FIRST PERIOD KITS

Anywhere between 8 - 16yrs old is considered normal age range for the onset of your first period. If you don't see it by 16yrs, or if you're worried, talk to a trusted adult and make an appointment to see your doctor.

Usually around 6 months - 1 year, but for some people it may take longer. Everyone experiences puberty differently, so there is no way to know exactly when your period will come after you start seeing discharge.

This likely just means that your period is light, or it may even mean that you're experiencing spotting*. You may be able to size down your period care to a lower absorbency product as a result (like a liner) but if it's just the start of your cycle, be prepared as your flow may get heavier at any moment.

* There are many reasons you may be experiencing spotting - if you're unsure or concerned, please check in with your Doctor.

Right before your first period comes, you might notice some light spotting, brown streaks in your discharge, or cramping low in your tummy - keep some pads handy, because your first period is probably pretty close!

But before your period, you will notice signs and symptoms of puberty, like: discharge in your undies, hair growth in the pubic area and under your armpits, your breasts/chest will grow, you might get acne on your face, chest or back, and you might even grow taller, too. Everyone is different, but from the onset of puberty, your period can be anywhere from 6mths - 1 or 2 years away.

Brown period blood generally means that it has been sitting in the uterus a little longer and has oxidised. It's usually nothing to worry about, but if it's accompanied by intense pain, large clots (roughly the size of an Australian 50c coin) and heavy bleeding, it's a sign that it's time to check in with your doctor. The colour and even the texture of our period blood can tell us a lot about what's going on down there, so keep an eye on it and if anything seems off, see your doc.

Your period can be irregular for the first few months to a year or so when you're quite new to periods. This will vary from person to person, but it's due to hormonal fluctuations. If you're experiencing any unusual symptoms, are unsure about anything of if your period doesn't start to fall into a monthly cycle, talk to a trusted adult and see your Doctor.