Your first period is a memorable experience that tells you that your body is ready for a pregnancy and that you will definitely remember for a long time. But when does your first period come? How long does it take and how much blood will you lose? And how do you use a pad or tampon?

We know you don't always have someone to talk to about these things. Unfortunately, it is still an uncomfortable topic, shrouded in myths and misinformation, talked about in whispers and with hesitation. It doesn't have to be this way! There's nothing taboo or hidden about the menstrual cycle, and today we're talking straight-up about everything you need to know about your first period. Find out what to expect from your first bleeding, what happens in your body during a menstrual cycle and many other useful things.

What is the first period (menarche)

Medically known as menarche, your first period marks the beginning of your menstrual cycle and means your reproductive system is ready to conceive a child. It is a natural function that all women with a healthy reproductive system have.

The age at which the first bleeding occurs, how you feel before and during your first period, and the context in which it occurs are all different for each of us.

What all these situations have in common is that the onset of the menstrual cycle shows us that the reproductive system is working as it should and that it is ready for a future pregnancy. And there is one more thing in common: the first period is almost always memorable. Many women will remember their first period for the rest of their lives.

That is exactly why it is very important to be prepared. The less you know and the more unexpected it is, the first period can be an unpleasant surprise and cause confusion, shock, shame or even fear.

As you understand what is happening in your body, that menstruation is a perfectly normal function and that it can be a peaceful experience, the event will be predictable and not mark you negatively. We are here to talk about all these things.

When the first menstruation occurs

There is no universal answer to this question. Menstruation begins differently for each woman, depending on the rate of development of her own body during puberty. Menarche can occur at any time during adolescence, generally between the ages of 10 and 16.

According to statistics, by the age of 15, 98% of girls start menstruating. Most teenage girls get their first period between the ages of 12 and 13, but it can be just as normal to start your period at 10 or 14. It is not a rule, and for a girl who develops quickly, the first period can start even at 9 years old.

However, your first period won't be a complete surprise. Before and after your first bleed, there will be lots of other changes in your body that can tell you that you're about to start your cycle. We will tell you about these signals a little below, when we talk about how you can tell if your first period is coming soon.

Signs and symptoms of first period

Menstrual blood is the most visible and clear sign of the first period. It's natural and doesn't mean you've hurt yourself or there's a problem, just that your body is functioning normally. Here are some other ways menarche manifests itself and what you can expect from your first period:

• Red or brown menstrual blood

• Menstrual bleeding can stain underwear or clothes

• Abdominal, back, leg cramps and pain

• Bloating or constipation

• Breast tenderness

• Mood swings

• Fatigue or insomnia

• Acne or irritated skin

• Food cravings

How long does the first period last?

Just like the time of onset, the duration of the first period is not exact. Menstruation itself, even after it settles, has a different duration for each woman. So the first period will have a different duration for each girl.

Usually, menarche does not last very long. It can take several months for your body to settle into its natural menstrual cycle rhythm and your periods adjust in length and intervals. Once it settles, your period will last between 2 and 7 days and will come once every 23 to 35 days, depending on how long your cycle is.

How much blood is lost during the first period

You don't lose a lot of blood during your period, even if it seems like it. In general, between 20 ml and 90 ml of blood (the equivalent of about 1-5 tablespoons of fluid) are lost throughout a period. The pad or pad will fill up and need to be changed about 3-6 times a day.

We know you feel like you're bleeding more, especially during your first periods. But in reality, menstrual blood also contains a mixture of uterine tissue and mucus that increase its volume.

What is the menstrual cycle and how long does it last

The menstrual cycle is a natural process in every woman's life, which is influenced by the hormonal fluctuations that occur every month. Menstruation is only one of the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle, and it is the most visible because it is manifested by blood loss.

Women have monthly menstrual cycles throughout their reproductive lives, starting with their first period and ending at menopause. The cycle stops only during pregnancy (or in the case of conditions that have hormonal effects).

