Periods. Your questions answered

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Q. How will I know that my period is coming?
A. There may be some signs such as sometimes the breasts become tender and the abdomen (tummy) may swell and feel uncomfortable. You might even feel tired and a bit moody and get a crampy feeling in the lower back, legs or tummy. Some girls get a bit grumpy and can get a little spotty a few days before their period is due to start. Gradually you will get to know your own signs and be prepared. It takes between 4 to 6 years for your menstrual pattern to become well established.

Q. How long will my period last for?
A. About 3 to 7 days. There is a small amount of blood at first and getting heavier for the first few days and then less blood until it stops. Sometimes the blood is a rusty colour and quite watery and sometimes it can be dark red and thicker. Only a small amount of blood, barely an eggcup full, is lost and the rest is tissue cells from the lining of the uterus totalling between one half and one whole cupful of liquid over the whole period.

Q. How often will I have my period?
A. About once a month. Think of all of the days between the first days of your bleed to the first day of the next month as a cycle. It can be as little as 21 days or as long as 35 days between bleeding and it can change month to month. Keeping a menstrual calendar will help build up a picture of your own personal cycle, and after a while, you will be able to predict when you will bleed again. This will also help you to know when you need sanitary pads or tampons. Also, you will be able to know if your period is late or early and will have a record if you need to see your doctor about your periods.

Q How will I feel during my periods?
A. You may feel tired and a bit grumpy if your periods are very heavy. Make sure that you take time to relax and do make sure that you take care of your diet to avoid becoming over tired by eating sensibly.

Q. Will my period hurt?
A. The bleeding does not hurt at all. Some girls do get cramps that can be felt in the legs, lower back and tummy. Putting a hot water bottle or wheat bag on your tummy may help to ease the cramps. It may only last a few days, but if it is so painful that it stops you from doing the things you would normally do, go and speak to your parents or teacher about it.

Q. How do I stop the blood marking my clothes?
A. Use either sanitary pads or tampons or both. They can be bought from the grocery store, pharmacy or health store. Sanitary pads stay in place by sticking to the inside of your pants. They can be bought in all shapes and sizes to suit you. You probably need different pads for different days of your period. Tampons fit inside the vagina. The tampon will not get lost inside you and will stay in place until you remove it. Each tampon has a string that hangs outside of the vagina - slowly pulling down on the string removes the tampon easily. Using a sanitary pad or tampon may seem strange at first. Try different types until you decide what you like best. Ask for samples. The kind of clothes you wear or the activities you are doing may help you to decide which type of protection to use. Some girls feel more comfortable wearing a tampon whilst exercising or wearing close fitting clothes or a swimming costume, but be extra careful when using tampons by taking time to read the instructions in and on the packet very carefully. These instructions will tell you how to use the tampons, and will also give you very important safety information.

Q. Will other people know that I have my period?
A. Definitely not. If you enjoy exercise, swimming and sport, you will still be able to take part, and using the most comfortable pad or tampon will help you to feel more confident during these activities. Remember to change your pad or tampon often to stay comfortable. Be careful to wash your pubic area with perfume-free, soap-free cleansing washes every day. The vagina normally has a faint odour that no one but you can smell. To put your mind at rest, the belief of a vaginal odour is often encouraged by companies who have an interest in you as a consumer of their products. The average girl or woman, who bathes each day, has no need for vaginal deodorants or perfumed sanitary products. If you feel that you have an odour problem or itching in the vagina, then visit your doctor to get it checked out.

Q. What do I do if my period starts in school?
A. Carry a few pads and/or tampons in your school bag all the time – You can bet that if you don’t need them, a friend will! If you forget, or your period starts earlier than you expected, ask the school nurse for supplies. Some schools have dispensing machines in the toilets, so check them out and keep the correct coins with you if you can. If your period starts in a lesson, wrap a sweater or a jacket around your waist and go to the school nurse or a female member of staff. Best to carry some spare pants and a perfume-free feminine wipe with you, or keep them in your school locker, so you can freshen up.

Q. Will I still be a virgin if I use a tampon?
A. Yes, but if you are worried then you may prefer to use a SANITARY PAD.

Q. What is sanitary protection and how do I use it?
A. Sanitary protection is the name given to the products used to protect your clothes during a period. There are two different types. Pads are worn inside the pants and stay in place by sticking to your underwear. They absorb the blood after it has passed through the vagina and out of the body. There are different designs and thickness of pads available. Most pads are made using synthetic materials and so if you choose these, think carefully about what happens to them when you dispose of them because they can remain in the environment for hundreds of years. There are menstrual pads available that are made from only natural materials and are produced without the use of damaging chlorine bleaches and are environmentally friendly.

Tampons are worn inside the vagina and can be inserted using your longest finger or by using a special applicator. You will need to read the instruction leaflet carefully before using tampons. Talk to a parent or teacher about tampons if you feel you would prefer to use them as well as pads.

Q. My friend says that her breasts hurt her before her period. Why is this and will it happen to me?
A. Breast swelling and tenderness in the breasts are caused by the changes in the hormone levels just before a period. It is important to be sensible about the foods you eat and what you drink to help to manage the symptoms. Avoid salty foods and drinks that contain caffeine such as coffee, cola and fizzy drinks. Evening Primrose oil, Borage or flaxseed oil have been shown to be very helpful as are Vitamins B6 and E, also being careful about the types of foods you eat. Avoid junk foods and try to eat healthy foods based on grains, fish, beans, chicken and fresh vegetables and fresh fruit. Eat organically grown foods if you can and make sure you drink plenty of water too.

Q. I have underarm hair. Some of my friends do too but a few of them hate it. I am not sure what I should do.
A. Everyone gets body hair. It is part of the changes your body goes through during puberty. Some girls choose to remove the hair by shaving or waxing. If you are happy with the way you look, there is no need to do anything other than wash carefully each day. If the hair makes you feel unhappy, you can use a special lady’s shaver, a hair removal cream or have them removed by waxing, It is your choice.