First period symptoms: Eight signs that your period is coming

Starting your period is just one part of puberty and tends to happen a couple of years after puberty starts.  Watching out for other signs of puberty can help you understand when your period might appear. Here are some of the most common signs of puberty:

1. Developing breasts: It can take three to four years for your breasts to fully develop, but you can expect your period about two years after your breasts start developing. The breasts may feel tender and grow in size. This is a sign that the body is starting to prepare for menstruation, even if the period doesn’t arrive immediately.

2. Growing pubic hair: While not directly linked to menstruation, the growth of body hair is a clear sign that the body is entering a stage of reproductive maturity. Your period usually arrives around one to two years after.

3. Discharge: Vaginal discharge (clear, white or yellowish fluid) can appear – it is normal, natural and how the body keeps the vagina clean, and a signal that the reproductive system is maturing. You may notice that the discharge may be clear, white, creamy, thick or thin and shouldn’t have an offensive smell.  You may want to start using panty liners to protect your underwear.

4. Changes in your skin: Hormonal fluctuations in puberty can lead to changes in skin, especially an increase in acne or oily skin. While acne may not happen for every girl, it’s a common development, there are lots of treatments available if your skin is concerning you from your doctor.

5. Mood changes: Your homones don’t only affect your genitals and reproductive system, they affect every part of your body including your brain. You may notice symptoms like mood changes, anxiety or irritability, while mild changes are common if you are struggling please ask for help from your doctor.

6. Mild cramps: These cramps can feel like a dull ache or discomfort and are related to the body’s preparation for menstruation.

7. Tiredness or fatigue: It’s those changing hormones again, fatigue can be linked to the hormonal shifts that occur as the body goes through puberty and prepares for the first period. Girls might find themselves needing more rest, especially during this period of rapid physical and emotional changes.

8. A change in body shape: This can include an increase in body fat around the hips, thighs, and waist, which is part of the body’s preparation for reproduction. Your body is beautiful and powerful!

Since you never know when you’ll get your first period, it’s a good idea to be prepared.

Here are some ideas:

• Prepare a period kit containing a panty liner, period pad and clean underwear.
• Pop one into your school bag, your handbag and in the bathroom at home.
• Schools will have a supply of period products available for you to use, they may not be in the bathrooms though you may have to ask the school nurse or at the office
• You might also want to have something in case you have some period cramps such as a hot water bottle or heat pad, or ask your parents to have paracetamol available if needed
• And don’t forget a little treat, your first period is a milestone that you might want to mark!

If you have missed three periods in a row or have not started menstruating by the age of 15, you may have a condition called primary amenorrhea. This affects some women who produce lower levels of oestrogen. You should see a doctor if you think you may have primary amenorrhea; if breast growth has not started by age 13, or if your period has not started three years after breast growth.

If you have no signs of puberty or breast growth by the age of 13, or if your period doesn’t appear by age 15 please see your doctor to be checked over.

Once the periods do start they can take a few years to become regular, but if they were regular and then you miss three to six months then again please see your doctor.

There are many causes of irregular or missed periods from you have recently started your periods, to extreme exercise and weight changes, PCOS and other hormonal issues, pregnancy and more.

There are several products available to help manage your period. Some of these were less commonly used years ago so older family members might not be aware of them.  Many women will try various different period products at different points, there is no right or wrong, only what you prefer!

Period products are sometimes called feminine hygiene products, but this isn’t a great name as you and your period aren’t dirty!  In fact some people choose not to use period products at all, but to ‘freebleed’ perhaps sleeping or sitting on a towel instead.

• Period pads – These absorbent pads stick to your underwear after you remove the adhesive strip. Some come with wings that fold over the edge of your underwear for better protection against leaks. Pads also come in different sizes and absorbency levels,to use on days when your flow is heavier or lighter so you can get just the right fit for you.  Don’t throw used pads down the toilet, instead wrap either in the wrapper, disposable paper bag or toilet paper and put in a lidded bin.
• Panty liners – These are light pads that can be worn on very light days, or if you prefer if you have heavy discharge. Like regular pads, they stick to your underwear with an adhesive strip. You might choose to wear a panty liner a few days before your period is supposed to come so you feel protected whenever it arrives.
• Tampons – These are inserted into your vagina with or without the use of an applicator. After wearing them for between four to six hours, you remove them by pulling on the string attached.
• Menstrual cups - Menstrual cups are soft, flexible cups made from medical-grade silicone or rubber that you fold and insert into the vagina. Instead of absorbing blood, they collect it. Cups can be worn for up to 8–12 hours depending on your flow, making them a low-waste, long-lasting option. Many people find them comfortable once they learn how to insert and remove them, though it can take a little practice. Cups need to be washed and emptied regularly and sterilised between cycles.
• Menstrual discs - Menstrual discs are similar to cups in that they collect blood rather than absorb it, but they sit higher up in the vagina—so the fit can feel different. They’re usually single-use or reusable depending on the brand. As with cups, learning to insert and remove a disc can take practice, but many people find them convenient once they get used to them.
• Period underwear - Period underwear looks and feels like normal knickers but has built-in absorbent layers that trap menstrual blood and prevent leaks. They come in different absorbency levels, from light to heavy flow, and can be washed and reused, making them a popular eco-friendly choice. They can also be used as backup with other period products. After wearing them, you simply rinse, wash, and let them dry before using again.

It isn’t possible to tell in advance if your first period is going to be painful.

Period pain is extremely common, with around 80% of women and girls experiencing it at some point, though some studies suggest the numbers are even higher, up to 96% of women and girls report pain.  It often shows up as cramping or a heavy, achy feeling in the lower tummy or back. This happens because the uterus gently tightens (contracts) to shed its lining. Some people only notice mild discomfort, while others feel it more strongly.

Period pain is more likely if your periods are heavy, long, or irregular, or if you’re going through a stressful time. Many people also find that periods become less painful as they get older.

There are simple things you can try to help manage cramps:

• Heat, such as a warm water bottle or heating pad on your tummy or back
• Gentle movement, stretching, or walking
• Simple, over the counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol
• Rest and staying hydrated

Some people also notice changes in their mood, skin, or migraines around their period because of hormonal fluctuations. Learn more about PMS in this article.

If your pain doesn’t improve with usual pain relief, becomes worse over time, or starts to interfere with school or daily activities, you should see your doctor. You don’t have to struggle through difficult periods, there are effective treatments and support available.