The length of a menstrual cycle is different for every woman. It normally repeats every month, lasting approximately 21 to 35 days, depending on how long each phase lasts. There are four phases of the menstrual cycle, respectively:

• Follicular (pre-ovulatory) phase : is the longest phase of the cycle, when the body stimulates the production of follicles on the surface of an ovary, one of which will later mature into an egg. It is also during this phase that estrogen levels rise and the endometrium (the inner tissue of the uterus) begins to thicken.

• Ovulatory phase (ovulation) : The egg is ready to be released, and if it is not fertilized (if it does not unite with a sperm to form an embryo and start a pregnancy), it will disintegrate in the next 24-48 hours.

• Luteal (post-ovulatory) phase : The thickened endometrial tissue is now ready to support a pregnancy if fertilization has occurred during the ovulatory phase. If you are not pregnant, this tissue will be shed during menstruation.

• Menstruation : in the absence of pregnancy, you menstruate and the uterine lining is eliminated through the vagina in the form of menstrual blood, after which the cycle resumes starting with a new follicular phase.

This is, very briefly, the process by which your body prepares for a possible pregnancy month by month, and which we call the menstrual cycle. It's a normal but complex process and involves lots of other hormonal changes. If you want to know more about menstruation and the phases of the menstrual cycle, read EVERYTHING you need to know about menstruation on our blog.

What is the average age when the first period occurs?

It is impossible to estimate the exact age at which menstruation should occur, as the average age has decreased over the generations.

Our grandmothers and great-grandmothers used to start menstruating at an average age of 14-18, but this has been decreasing ever since.

Today, according to statistics, the average age of the onset of the menstrual cycle seems to have stabilized somewhere around 12-13 years. But again, it's not a rule. Every body has its own rhythm.

How can you tell if your first period is coming soon?

Menarche is closely related to puberty, and puberty manifests itself in many other forms. These can be excellent signs that you are about to start your period. Among the clearest signs that the start of your menstrual cycle is coming soon are:

• Breast development : menarche occurs at approx. 2-3 years since the breasts start to grow.

• Appearance of pubic and axillary hair : menstruation occurs at approx. 1 year from pubic and underarm hair growth.

• Vaginal discharge : are secretions in the form of a viscous, transparent liquid, which you will be able to observe on your underwear 6-12 months before the start of menstruation. Their role is to clean and lubricate your vagina.

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) : occurs about a week before the start of menstruation and can be manifested by headaches, fatigue, abdominal cramps, breast tenderness and mood swings. Not all girls have PMS, and symptoms can change from month to month before menstruation.

• Acne : the appearance of pimples is a first sign that puberty has begun, and that soon the period will also appear. You may also get pimples especially a few days before your period starts.

The first period - what sanitary protection should you choose

Menstrual care is strictly a matter of personal preference. Contrary to old beliefs, you can use any type of protection you want from the first period, from absorbent pads to tampons.

The priorities are to feel protected, to capture menstrual blood to maintain proper hygiene and to be comfortable for you. And most importantly, choose a healthy menstrual product without toxic chemicals that doesn't affect your vaginal pH and doesn't irritate your skin.

First period kit

If you have noticed that your body is already giving you signals that you will soon start your menstrual cycle, you can prepare now with a kit for your first period. You are much calmer and your first experience is much more pleasant when you have everything you need to avoid unpleasant surprises.

So since puberty, you can have a first period kit with you that includes:

1. Intimate wipes : vaginal discharge, which we told you above that appear before the first period, can give you the uncomfortable feeling that you are not clean. Similarly, the first menstrual bleeding can give you the impression that although you have wiped, you are not clean and need a shower. And since it's very possible that menarche doesn't happen at home, but at school or on a trip, intimate wipes are a quick and handy solution to always be fresh and quickly refresh your vulva.

That's why at Enroush we created hypoallergenic, pH neutral, chamomile-infused, prebiotic sanitary napkins . They can restore the comfort of feeling clean while protecting your intimate flora, removing bacteria and fighting infection.

