Your first period: a kind guide to what to expect
Most people get their first period between 12 and 13, about 2 to 3 years after their breasts start to grow, but anywhere from 8 to about 16 is normal. A first period is often light and brownish, and may last just a few days. Have a pad ready, tell someone you trust, and know that irregular periods for the first few years are completely normal.
What a period actually is
Every month or so, your body gets the uterus (womb) ready in case of a pregnancy, by building up a soft lining. When there's no pregnancy, that lining isn't needed, so it comes away and leaves your body through your vagina as blood and tissue. That's your period. It's a sign that your body is growing and working just as it should.
It might look like a lot of blood, but over a whole period most people lose only about 20 to 90 ml, roughly 1 to 5 tablespoons.
Signs your first period is coming
There's no way to know the exact day, but your body usually gives clues in the months before:
- Breasts have been growing for about 2 to 3 years.
- Pubic and underarm hair has grown in.
- White or clear discharge in your underwear, often starting months before your first period. It's normal and healthy.
- A growth spurt has happened, often in the year or so before.
- Cramps, bloating, spots or feeling moody in the days just before, though plenty of people get no warning at all.
More in signs your first period is coming.
What your first period might be like
| Question | Usually… |
|---|---|
| What color is it? | Often brown or dark red at first, then red. Brown is just older blood. |
| How heavy is it? | Often light, sometimes just a few spots. Later periods can be heavier. |
| How long does it last? | A few days at first. Anywhere from 2 to 7 days is normal. |
| Will it hurt? | Some people get cramps in their lower tummy or back; some feel nothing. |
| When is the next one? | Could be in 3 weeks, or a few months. Irregular is normal at first. |
What to use
There's no right choice; use what feels comfortable. Many people start with pads because they're simple.
- Pads stick inside your underwear. Change at least every 4 to 8 hours, or sooner if they feel full or wet.
- Period underwear looks like normal pants and soaks up blood. Great for light days, nights or as backup.
- Tampons go inside the vagina. Start with the lowest absorbency, follow the instructions, and never leave one in more than 8 hours, because of a rare but serious illness called toxic shock syndrome.
- Menstrual cups are soft silicone cups worn inside. They take a bit of practice but last for years.
Want to be ready before it starts? Our first period kit checklist lists what to keep in your bag.
Fold some toilet paper into a thick strip and put it in your underwear, then ask a teacher, school nurse or friend for a pad. Lots of schools keep them. Tying a jumper around your waist covers any marks. It happens to almost everyone at some point, and it's okay.
Feelings are part of it too
Some people feel excited when their period arrives, some feel embarrassed or worried, and some feel nothing much. All of that is fine. You might also notice your mood changing in the days before your period: feeling more teary, cross or tired. That's caused by hormones changing across the month, and it's very common. Keeping a note of how you feel can help you see the pattern and be kind to yourself on those days.
It helps to talk to someone you trust, like a parent, carer, older sibling, school nurse or friend. If you're a parent reading this, our guide to periods and puberty for parents has tips for the conversation.
Tracking your first periods
For the first few years, cycles can be anywhere from 21 to 45 days, and ACOG says it may take six years or more for them to become regular. Writing down the first day of each period helps you get a feel for your pattern and makes it easy to answer if a doctor asks. A simple printable period tracker is a nice place to start.
Lulu lets you log your period with a tap and a mood with a smile, and slowly shows you your own rhythm. There's no account to make, and your cycle data stays on your phone.
When to ask a doctor
Talk to a doctor if you haven't had a period by 15, or 3 years after your breasts started growing; if you had periods before age 8; if a period lasts more than 7 days; if you need to change a pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours; if periods come more often than every 21 days or more than 45 days apart after the first year or two; or if pain stops you doing normal things. Get urgent help for a high fever, rash, vomiting or feeling faint while using a tampon.
Frequently asked questions
What age do you get your first period?
Most people start between 12 and 13, but anywhere from about 8 to 16 is normal. See age of first period.
How long does a first period last?
Often just a few days, and usually between 2 and 7 days. See how long is a first period.
Is it normal for my first period to be brown?
Yes. Brown blood is just blood that's taken longer to leave your body. It's very common in first periods.
Can I swim on my period?
Yes, with a tampon, cup or swim period underwear. See swimming on your period.
Why hasn't my second period come yet?
In the first year or two, gaps of several weeks or even a few months are common while your body settles.
Sources
This page is for information only and isn’t medical advice. If something worries you, please talk to a doctor.
Keep reading
First period kit checklist: what to pack for schoolA first period kit checklist for school bags and home: what to pack, which pads to choose, what to say to your child, and small comforts for day one.
Puberty and periods: a guide for parentsPuberty and periods for parents: when changes start, how to talk to your daughter about periods, what's normal in the first years, and when to see a doctor.At what age do girls get their first period?What age do girls get their period? Usually around 12, anywhere from 8 to 16. Signs it's coming, what's normal at first, and when to see a doctor.What are the signs your first period is coming?Signs your first period is coming: breast buds about 2 to 3 years before, then white discharge 6 to 12 months before, plus growth spurts and mood shifts.
Printable period tracker: a simple layout you can copyA free printable period tracker layout: what columns to include, how to fill it in, and how to read your chart after three months. Print this page or copy it.