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Article List Your First Period Guide: Age, Symptoms, Duration & More

Vaginal Odor: What Should My Vagina Smell Like? Body

What Exactly IS a Period?

How do I use a Period Tracker?

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Simply input the length of your average period and the length of your last period, and let the period calculator do the rest. If you have no idea how long between your periods, make a note the next time it starts and when it ends so you have it on hand for next month.

You can also use a period tracker for way more than just predicting bleed week. Since ovulation usually occurs on the 14th day of your cycle (with Day 1 of your cycle being the first day you bleed), you can also learn and track peak ovulation.

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Period Tracker?

## A Little Bit of Funk Is Normal
Even though our vaginas are self-cleaning wonders, they’re not designed to smell like a spring meadow or a tropical cocktail - a faint scent of tang or sweat is totally fine and healthy. A well-balanced vagina will have a pH of 3.8 to 4.5., helped along by tiny bacteria called lactobacilli. Usually, it maintains a balance between vaginal yeast and bacteria, but the exact odor and pH can vary.

“*A lot of things can change the vagina from being acidic to being more alkaline,”* says Melisa Holmes, MD, ob/gyn and cofounder of Girlology. Those things include *“semen, blood, lubricants, and any washes or liquid that you might put in your vagina.”*

Sometimes vaginal odor can smell like beer or bread, which have that same helpful bacteria. Your vagina can smell slightly sweet if you’ve just eaten lots of citrus fruits, or slightly bleachy if you’re dehydrated.  A vagina can smell slightly metallic if you’re at the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle. If a strong yeasty or sugary odor is accompanied by itching, burning, or a white discharge, you might have a yeast infection. Yeast infections can happen to anyone. No biggie! Just know the signs and symptoms, and confirm with your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment options.

There are also a lot of sweat glands in the groin, Dr. Holmes says, so a lot of what we think of as worrisome vaginal odors are often just your normal musk, especially after exercising or a couple of days without a shower. If the funk bothers you, there are easy ways to keep the area clean. Wash the outside of your groin regularly with soap. Rinse the inside of your vulva with just warm water, since soap can irritate and throw off your vagina’s balance. We don’t recommend using a douche inside your vagina - that is the best way to throw off a healthy pH!

## A Fishy, Foul, or Strong Chemical Smell? Not Normal.
A telltale sign of a problem is that unmistakable vaginal odor: Fish. And not just fresh-from-the-market fish, but fish that’s been sitting out for a while. 
*“Bacterial vaginosis is the primary condition that creates that classic fishy odor.”* says Dr. Holmes, particularly if it’s accompanied by symptoms like itching, burning, or unusual watery discharge. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection that has similar symptoms (along with pain when you pee) could be another culprit for foul vaginal odor. A chemical smell that’s stronger than a faint whiff of bleach might also be a sign of bacterial vaginosis or another vaginal infection.

A good rule to follow: If it makes your nose scrunch up, or if you can smell it on your fingers beyond a few inches away from your face, you might want to get checked out by a doctor. And if you feel comfortable, you can ask your partner if they’ve noticed a change. *“One of the first questions I ask my patients is: Has anyone ever said anything to you about it?”* Dr. Holmes says. *“We can all smell ourselves because we’re so self-conscious, but most people don’t smell other people’s vaginal odors.”* If they do, it could be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis.
## What If My Vagina Smells Bad During My Period?
Some people still feel shame or embarrassment about their periods, and how it smells is no exception. But again, regularly cleaning yourself should ease your worry about vaginal odor during that time of the month.

*“What most people think of as traditional period odor is actually body odor,”* says Dr. Holmes. *“You’ve got lots of crevices down there. Bacteria loves blood, sweat, and hair. So when blood gets caught in those crevices, it will start to smell.”* 
Dr. Holmes says pads are more likely to collect odor than tampons, so if you’re worried about vaginal odor, use the latter. Change both pads and tampons regularly, and clean your crevices regularly, too. *“Blood doesn’t even have an odor until it hits air,”* Dr. Holmes says, so if a tampon smells foul or fishy right when it’s removed, you may have bacterial vaginosis or another underlying issue.