2. Menstrual patches

Periods can be accompanied by pain, and as long as they are not very strong, they are normal. But that doesn't mean you have to struggle. Abdominal pain is always unpleasant, but especially at the first period, which can already be an overwhelming change.

You can get rid of these cramps naturally, without pills, using menstrual patches from Enroush . They are made with 100% natural ingredients and heat up in just 10 minutes to relieve you of pain for up to 8 hours.

3. A mini purse

Everything is easier when you have everything at hand and quickly find exactly what you need. That's why a mini-kit that can fit the absorbent pad or tampon for the first period, as well as intimate tissues and menstrual patches, will be very useful.

That's why Enroush's Self-Love mini bag is super roomy, so you can fit all your period day products in it. Plus, it's ultra-portable to even fit in your pocket, and has a stylish powder pink design so you can take it with you everywhere without feeling the need to hide your products.

Absorbent at first period

Pads are often the most convenient choice for your first period. Not because they are superior to tampons, but simply because they are easier to use, and you can even wear them at night. You just stick them on your underwear, and you're protected from spills and stains. Absorbents are single-use, which means you will throw them away after one use.

It's also important to look at the ingredients the absorbent is made of. Conventional pads may contain plastic, chemical bleaches and fragrances with allergens that can irritate the skin and cause itching, stinging or bumps in the intimate area.

We recommend that you choose 100% organic absorbents such as those from Enroush right from the start. They contain 100% organic cotton in the top layer and 100% natural fibers in the bottom layer. Nothing toxic, just pure ingredients that let the skin breathe, are soft to the touch and super absorbent.

Tampons (internal absorbents) at the first period

To answer you before you ask: yes, you can use tampons even from your first period! There is nothing wrong or dangerous as long as you choose a tampon with ingredients that are 100% safe for your vagina and use it correctly. It's just a form of menstrual care, just like pads are.

For the first period, when the bleeding is still light, you can choose 100% organic mini tampons , which have the smallest size. It is very important to pay attention to the ingredients, because they will end up in your vagina. Enroush tampons are made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and nothing else, which means they are hypoallergenic and safe for your body.

The advantage of tampons is that you can wear them even on a beach day, because they are not visible on underwear. But you have to be even more careful when using them:

• Hand washing is mandatory every time before and after inserting or removing a tampon.

• You shouldn't feel the tampon if you've inserted it correctly - even more so an Enroush tampon, which is super flexible and comfortable.

• Make sure you don't wear a tampon for more than 6-8 hours to avoid toxic shock syndrome. It is also the reason why it is not recommended to use tampons during the night.

• Like pads, tampons are single-use menstrual products and are thrown away after use.

Menstrual cups and menstrual underwear

Two more known methods of period protection are the cup and menstrual underwear.

The menstrual cup is a device that is inserted into the vagina and collects menstrual blood, positioning itself as a cover to prevent leakage. Unlike absorbents and tampons, the cup does not absorb, but captures the liquid that you will later throw away. The cup is reusable, meaning every time you take it out you will wash it and be able to use it again.

And menstrual underwear is reusable, meaning you can use it again after washing it. As a rule, this type of underwear is made of materials that absorb menstrual blood and prevent staining of clothes, without the need to wear an absorbent pad or tampon.

How do you tell someone about your first period?

It's normal to want to talk about your first period and have questions. You don't have to feel embarrassed about this topic. The menstrual cycle is natural, all women have periods and it is normal to talk openly about it.

So you can talk without problems to your mother, older sister, girlfriends or even your father, because both women and men know that menstruation is a natural function. Find a time and place where you can sit quietly and comfortably talk, and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

How to handle your first period at school

You can't control when your first period (and any periods in the future) come. So there is a possibility that it will come to you even while you are at school.

It's no problem! If you are not prepared with a menstrual kit and do not have an absorbent pad or tampon at hand, do not hesitate to ask your classmates, a teacher or a nurse. There should always be menstrual products in the school cabinet for such situations. It's nothing unusual or shameful, and everyone knows it.

