Video Transcription

About Periods

Periods are a normal part of life and mean your body is going through changes to prepare you for the possibility of becoming pregnant.

Most girls normally get their period aged 12 or 13, but it can also start as early as 9 and as late as 16.

If you have just started getting your period, it might not come every month for the first one to two years. All periods are different.

So how do you know if your period is normal?

Normally, you bleed for three to seven days once a month. Your blood flow can change during your period — for example, it can be a heavy flow at the start and lighter towards the end.

Your period colour can also change — for example, it can be bright red at the start and darken towards the end.

On the first one to two days of your period, you might feel pain in your tummy or lower back. Some period pain is normal.

You can manage the pain by using a heat pack or hot water bottle, or using medications such as Nurofen or other period pain medications.

Other ways to manage the pain include gentle exercise, such as stretching or walking.

Normal period pain does not stop you from doing usual activities such as going to school or working.

There are some reasons to see a health carer about your period. For example:

• If your period doesn’t come every month.
• If it doesn’t come at the same time every month, or doesn’t come at all.
• If you have bad period pain that stops you from doing things such as daily activities around the house or going to school.
• If you experience heavy bleeding. This includes changing your tampon or pad every two hours or less, or bleeding through your clothes.

It’s good to keep track of your period. You can track your period and related symptoms using a calendar, smartphone app, or diary.

There’s no shame in getting your period. If something doesn’t feel normal, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

You can speak to family and people you trust. If you’re concerned, talk to a health carer.