And if your vagina smells like rot, or as Dr. Holmes puts it, *“really strong and horrible like something died”?* That almost always signals a [forgotten tampon in the vagina](/en-us/period-health/yeast-infection-symptoms/), she says. If you don’t have any other symptoms, and if you’re not squeamish and can reach it, you can even take it out yourself, but ask your doctor if you need help (trust me, you won’t be the first one!). If you start to feel any other symptoms besides the odor - like itching, burning, or fever - it’s definitely time to seek medical help. And for the future: You should [only use a tampon for up to 8 hours](/en-us/tampon-truths/how-long-can-you-leave-a-tampon-in/)!
## Get to Know Your Body’s Smells
The best way to know whether a vaginal odor is normal? Simple: Smell your vagina a lot. Don’t be afraid to get very familiar with your own body. Get to know the variations of your discharge at different points of the month. You’ll spend a lot less time worrying, and you’ll know right away when something’s not right.

A Little Bit of Funk Is Normal

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## GO UPor GO DOWN

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How do menstrual calculators work?

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Glad you asked. Basically, your body runs on a four-part “menstrual cycle” — and while you might assume that phrase means just the week of bleeding, in actuality, your menstrual cycle also refers to the weeks you don’t bleed.

You start with the menstrual cycle (your period, when the lining of your uterus sheds), followed by the follicular phase (when the follicles in your ovaries mature and get ready for the prime time: ovulation), then comes ovulation (when the egg is released), followed finally by the luteal phase (when the egg makes its way down your fallopian tubes and gets ready to bleed). Knowing this, you can track your period and your cycle.

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__By: Dr. Melisa Holmes, OB-GYN, & Founder, Girlology__

There’s no question that talking about periods and body changes can be awkward and uncomfortable for everyone, but girls’ health (and their future health as young women) depends on us getting past our own discomfort to provide accurate information and support from a young age.

Research confirms that girls’ confidence plummets during puberty and reaches its lowest point around the time of her first period. It’s also well established that public education on puberty and reproductive health is inconsistent across school systems and often limited to a one-time discussion (or sometimes totally absent). 

The best way to ensure our children grow up confident and informed about their bodies and how they work is have more of these conversations at home. To help you support your children, let me share 3 tips that make awkward conversations a lot easier and more effective!


By: Dr. Melisa Holmes, OB-GYN, & Founder, Girlology

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Interact with expert content, tips, and Microsteps from Thrive to prioritize your mental and physical well-being.