We know that one of the biggest fears when you are at school is not to get dirty: your clothes, your seat, etc. That's why Enroush pads and pads are super absorbent to prevent any kind of accident. But in the end, even if it happens, it is no tragedy! It's just menstrual blood and you don't need to be ashamed. And if you're really worried about this aspect, you can carry a change of clothes with you in your backpack, as a safety measure just in case.

Myths about the first period

Menstruation is one of the phenomena about which the most myths and the most unexpected claims have been told. All of this contributes to the misinformation and fear surrounding menstruation, and has no scientific basis.

Below we talk about some of the most commonly heard myths since the first period that you should not believe.

1. PMS is not real

PMS is as real as it gets, and it's not an excuse or a whim of women. Hormonal fluctuations occur in your body before each period, changes that can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, irritability, mood swings, migraines, etc. These symptoms usually start 5-7 days before and improve during or after menstruation.

2. I should not swim during my period

There is no reason to avoid swimming during your period. Whether you're on your period or not, the water doesn't get into your vagina and it's perfectly safe to keep swimming. You can't count on an absorbent to protect you because it will immediately fill with water and won't be able to absorb menstrual blood, but you can confidently use a tampon.

3. I should not bathe during menstruation

There is a myth that women are not allowed to bathe during menstruation or stand in hot water to avoid bleeding. Again, it's a myth. Water does not enter the vagina and there is no reason to avoid the bath.

On the contrary, warm water baths can relax the muscles and help relieve menstrual cramps.

4. I shouldn't go to PE class on my period

Quite the opposite! Specialists and studies encourage physical activity during menstruation and confirm the benefits of sports even during the menstrual period. Blood circulation is improved when you are moving, which can help relieve period pain.

Not only is it recommended to participate, but it's good to be active even if you don't have a physical education class on those days. Walking, light running, yoga, you have a lot of options!

5. Menstruation should last exactly one week

There is no rule and every woman's body is different. Menstruation can last anywhere from 2 to 7 days and be perfectly normal. Especially in the first months, while the menstrual cycle is still regulating, it is normal for the duration of the bleeding to change.

Frequently asked questions about your first period

Above we told you what are the most common myths about menarche, now we tell you what are the most frequently asked questions about this topic. Find out quickly the answers to questions that you have surely asked yourself about your first period.

What causes the first period?

During puberty, your body begins to prepare to support a pregnancy. Your breasts develop, pubic and armpit hair appear, and vaginal discharge occurs. Continuing this natural evolution, the hormonal fluctuations that will trigger your menstrual cycle and first ovulation will also begin. With your first period, your body signals to you that it is ready to conceive a child.

How do I know when my next period is due?

It is difficult to predict when your next period will come, especially in the first few months. The menstrual cycle is irregular at first, and may even take a few years to settle down.

Generally, a menstrual cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days. You can use a notebook or a tracking application on your phone to write down the first day of each period. This way you can keep track to find a pattern and estimate when your next period will start.

Is it normal to have pain during my first period?

It is normal to feel discomfort in the abdominal area at that time of the month, and the pain may be stronger during the first periods. Abdominal cramps and back pain occur most often. These pains are normal as long as they do not prevent you from carrying out your daily activities.

If period pain is so intense that you can't walk, have to miss school, or can't go about your normal life, it's NOT normal! A consultation with the gynecologist is recommended to determine the causes and to find a suitable treatment.

Can I continue to exercise after my first period?

Yes, you can continue to exercise after and during your first and any period. Physical activity is good for your body and can help relieve menstrual cramps.

Do I need to see a doctor after my first period?

Menstruation is normal and, if there are no complications, the first visit to the gynecologist is recommended after starting sexual life. But if the periods are irregular, missing more than 3 months, the bleeding is very heavy or you have very strong menstrual pain, then yes, you should consult a gynecologist. You can also go to the gynecologist for guidance and recommendations if you have questions and want the advice of a specialist.