Understanding Your Period: A Guide for Tweens
As you get older, your body starts to change in all sorts of ways, and one of the biggest changes you’ll experience is your period. It’s totally normal to feel a little bit unsure or even confused at first—your body is doing a lot of new things, and it can feel overwhelming. But guess what? You’re not alone, and we’re here to help you make sense of everything!
Your period is a natural part of growing up, and it’s nothing to be afraid of. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s happening in your body, what to expect when your period starts, and how to take care of yourself. You’ll learn about your cycle, how to stay comfortable, and how to embrace this awesome (and totally normal) part of your journey. So let’s dive in and take the mystery out of your period—because you’ve got this!
Hormones and the Phases of the Cycle
Your period is controlled by hormones, which are chemicals produced in your body that send signals to different organs. Every month, your body goes through a cycle with four phases:
- Menstrual Phase (Your period): This is when your body sheds the lining of your uterus (the place where a baby would grow). It lasts around 3-7 days, and you’ll see blood.
- Follicular Phase: After your period ends, your body starts to prepare for a possible pregnancy by making an egg grow inside one of your ovaries.
- Ovulation: This is when the mature egg is released and travels down the fallopian tube. This is usually around the middle of your cycle.
- Luteal Phase: After ovulation, if the egg isn’t fertilized, your body prepares for your next period.
Each phase can affect how you feel, so understanding what’s happening can help you feel more in control. If you want to learn more about the phases in the cycle we have a downloadable book.
Tracking Your Cycle
Tracking your cycle is a great way to know when to expect your period and spot any changes in your body. You can use an app, a calendar, or even a notebook to keep track of when your period starts and ends. Apps are super handy because they send reminders, but writing it down works too!
When you track your cycle, you can also note things like mood changes, cramps, or cravings. This way, you can spot patterns and be more prepared when your period is coming! Plus, it’s always helpful to know what’s normal for your body.
What to Expect
Everyone’s period is different, and that’s totally fine! Some people have a light flow, while others have a heavier one. It’s also completely normal to have cramps, headaches, or mood swings, especially when you’re getting used to your cycle. One great tip is to pack a small “period bag” to keep in your school bag. You can add fresh underwear in case of a leak, and throw in a pack of wet wipes so you can clean yourself up if needed. Being prepared will help you feel more confident and ready for anything.
What Colours Should You Expect?
When your period starts, the blood you see might not always be bright red like you see in movies. Period blood can come in different shades, and that’s totally normal! Here’s what you might notice:
- Bright Red: This is usually the blood that comes out at the beginning of your period and means it’s fresh.
- Dark Red or Brown: This might happen towards the end of your period. It’s just blood that’s been in your body for a little longer, so it looks darker.
- Pinkish: Sometimes, your blood might look a little pink, especially if your flow is light. It’s just a mix of blood and body fluids.
Choosing the Right Period Products
When it comes to picking period products, there are lots of options, and the right choice is different for everyone! If you decide to try tampons, make sure you pick the right size for your flow. If you’re just starting your period, it’s best to go for a lighter absorbency tampon. Organic tampons can be a great choice because they’re made with fewer chemicals, so your body doesn’t absorb as many unwanted ingredients.
But tampons aren’t your only option! There are also pads, pantyliners, period underwear (which is my personal favourite!), and even menstrual cups. Each option has its own perks, so you’ll need to try a few to see what works best for you.
I definitely recommend giving period underwear a try—because they’re washable, reusable, and a safe option that can help keep you comfortable and confident. It might take some time to figure out what feels right, but once you do, you’ll know exactly what makes you feel your best during your period!
Period Hygiene: Staying Fresh and Safe
When you’re on your period, it’s super important to stay clean to help avoid infections and stay comfortable. Here are some hygiene tips to keep in mind:
- Wash your hands: Always wash your hands before and after changing your period products. It helps keep things clean and prevents germs.
- Change your products regularly: Whether you’re using tampons, pads, or period underwear, it’s important to change them regularly to avoid any risk of infections.
- Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): This is a rare but serious infection that can happen if you leave a tampon in for too long.
If you start feeling really dizzy, have a rash, or get a fever, let a trusted adult or doctor know right away.
Cravings, Nutrition & the gut
You might find yourself craving chocolate or salty snacks when you’re on your period, but you’re not alone! Your body goes through hormone changes, and that can make you want certain foods more. It’s totally fine to treat yourself every now and then, but try to balance it out with healthy meals too.
Eating foods like whole grains, fruits, and veggies will help keep your energy up and your body feeling good. A mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbs is like giving your body the fuel it needs to feel its best! So go ahead and enjoy those snacks, but make sure to give your body the nutrients it needs to keep everything running smoothly.
Your gut is full of tiny creatures like bacteria and yeast—known as the microbiome. These little guys help your body break down and recycle hormones like estrogen. When your gut is healthy, it helps keep your hormones in check. But if the balance of these tiny creatures gets thrown off, it can cause too much estrogen to stay in your system. This might make you feel bloated, have mood swings, or experience heavy periods. Also, if your gut gets inflamed (which can happen if it’s not happy), it can stop your body from getting the vitamins and nutrients it needs to make and manage hormones properly. And when the lining of your gut is damaged, it can create even more problems, making things like cramps or mood changes worse. Taking care of your gut means you’ll be taking care of your hormones too!
Moving Your Body to Feel Better
When cramps hit, moving your body might be the last thing you want to do, but it can actually help you feel better! Gentle exercise, like light stretching, yoga, or a relaxing walk, can work wonders to ease cramps. If you’re up for it, dancing to your favourite tunes can be a fun way to lift your mood and get your body moving without any pressure. So, when you’re feeling a bit uncomfortable, try some light movement to help you feel better!
Feeling All the Feels? That’s Normal!
It’s totally normal to feel more sensitive or moody during your period. Your hormones are changing, and that can make your emotions feel all over the place. But guess what? It’s okay to feel however you’re feeling!
Taking time for yourself is super important. You can try journaling about your thoughts, doing some calming breathing exercises, or listening to soothing music to help you relax. Remember, taking care of your mind and body during this time will help you feel your best!
Talking About Periods
Periods are nothing to be embarrassed about. Everyone goes through it, and it’s important to talk openly about it with your friends, family, or a trusted adult. The more you talk, the easier it becomes!
You’ve Got This!
Your period is a natural part of growing up, and while it might feel a little tricky at first, you’ll get the hang of it! Remember, everyone’s experience is different, and that’s okay. The most important thing is to listen to your body, take care of yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Whether it’s choosing the right products, managing cramps, or just talking about how you’re feeling, you’re not alone. You’ve got everything you need to handle your period like a pro! And if you need help, then reach out!
Much love,
Sarah