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## What Exactly IS a Period?
There’s a lot to understand about the [menstrual cycle](/en-us/period-health/menstrual-cycle-phases/) and periods, but basically, a period is something that begins to happen a couple of years after [puberty](/en-us/period-health/signs-and-stages-of-puberty-for-girls/) begins. When you have a period, it means you have bloody fluid that is released from the uterus and trickles out of the vagina. Most periods last 3-7 days, then about every month, it happens all over again. It’s called the menstrual cycle because it is a cycle that repeats itself over and over. It may sound weird, but it’s totally normal, it happens to half of the world’s population, and it’s actually a sign of good health.
## Why Do Girls Get Periods?
The whole reason people go through puberty is to be able to reproduce in the future (to continue the human species!). If you have a uterus and vagina, you have the potential to grow a baby. A period is a sign that your uterus (the place inside the female body where babies grow) is beginning to prepare for the possibility of pregnancy. It does that by forming a thick, lush lining where a baby could grow. If there’s no pregnancy, the uterus releases the lining as a period, then it starts over creating a new, fresh lining over the next 3-5 weeks. If there’s no pregnancy, there’s another period, and it starts over. Periods happen this way from puberty until menopause which is when the menstrual cycle stops around age 50. Check out this guide to learn more about periods and the menstrual cycle.
## When Will I Get My First Period?
As a doctor, one of the most common questions I hear from young girls is, “When will I get my first period?” Although there’s no crystal ball to tell you exactly when you’ll start, there are definitely some hints. 
### How old will I be?
It’s normal to get your first period as young as age __9 or as old as age 16__, but the average age that most people start their periods is __around age 12__. Your age has a lot less to do with your first period than the way your body is changing during puberty. 
### What are the Signs My First Period is Coming Soon?
The best way to predict your first period is to notice the changes happening to your body during [puberty](/en-us/period-health/signs-and-stages-of-puberty-for-girls/). The body changes that predict your first period most accurately are your breasts, pubic hair, and height. Most periods start 1½ to 3 years after breasts first start growing, when the pubic hair has filled in, and about 6 months after your fastest growth in height. Obviously, that doesn’t tell you the day, the week, or even the month it will start, so you will just have to accept that your first period will be a bit of a surprise. That’s why it’s so helpful to be prepared – just in case! 
## What Should I Expect?
You already know that a period is when the lining of the uterus is released and flows out of the vagina as bloody fluid. Great, but what exactly will that feel like? Does it come out fast or slow? How much fluid will there be? How long does it take? Will it hurt? What does it look like? It’s normal to have all these questions, so keep reading to be a period pro!
### What will it look like?
If a period is made of bloody fluid, you would expect it to look like blood, right? Well, sometimes period flow can look thinner or thicker than “normal” blood. First periods sometimes show up as a thick dark “smear” in your underwear. Dark? Yep, the color can definitely be different than you expect, ranging from deep red, to maroon, brown or even black. That happens because blood changes color over time. Sometimes your period blood has been waiting in your uterus or vagina for a while before it comes out, so it isn’t the color of “fresh” blood like you’d see if you cut your skin (the older the blood is, the darker it looks). The color doesn’t mean anything about your health, so just know that if you see brown stuff in your underwear (and you’re sure it’s not poop), it’s probably your period.
### How much blood?
First of all, your period will trickle slowly out of your vagina over several days. It’s not a stream like when you pee, and it doesn’t come out all at once. Although everyone’s period is a little different, most of us release about a half cup to a cup of fluids over the entire period. It’s normal for the first day or two of your period to flow heavier than the last couple of days because the flow typically gets lighter toward the end of your period. Those differences in flow mean that it’s normal to use 2 or 3 different sizes of period protection products (for example: pads, tampons, and cups) during each period because of these normal changes in flow.
### How long will it last?
On average, periods last anywhere __from 3 to 7 days.__ After you’ve had several periods, you’ll learn what’s normal for you. If you’re not sure if your normal is really normal, you can check out this guide on how to [Know Your Flow](/en-us/tampon-truths/best-tampons-sizes-for-heavy-light-flow/) and it’s never a bad idea to talk to your gynecologist.
### Will it hurt?
Since periods involve blood, it seems only natural to think that they might hurt. The good news is that first periods usually don’t hurt! In fact, you might even start your first period and not even know it until you see it! You may get menstrual cramps, which involve a mild crampy feeling in the lower abdomen. Cramps happen because the uterus is made of muscle, and muscles can cramp when they’re working hard. There are lots of ways to ease cramps so your period doesn’t slow you down!
## Should I use pads or tampons?
Obviously, if you have bloody fluid flowing from your vagina, you’ll want to do something to keep it from soaking through your clothes. That’s what pads and tampons are for! A period pad is an absorbent, fabric-like pad that sticks to the crotch of your underwear and catches your period flow as it comes out. A tampon is period protection that fits inside your vagina to absorb the flow before it comes out.

There are lots of different sizes of pads and tampons. Large sizes are good for heavier period flow. Smaller sizes are best for lighter flow.

A lot of people think you have to use pads with your first period, but there’s no reason why you can’t use a tampon if you want. It’s your choice! Both pads and tampons are safe, even for your first period. The most important thing is to know how to use them properly and safely. [You can learn how to insert a tampon here](/en-us/tampon-truths/how-to-insert-a-tampon/)!
## When will I have another one?
After your first period, your second one can be pretty unpredictable, too. Most expect it one month after the first period, but in reality, it's pretty normal for it to happen anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months after your first period. 

Once you’ve had a few periods, the best way to predict future ones, is to write down the dates of every period you have and count how many days there are from the start of one period to the start of the next. That tells you your cycle length. Obviously you’ll need to have a few periods before you can do this, but it is super helpful for staying aware and prepared!

When you keep track of your periods like that, it’s called “period tracking” (so creative!). There are lots of ways to track your periods. You can write them on a calendar, in a journal or notebook, or use a [period tracker](/en-us/period-tracker/). Make sure you record the day you start and every day you have your flow. You might also want to note when your flow is heavy and when it is light. This is the best way to know your flow so you can be aware and prepared!
## Are There Other Period Symptoms?
Besides tracking the timing of your cycle, you may also know a period is near when you develop certain symptoms that are caused by the menstrual cycle hormones. The most common symptoms reported before a period include bloating, moodiness, food cravings, breast tenderness, headache or [menstrual cramps](/en-us/period-health/menstrual-cramps-causes-treatments/). Within a day or two after the period begins, the symptoms disappear naturally. If you experience some or all of these symptoms before most of your periods, it’s called Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS.


