How to Prepare for Your Period

Co-authored by Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO

Last Updated: December 6, 2024 Approved

You're walking down the school halls and it hits you by surprise; you got your period! Sometimes it can seem like you get your period at the most inconvenient of times, but if you are well prepared, you can prevent it from ruining your day. This is how to prepare for a period wherever you are.

Part 1

Part 1 of 8:

Knowing What to Expect

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1
Talk to your doctor. When you go to the doctor for a checkup, they can examine you and see how you are developing. The doctor may be able to predict around when your period may start. This can help you be more prepared. You should also take this time to ask your doctor any questions you have about starting your period.^{[1]
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- Do not feel embarrassed by any questions you may have. Your doctor is used to all kinds of questions and is there to help you.
2
Notice any physical symptoms. Before your period starts, you may experience breast tenderness, cramping, stomach bloating, and acne. You may not experience any symptoms the first time you have your period though.^{[2]
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- Ask your parent about a hot water bottle/heating pad or taking pain medicine to help with your symptoms.
- The older you get, it will be easier to tell when your period is coming. This is because your period will be more consistent and you will be more used to your period and its symptoms.
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3
Recognize when your period starts. Your period will usually begin between the ages of 12 and 14 and above. Menstrual blood will begin to come out of your vagina. This blood can be different shades of red and brown and may include clots. If you have not gotten your period by the time you are 15, you need to talk to your parents and your doctor.^{[3]
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- If you feel any wetness, go to the bathroom to see if your period has started. There is a possibility it could just be discharge.
- Your first period may only last for a few days and be very light. You may only see some reddish and/or brown spots. It should last from two to seven days.
- You can wear panty liners if you suspect that your period may be starting soon. This will protect your clothes until you can use a pad, tampon or menstrual cup. Period underwear can also be used before your period. There is also less chance of leaking this way.
4
Predict when your next period may start. Your menstrual cycle begins the first day that you bleed. A cycle usually lasts between 21 and 45 days. The average cycle is 28 days. It is helpful to mark on a calendar or use a phone app to keep track of your period. You will begin to recognize a pattern and know when your cycle will start.
- Mark the first day your period starts, and then count the days until you bleed again. This will help you figure out the length of your cycle.
- Your periods may not come every month when you first start your period. It may take up to six years before you have a regular cycle.
- The average length of menstrual cycle during the first year is about 32 days.^{[4]
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- See your doctor if your period comes more often than every 21 days or less often than every 45 days. Also see your doctor if your period was once regular, but you begin to have irregular periods.

Part 2

Part 2 of 8:

The Telling Signs

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A period is a standard sign of puberty.
There are ways of telling if your period is coming. One way of telling if your period is near is vaginal discharge. Discharge is a yellow/white substance that appears in your underwear. Once you get your discharge, your period could come within six months to up to two years time. Some people choose to wear a pantyliner to protect their underwear from discharge.^{[5]
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Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.} You can expect your period about two years after you get breast buds. This doesn't mean you will start to wear a bra straight away, as you probably will not have a need for one during the first stages of breast development.^{[7]
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Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.} Just after your breasts start to form, you'll probably start growing pubic hair (hair on and around your vulva). It will be soft and thin at first, but it’ll get coarser over time. Your period usually arrives around one to two years after pubic hair growth.^{[9]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 8:

