PMS can include:

• Cramps in your lower stomach and/or back
• Feeling nauseous
• Migraines or headaches
• Oilier skin or more acne
• Feeling moody or irritable
• Bloating – feeling puffier or heavier than usual (because your body retains more water before your period)

How to deal with PMS:

• Exercise – you'll feel better, even if you have cramps or don't feel like exercising.
• Eat fewer foods with salt, caffeine or sugar. Salt makes you retain more water, and sugar and caffeine just give you more highs and lows – which can make mood swings worse.
• Try yoga, stretching or massage.
• Take a warm shower or bath, or just rest and relax.
• If you feel really bad and the tips above don't help much or at all, talk with a parent about taking a pain reliever.

If you miss your period, it could just be because your cycle is irregular. A missed period could also be caused by moderate weight loss, an eating disorder, over-exercise or pregnancy. If you miss your period, talk to your parents, another trusted adult or your doctor. 

Feminine Products

While you have your period, you want to absorb the flow of blood in order to stay clean. There are different options and your mom, sister or other older female friend/relative can help you decide what's best for you.

Pads

Pads (sometimes called sanitary napkins) stick to your underwear and absorb the flow of blood once it leaves your body. Pads come in many sizes, thicknesses and widths – you may have to experiment to find the best one for you. 

Dried menstrual blood can start to smell after a while, so, depending on how strong your flow is, you should change your pad every few hours (use a thicker one at night and it should last you all night).

Tampons

Tampons are inserted into the vagina with a plastic or cardboard applicator or with a finger. They absorb the blood before it leaves the body. Tampons have a string attached so they can be pulled out. When you insert a tampon, you shouldn't be able to feel that it's there. If it's uncomfortable, you probably inserted it incorrectly. It usually takes a few tries, but it's okay to ask your sister, mom or older female friend/relative for help. 

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Tampons have a few advantages over pads – you can swim with them in, they are less messy and there's less odor. It is very important to change tampons often – meaning every few hours – or when they are full. You shouldn't sleep in a tampon. 

Leaving a tampon in for too long can cause bacteria to grow inside your body and lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS), an infection that can feel like the flu but become dangerous. It can be deadly if you don't get treated right away. 

The symptoms of TSS include:

• Peeling skin
• Fever
• Feeling like you have the flu (nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, feeling confused, disorientation)
• Body aches (muscle pain, headaches)
• Sore throat
• Pale skin

Talk to your parents or your doctor if you have these symptoms and have been wearing a tampon.

Conclusion

Your period will probably come when your body is ready, which is different for everybody. You can know when to expect it and how to deal with it when it comes by talking with your friend(s), parent(s), sister(s), relatives or doctor. It is important to ask someone if you are worried or concerned.

Reviewed by: Adolescent Interest Group

Last reviewed: July 2019

For more information: See “The Menstrual Cycle and Fertility”