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# What Everyone Should Know about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

## What is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)?
Toxic Shock Syndrome, also known as TSS, is a rare, but serious infection that is caused by a specific strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Interestingly, these bacteria are commonly found on the skin, in the nose, armpits, and vagina without causing any problems. However, under certain circumstances, especially when the body has not developed immunity to this strain of bacteria, it can grow out of control and release a toxin, which is like a poison. The toxin enters the blood stream and can rapidly cause a severe illness that affects the entire body (shock).
## Toxic Shock Syndrome is not caused by tampons.
Toxic Shock Syndrome is caused by bacteria, not tampons, specifically Staphylococcus aureus. In the 1980s, TSS became more well-known because it was associated with highly absorbent tampons (those highly absorbent tampons were quickly taken off the market). However, tampons aren’t required for TSS. You can get it while using pads or menstrual cups, or no period protection at all. Anyone can get TSS. Even men and children can get TSS, and only about half of TSS infections are related to menstruation. Some other ways people develop TSS include insect bites, skin infections, or surgery.
## It’s rare.
Fortunately, Toxic Shock Syndrome is rare. To put it in perspective, you are more likely to die from being struck by lightning than you are from Toxic Shock Syndrome There are also things you can do to reduce your risk further. In a lightning storm, we take cover and get out of swimming pools. Similarly, there are things you can do to reduce your risk for TSS (keep reading to learn more!).

## It’s treatable.
Fortunately, Toxic Shock Syndrome is rare. To put it in perspective, you are more likely to die from being struck by lightning than you are from Toxic Shock Syndrome There are also things you can do to reduce your risk further. In a lightning storm, we take cover and get out of swimming pools. Similarly, there are things you can do to reduce your risk for TSS (keep reading to learn more!). 

## Know the Toxic Shock Syndrome Symptoms
TSS can feel a lot like the flu, and symptoms can vary from person to person, but most commonly, the symptoms of TSS are:
-	High fever (over 102° F or 38.9° C)
-	Body or joint aches
-	Nausea and/or vomiting
-	Diarrhea
-	Dizziness or fainting or confusion
-	Sometimes there is a red rash

If you are using a tampon, and feel very ill with some of the symptoms above, it’s important to remove your tampon right away, get immediate medical attention, and tell the person you’re with or the healthcare provider you’re worried about Toxic Shock Syndrome.
## Reduce your risk
TSS is rare, but you can reduce your risk even more by following a few recommendations:
-	Always use the [lowest absorbency tampon that will manage your flow](/en-us/tampon-truths/best-tampons-sizes-for-heavy-light-flow/). If it hurts to remove after a few hours, go down a size.
-	Know the symptoms of TSS mentioned above, and get immediate medical attention if you are worried you may have it.
-	The risk of tampon-related TSS can also be reduced by interrupting tampon use with pads from time to time.
## Will organic tampons reduce my risk of TSS?
Nope. What you use is a personal choice, but the risk of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome is the same for organic or non-organic tampons and it’s also the same for cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. The only difference in tampons that can increase the risk for TSS is the absorbency. A higher absorbency tampon can increase the risk for TSS. A lower absorbency can have a lower risk. That’s why you should always use the lowest absorbency tampon that will control your flow – and it doesn’t matter if it’s organic or conventional.
## Is it possible to get TSS more than once?
Unfortunately, yes. If you’ve had tampon-related Toxic Shock Syndrome in the past, you should consult with your doctor before using tampons. Most doctors recommend no tampon use if you’ve had TSS before.
## How long can I wear a tampon safely and not get TSS?
There’s no exact answer for this one, but there are recommendations. The United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) which regulates tampons, states you should never wear a tampon more than eight hours for hygiene purposes. Most gynecologists also recommend you change your tampon every 4-8 hours for vaginal health reasons. We know that the risk of TSS increases with absorbency, and there is no precise time limit supported by research. It’s always healthiest and safest to use the smallest tampon that will manage your flow and change them regularly.
## Let’s Recap
I know that was a lot of information about Toxic Shock Syndrome, so here’s a quick review:
-	Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare but serious infection
-	TSS is treatable, especially if it’s caught early
-	You can reduce your risk for TSS: 
-	Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can to manage your flow
-	 Break up your tampon use with pads. Know the symptoms! If you’re using a tampon and you experience any flu-like symptoms, take your tampon out and seek immediate medical attention, letting the medical professional know you’re worried you might have TSS

Now that you have the facts, you don’t need to be afraid. Tampax responsibly!