Getting the Proper Supplies

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1
Choose a product to collect period blood. Pads, tampons, and menstrual cups can all be used to collect period blood and keep you from getting stains on your clothes. Most people start off with pads, but try different products until you find something that you like. Pads and tampons come in different sizes.^{[10]
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Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.} Products that say "light" or "slim" are for a lighter flow, and products that say "heavy," "super," or "overnight" are made for a heavier blood flow.^{[11]
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- All menstrual products come with instructions. Read them before you use the products.
- It will take practice for you to feel comfortable using the products. Take your time and don't get frustrated.
- Do not use scented menstrual products. These products can irritate your skin and vagina.^{[12]
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  Research source} Avoid perfumes and sprays as well.
- For if your periods aren't too heavy, you can wear period underwear.
- You can get reusable pads and panty liners. Many people find them to be more comfortable and convenient.
2
Know how to use a tampon. Tampons are plugs of cotton that you insert into your vagina. You can't feel a tampon once it is inside of you. Most people sit on the toilet, squat, or put one leg up when they insert the tampon. Find a position that works best for you. Inserting a tampon should not be painful, but it may feel uncomfortable at first.^{[13]
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- Wash your hands before inserting the tampon.
- Relax when you insert the tampon. It can be painful if you do not relax.
- Using a tampon with an applicator will make it easier to insert. You can also buy reusable applicators, which can be used with non-applicator tampons.
- Change your tampon every three to four hours.
- You should not wear a tampon for longer than eight hours as this puts you at risk for toxic shock syndrome (TSS). It may be best to wear period underwear, a menstrual cup or a pad when you are sleeping.
- The reason for not wearing tampons at night is they absorb moisture. This makes the tampon become larger. Since you sleep for a long time, usually the tampon will be larger and possibly a little more difficult to remove. The tampon will also not hold that much, so it may leak during the night.
- Tampons are good for swimming and sports activities.
- Use the string on the end of the tampon to remove it. If the string breaks, it is okay. You can gently use your fingers to find the end of the tampon and remove it.^{[14]
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  Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
  Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
  
  Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.}
- Do not flush tampons or applicators in the toilet. Thick blocks the toilet and can damage the ecosystem.
- If you are having problems, ask someone you trust to help you.
- Using a small amount of water-based lubricant may make it more comfortable for you to insert the tampon. This is especially useful if this is new to you.
3
Know how to use a pad. Pads are placed in your underwear and most have an adhesive strip that helps them stay in place. Use pads with wings or flaps to help you feel more secure and to better protect your clothes and underwear.^{[15]
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- Change your pad every three to four hours.
- Pads are safe to wear overnight.
- Reusable pads don't have an adhesive strip, but will instead have a popper to keep it in place.
- Do not ever flush your pad down the toilet. Wrap it in toilet paper or the wrapping or your new pad and put it in the trash. If you have a reusable pad, put it in the wash after use.
- Do not go swimming in a pad. The pad will absorb the water and become bulky.
- If you are having problems, ask your parent or someone you trust to help you.
4
Consider a menstrual cup. Menstrual cups are made of rubber, silicone, or plastic and are inserted into your vagina. They are shaped like small bells and are reusable. The cups can look large and intimidating, but they will fit into your body. Like tampons, you will not be able to feel the cup once it has been inserted properly. Cups are usually more difficult to use than tampons and pads and will take more time to get used to.^{[16]
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- Read the instructions that come with the cup for the best way to insert the cup. Instructions will tell you how to insert, remove, and properly clean the cup.
- Always wash your hands before inserting and taking out the cup.
- Menstrual cups can safely be worn overnight and for up to 12 hours.
- To remove a menstrual cup, put your hands inside your vagina and pinch the cup. This will release the cup from your vaginal walls. Once you grip the cup, pull it out and then empty the cup into the toilet. Wash the cup with mild, unscented soap and warm water before reinserting.
- If you are having problems, ask your mother or someone you trust to help you.
- Water based lubricants can be used with a menstrual cup. This may make it easier to insert and remove the cup, especially when your period is lighter.
5
Use a panty liner for extra protection. Panty liners are very thin pads that you can use when you wear a tampon or a menstrual cup. The panty liner will protect your clothes and underwear from any leakage. You can also wear a panty liner when your flow is light, and you do not want to wear a pad, tampon, or menstrual cup.^{[17]
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- Period underwear is a good alternative to panty liners.
- You can also get reusable panty liners.
6
Make a period kit to take to school. Your period kit should contain the menstrual products of your choice (e.g. pads, tampons, menstrual cup, and panty liners) and extra underwear. You can also include an extra set of clothes in your kit. You can keep this in your backpack, purse, or locker.^{[18]
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- Talk with your parent, older sibling, or another person that you feel comfortable with. They can help you be prepared.
- Take your kit with you if you spend the night at a friend's house.

