Starting your periods-Periods

大多数女孩开始他们的periodswhen they're about 12, but they can start as early as 8, so it's important to talk to girls from an early age to make sure they're prepared.

Respond to questions or opportunities as they arise and do not be embarrassed. Periods are natural.

Talking about periods

Try to talk about periods as an ongoing process rather than a formal sit-down talk.

You can use TV ads for tampons, or buying sanitary towels at the supermarket, for example, to start the conversation about periods. Or simply ask your daughter what she already knows and go from there.

Use clear language, like 'vagina'. Emphasise that periods are completely normal and natural – they're part of growing up.

Boys also need to learn about periods. Talk to them in the same way as girls about the practicalities, mood changes that can come with periods, and the biological reason behind periods. It will keep them informed, as well as help them to understand about periods.

When a girl starts her periods it's a sign that her body is now able to have a baby. It's important that she also knows aboutgetting pregnantandcontraception.

The questions girls ask about periods

Here are some of the questions that you, as a parent, might get asked by girls about periods, with suggestions on how to answer them:

How will I know when my periods are going to start?

Signs that your period is on its way are if you've grown underarm and pubic hair. Typically, you'll start your periods about 2 years after your breasts start growing and about a year after getting a whitevaginal discharge. The average girl will get her first period around 12 years old, but it varies from person to person.

Why have my periods not started yet?

Your periods will start when your body is ready. This is usually between age 10 and 16, or 2 years after your first signs of puberty.

Possible reasons for delayed periods include being underweight, doing lots of exercise (including dance, gymnastics and athletics), stress and a hormone imbalance.

See a GP if your periods have not started by age 16 (or 14 if you do not have any other signs of puberty). Your GP may suggest a blood test to check your hormone levels.

You may be referred to a specialist (usually a gynaecologist – a specialist in women's health) to find out what's causing your delayed periods and discuss any treatments that might help.

How do I get ready for my first period?

Talk to your parent or another adult you trust about what you can expect before it actually happens.

It's a good idea to start carrying sanitary pads or tampons around with you in advance.

If you find yourself at school without a pad or tampon, ask a teacher or the school nurse for some.

How long will my first period last?

Your first period might not last very long, as it can take your body some months to get into a regular pattern. As a general rule, once they're settled, you'll have a period every 28 to 30 days and it will last 3 to 7 days.

How much blood will I lose?

It might seem a lot, but it's only about 3 to 5 tablespoons. It's not a sudden gush – you'll just see a reddish-brown stain on your pants or on your sheets when you wake up in the morning.

What if period blood leaks through my clothes?

有一些方法可以掩盖污渍，直到您能够换衣服，例如将运动衫绑在腰间。在学校或书包里放一条备用的裤子和紧身裤。

Should I use pads, tampons or menstrual cups?

这取决于你。卫生棉条，月经杯和垫子（毛巾）是安全且合适的，如果您刚开始经历。您可能需要在第一阶段使用垫子，因为卫生棉条和杯子可以习惯一些。在找到最适合自己的产品之前，可能值得进行试验。

Can a tampon get lost inside me?

No, it can't. When you insert a tampon, it stays in your vagina. All tampons come with a string at one end that stays outside your body. You can remove the tampon at any time using this string.

Read the full answer toCan a tampon get lost inside me?

What if I forget to remove my tampon?

If you forget to remove your tampon, it can turn sideways or become compressed at the top of your vagina. This can make it difficult for you to pull it out. If you think you've left a tampon in and you can't get it out, go to your GP or nearest sexual health clinic. They can remove it for you.

Read the full answer toWhat if I forget to remove my tampon?

Further reading for girls

• "Susan's Growing Up"is a picture book about periods that has been specially developed for people with learning disabilities. It's from theBooks Beyond Wordsseries from theRoyal College of Psychiatrists.
• “时期书：您不想问的一切（但需要知道）”by Karen Gravelle, and published by Piatkus, is a well-known book for any girl approaching puberty. It explains what to expect and how to cope with periods.

Read morearticles on the menstrual cycle.