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__By: Dr. Melisa Holmes, OB-GYN, & Founder, Girlology__

The menstrual cycle is a mystery to a lot of people, but it shouldn’t be! Half of the earth’s population has a menstrual cycle and without it, the human species wouldn’t even exist! Obviously, it’s common, normal, and important, so shouldn’t women and everyone else understand it? We think so. Let’s break it down.

The purpose of the menstrual cycle (yes, there is a purpose for the monthly bleed) is to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. Under the influence of hormones, mostly estrogen and progesterone, the menstrual cycle is a series of changes that the uterus and other female reproductive organs go through about once a month.

If a pregnancy occurs, the menstrual cycle stops cycling. When there’s no pregnancy (which is most of the time), the menstrual cycle repeats itself over and over again from [puberty](/en-us/period-health/first-period-guide/) (starting anywhere from age 9-16) through menopause (which is when periods naturally stop usually somewhere around age 50).  


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__By: Dr. Melisa Holmes, OBGYN, & Founder, Girlology__

If you’re looking to learn more about when to expect a first period or how to manage it, congratulations on being prepared! Knowing what to expect when getting your period and having accurate information can really increase confidence and decrease worries as puberty progresses and first periods arrive! So whether you’re preparing for your first period or you’ve already started and just want to learn more about it, we’ve got you covered.

By: Dr. Melisa Holmes, OBGYN, & Founder, Girlology

# Vaginal Odor: What Should My Vagina Smell Like?

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## Five Absorbencies to Match Your Flow

Wondering how long you can keep a tampon in before you need to change it? Or if you can wear it overnight?  We've got answers and resources.

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## The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
There’s a lot of  science and anatomy involved in the menstrual cycle (bodies are pretty cool) and explaining the menstrual cycle can be complicated, but it’s easier if we break it into FOUR PHASES: 
### Follicular Phase
On the first day of a period, a “new” cycle begins as a hormone called Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) starts to rise. FSH tells the ovaries to get some eggs ready to release. This is called the follicular phase because the eggs grow inside follicles (which are small fluid filled cysts), and the follicles release the hormone estrogen in this phase. Estrogen causes the endometrium to get thicker and fluffier so it will be nice and cozy for a fertilized egg if one comes its way. 

The follicular phase lasts from the first day of a period to ovulation, and that takes anywhere from 1-3 weeks in normal cycles. It’s the most unpredictable and variable phase of the menstrual cycle.
### Ovulation
When an egg is released from the ovary, it is called ovulation. The changing estrogen levels from the follicular phase cause another hormone called leutenizing hormone (LH) to rise quickly. The surge in LH triggers one of the follicles (usually the largest) to pop open and release its egg, which heads into the fallopian tube and starts its journey toward the uterus. If the egg is fertilized that means a possible pregnancy. It is your body’s way of prepping for a possible pregnancy If the egg is not fertilized, it dissolves in about 2 days. 

Most  women can’t feel exactly when they ovulate, but some may notice mild cramping for about a day or two (that’s called mittelschmerz). It’s also normal for [vaginal discharge](/en-us/period-health/vaginal-discharge/) to look more clear and stretchy for a few days around the time of ovulation.
### Luteal Phase
After ovulation, the follicle the egg grew in (called a corpus luteum) continues to produce another hormone called progesterone. Progesterone keeps the endometrium healthy and is required to support the growth of a pregnancy. But if there is no pregnancy, the corpus luteum stops producing progesterone, and the falling progesterone levels cause the entire lining of the uterus to shed so it can start over again with a new cycle, preparing for another egg. 