Part 4

Part 4 of 8:

Preparing for the First Period

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Once you've had discharge, you should start thinking about being prepared. It might be a good idea to create a mini kit for yourself, small enough to take anywhere you go (such as school). Get a starter kit targeted at tweens and teens; check your local pharmacy.
Most first periods are light, so maybe have some regular or light absorbency products. Everyone is different, so just in case your period comes heavy, it may be a good idea to have a couple of products for heavy flow just in case. It's a good idea to wait until you've had a few periods and/or are comfortable with them before you start wearing tampons.
Consider wearing panty liners or period underwear if you think your period may start soon, just in case you start when you don't expect to.
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Part 5

Part 5 of 8:

Knowing the First Period is Coming

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You will see bright red marks or brown dark sticky marks, this means your period is coming soon. If your period is really light, the marks may be pink.
Your lower back, vagina and legs might hurt and your body also might start to hurt a little.^{[20]
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Part 6

Part 6 of 8:

Coping with Emergencies

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If you haven't prepared and you start your period unexpectedly, then go to your school nurse (if you're at school), a friend (if you're with one) or your parent and ask for a pad or tampon.^{[21]
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Don't be embarrassed. If they say no, go up to them and quietly explain the situation. If they still say no again, just quickly leave. The nurse will most likely give you a note that excuses you.
3
Wear a night pad before you go to bed. This is a good idea to stop leakage emergencies while sleeping. Menstrual cups are also an option for wearing to bed. You can also use waterproof sheets or put a towel underneath you as you sleep if you worry about staining.
- Never wear a tampon to bed. Tampons need to be changed every few hours or you may risk getting toxic shock syndrome.
- Period underwear designed for heavy flow can also work.

Part 7

Part 7 of 8:

General Expectations for Period Experiences

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However, do not wear tampons when you're not on your period!
Again, this depends on the person. Mark the date from when it started to when it ended. Then you'll know to expect it around that time.^{[22]
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If you’re thinking your stomach looks fuller than it did a few days ago (not related to eating), that might be some period-related bloating. You could also have either diarrhea or constipation, cramps, and nausea. Some people start craving specific foods and eating a little more than usual, too, so be careful that you keep snacking on healthy things.
You’re not a drama queen, but you’ve been feeling pretty weepy the past few days. That’s probably a sign that your period is right around the corner. You could also be more irritated than usual or have trouble sleeping. In more severe cases, some people have trouble remembering things and concentrating in the days leading up to their periods.^{[23]
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Acne tends to pop out on your face when your period shows up because your hormones are going wild. These may also appear just before your period.
You might feel more tired than usual. Alternatively, you may find you have trouble getting to sleep.

Part 8

Part 8 of 8:

Dealing with Common Issues

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1
Be prepared for leaks. Sometimes blood will leak through your clothes. It is okay, most people who have periods have experienced this before or will at some point. If you are at home, change your clothes immediately. If you are not home, you can tie a jacket or sweater around your waist to hide the blood and then change your product.^{[24]
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- You can also keep a change of clothes in your school locker.
- As soon as you can, rinse your underwear and clothes with cold water and then put them in the washing machine. You will hopefully be able to get rid of the stain. Use stain remover if you can.
2
Know what to do if you do not have any supplies. If you do not have a period product, ask a friend, teacher, or school nurse. You can also go to the office and ask to call your parents to bring you the supplies that you need. If you are desperate, fold up tissue or toilet paper and put them in your underwear to protect your clothes.^{[25]
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- Some schools have tampon and pad dispensers in the bathroom. These may or may not cost money.
- The toilet paper and tissue will not last for long. Try to find a pad or tampon as soon as you can — the school nurse is your best bet. Remember that the nurse is a healthcare professional and you don't need to feel embarrassed to go to them and ask for help.
3
Change your pad or tampon at school. You may need to excuse yourself from class to insert and/or change a pad or tampon. You can quietly tell your teacher, "I need to go to the bathroom." If they say no, you can tell them you are on your period, or say something less direct like, "It is that time of the month." Your teacher will know that you are on your period. You can also ask to go to visit the school nurse.
- Many bathrooms have a small trashcan in the stall that you can throw your used pads, tampons, panty liners, and tampon applicators in. If you cannot throw it away in your stall, wrap the used product in toilet paper and then throw it away in the nearest trashcan.
- Most girls will have their period. You will not be the only person changing their pad or tampon at school.
4
Know that you can do everything you usually do. Many people worry that they cannot swim or play sports when they are on their period or that other people will notice that they are on their period. None of that is true. No one else will know that you are on your period unless you tell them.^{[26]
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- Other people cannot smell you when you are on your period. As long as you change your products regularly, you will be fine.
- You may choose to wear a tampon or menstrual cup when you are swimming and playing sports. For some,they are more comfortable than wearing a pad and will allow you to move around better.^{[27]
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Get Comfortable with Tampons with this Expert Series

Using tampons is a new experience, and it can be intimidating. Don't worry, we have all the expert advice you need to use them effectively and painlessly.

1

How to Put in a Tampon for the First Time

2

Use a Tampon

3

Not Be Afraid the First Time You Use a Tampon

4

Insert a Tampon Without Applicator

5

Use a Tampon Painlessly

6

How to Remove a Tampon

Expert Q&A

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Question

How will I know I'm close to getting my first period?

Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Dr. Rebecca Levy-Gantt is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist running a private practice based in Napa, California. Dr. Levy-Gantt specializes in menopause, peri-menopause and hormonal management, including bio-Identical and compounded hormone treatments and alternative treatments. She is also a Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner and is on the national listing of physicians who specialize in menopausal management. She received a Masters of Physical Therapy from Boston University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO

Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Answer

You'll typically notice your breasts starting to develop as well as hair growing under your arms and in your pubic area.

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Replace your tampon at least every 6-8 hours or you could get a potentially fatal illness called toxic shock syndrome. This is fortunately rare, and is caused by bacteria having a chance to grow on an unchanged, old tampon.^{[28]
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Nobody can tell you if you are on your period, so don't worry about it! Smile, laugh, and hang out with your friends as usual. Remember, there are other people who are going through the exact same thing. Even if someone does know you are on your period, it's not the end of the world. Half the world's population will get their period at some point.

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Unfortunately, children and teenagers are more prone to period pains (stomach and/or vaginal cramps during your period). If you have intense pain during your first period, be sure to buy a hot water bottle or heat pack to hold on your tummy. Also, stock up on painkillers, but only take these when necessary, and bear in mind they can take up to an hour to take effect.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Carry an emergency kit — include pads, liners, tampons, extra underwear and perhaps clothes in your backpack or purse. This helps you prepare for if your period starts unexpectedly.
Getting your first period can be daunting, but it's a normal part of growing up. Talk to your mom, friends or another trusted female if you need advice or reassurance.
Discuss birth control options with your doctor, especially if periods are very heavy or painful. Hormonal methods can help regulate and lighten periods.
To deal with leaks, tie a sweater around your waist. At home, rinse clothes in cold water, then wash. Stains should come out if tended to promptly.
At school, politely tell teachers "it's that time of the month" if you urgently need the restroom. Nurses can also provide products discreetly.
Mark period start/end dates on a calendar. This helps you predict timing for future cycles. Duration and flow will vary each month.

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Warnings

Tampons are associated with toxic shock syndrome, or TSS. To lower the risk of contracting TSS, never leave a tampon in for more than 6-8 hours.

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If you have sex within 48 hours of your period, this may cause your cycle to be late, and make you pregnant. Don't believe the rumor about being immune to pregnancy near your period.

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