The coolest thing about the luteal phase is that it is almost always the same length of 14-15 days in all cycles and for all women with periods. That means if you could precisely predict your next period (where’s that crystal ball?) and count backwards two weeks, you would know when you ovulate!"
### Menstruation
Menstruation or the menstrual period is the period of time that the endometrial lining is released (that’s why we call it a period). Periods  normally last 3-7 days as the endometrium plus blood and fluids are slowly released. Once the period begins, guess what? The cycle of hormones starts all over with the follicular phase, preparing another egg and the endometrium.
## Want a quick review?
Some eggs mature. One egg ovulates. The egg travels through the fallopian tube into the uterus. If there’s not a pregnancy, the uterus sheds its lining as a period, and the cycle starts over. There you have it – that's the menstrual cycle. Sometimes an illustration can help!


The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

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Your vagina is truly amazing. Its ecosystem works hard to keep a delicate, slightly acidic balance through changes like your period, sex, and ovulation. But sometimes vaginas get a little off-kilter. Do you have smelly discharge? Does your vagina smell fishy? How do you know if you have abnormal vaginal odor?  Here’s how to tell if your vaginal odor is something to worry about, or just part of your natural cycle.

Your vagina is truly amazing.

Use our free period tracker tool to learn how to track your period, find out when you are ovulating, plan ahead, and more.

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# Tips for Talking with Kids about Puberty & Periods


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## 1 - Drop the Drama around the “Puberty & Periods Talk”
This is a key strategy in creating more comfort around awkward topics because it allows you to share information that is seen as “business-as-usual” and “no big deal.” When you drop the drama, it looks like this:
-	You’re not avoiding or shying away from conversations because doing so just makes kids think the topic of “off limits” or “scary.”
-	You’re staying calm with your voice, facial expressions, and body language. Mastering this skill is ninja-level parenting, especially if you have adolescents. Practice it now. 
-	You’re using proper terms for body parts, because using silly or derogatory words for the vulva or vagina add to the idea that private parts are dirty or taboo. That just breeds more shame and embarrassment.
## 2 -Normalize Normal
As girls begin puberty and proceed through adolescence, they need reassurance that they’re normal. They also have less anxiety when they know what normal changes to expect before they happen. Knowing that they’re normal is a big part of helping their confidence grow, so when you normalize normal, it looks like this:
-	You remind them that periods are normal, a sign of health, and that half of the world’s population has periods. 
-	You normalize some of the initial awkward feelings they may have about periods, pubic hair, or other body changes, but reassure them that there’s no reason to be embarrassed or secretive about any of it. 
-	If you’re not sure about their [period problems or questions](/en-us/period-health/period-questions/), you normalize talking with a doctor about menstrual health so they begin to feel comfortable asking their own questions when they need to.
## 3 – No need to be a know-it-all 
One of the things I hear most from parents is that they want to have these conversations, but they worry that they don’t have all the facts or they might say the wrong thing. This is where it gets easy! It’s actually better to stay curious and learn together, than to think you have all the answers already. When you’re not a know-it-all, it looks like this (hint: it’s good!):
-	Rather than deliver a prepared “lecture” to your kids, you ask what they know about the topic, and offer to fill in what you know. You’ll learn a lot, and so will they!
-	You’re not worried about having all the facts because you know you can go to trusted resources (like Tampax and Girlology) to get medically accurate and age-appropriate answers to share.
-	You trust yourself to be your child’s best resource for talking about puberty, periods, and beyond. Research tells us that’s what they really want and benefit from most! 

So now that you understand the basic philosophy of HOW to talk about awkward topics more effectively with kids of any age, let’s get into some of the details:
## How Early Should I Talk to My Kid(s) About Periods?
Kids should definitely [understand periods well before they have one](/en-us/period-health/menstrual-cycle-phases/) or hear about their peers having one, but there is no age that’s too young to start talking. For young children, a discussion of periods often happens when they see their mother or an older sibling using period products. That’s a perfect time to use your “no big deal” attitude and explain 

1.) that a period is just a normal part of life

2.) it isn’t always painful (even though there’s blood)

3.) pads or tampons are how we take care of it. 

With early drama-free discussions that normalize periods, it becomes a lot easier to add the details they need as they approach or begin puberty.
## When do girls get their first period?
The normal age range for a first period is anytime between 9 and 16, but the average age is around 12. Menarche (the first period) depends more on the body changes related to puberty than on her [age](/en-us/period-health/first-period-guide/). 
## Signs your daughter is about to start her period
The most accurate predictor of her first period is her increase in height. Most girls have their biggest and fastest growth spurt about 6 months before their first period, but other body changes can signal it’s close, too. Her first period typically starts when her breasts have developed beyond breast buds and have a fuller appearance. Similarly, pubic hair has grown in beyond the sparse beginnings of puberty, to a fuller triangular shape. A lot of people worry that the first period is near when [vaginal discharge](/en-us/period-health/vaginal-discharge/) begins, but discharge begins earlier in puberty. 
## How to Start the Period Talk
Ideally, kids should know [what changes to expect during puberty](/en-us/period-health/signs-and-stages-of-puberty-for-girls/) before those changes happen, including periods. If you’ve already noticed breast buds, it’s definitely time to get talking! Although there’s no right or wrong way to start, a lot of adults find it helpful to first ask what their child knows, and then take it from there. You don’t need to explain all of puberty and periods in one discussion. In fact, it’s better to have ongoing, shorter conversations to establish yourself as a willing and reliable go-to. You also don’t have to know all the science details, but be ready to talk about the experience of having a period. Most importantly, keep it positive and reassure that a period is a sign of health and is necessary for creating life. When parents, especially moms, talk about periods as something important and healthy, their children have less period-related complaints, and it helps reduce the stigma and embarrassment around periods. 
## Questions to Guide the Talk
Starting conversations about puberty and periods with questions is always a great idea. When it comes to talking about topics that may seem awkward or personal, kids respond well to questions about their friends or classmates instead of focusing of their own changes. If talking about puberty, you might ask if you child has noticed any friends whose bodies are growing fast or if they’ve noticed any friends wearing a bra. As children enter middle school, there are lots of questions to ask about their friends or their school environment:

__1)	Do you know anyone who has started their period?__

__2)	Have you seen pads or tampons in your school health room or bathrooms?__

__3)	What would you do if a friend had a period stain on her gym shorts?__

Follow up with open ended questions (not yes-no questions) to guide you into deeper and more personal discussions. You can say things like

__1) Tell me what you know about that__

__2) How is that going for them?__

__3) What are you curious about?__

There are no right or wrong questions, but staying curious and calm will open a lot of doors for important conversations as your child grows up.
## How to tell your child about expected changes to body/mood?
A lot of children like to think about growing up, so telling them about their body changes can be a fun way to talk about growing up. [Familiarize yourself with the normal timeline of puberty](https://www.girlology.com/programs/girls-puberty-timeline/) changes, and do your best to let your child know what body changes to expect before they happen. It also helps to educate yourself and your child about brain changes that happen in puberty – one of which is bigger emotions that change faster. Remind your child that emotions are a normal response to things she experiences, so it’s important to acknowledge feelings – big or small, and learn healthy ways to manage those big emotions. 
## Should boys know about periods?
Yes! All kids are curious, and they are especially curious about each other’s bodies. When boys learn about girls’ bodies and how they work, they become more supportive and empathetic friends, partners, brothers, and fathers. Boys want to know about periods, but in many ways, they haven’t been “allowed” in those conversations. Part of the shame and stigma around menstruation has been linked to the secrecy and “girls-only” mentality of past generations. When we remove the barriers to learning about each other’s bodies and how they work, everyone wins. 
## Quick advice for dads?
Dads are such important champions for their kids, and talking about puberty and periods should be one more thing they’re great at. Most Dads didn’t grow up with a lot of information about puberty and periods, but today, there are more and more dads stepping up to learn, ask questions, and get more comfortable with periods. For dads new to period talk, the easiest way to start is to acknowledge that you understand a little about periods and you know they’re normal, healthy, and nothing to be embarrassed about. Then you can ask your daughter to help you learn more, and let her lead. She may need to get used to things herself at first, but with your continued support and positive attitude, she’ll get more comfortable over time – she might even ask YOU to pick up her next box of tampons.

Need help deciding between tampons vs pads. Use this guide to compare the pros and cons and find out the best protection for your period.

Tampons Vs. Pads: Which is better for your period?

Tampons Vs. Pads: Which is better for your period? | Tampax®

Tampax® Pearl | Find Your Flow Combo

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Is your period normal or irregular? light or heavy? What tampon size should you get? Know your flow and what it means for your health and period protection.