When I begin lessons about periods I know I am going to get a barrage of questions about them. When you think about it, the science behind them can be a lot for a younger person to really grasp and then there’s all the emotional feelings involved, as well as any societal myths or taboos that need dispelling. Here’s how I answer some of the most common questions:
1. How will I know when I am going to start? Your body usually starts showing other changes associated with puberty before you start your periods, such as breast buds and vaginal discharge (maybe 1 or 2 years before)
2. Will they hurt? They could do! First of all remember that during your first year or so of periods you are going through menarche, which means you won’t get regular periods for a while and the amount of blood could be small. Some people suffer from period cramps. If you are suffering from pain rather than discomfort you should see a doctor and not accept that it’s a normal part of having a period. It takes a long time to get diagnoses for period related issues so be an advocate for your child or for yourself if the pain is getting in the way of normal daily life.
3. What if I start when I’m in the swimming pool? When you first start your period, that very first time will probably be such a small amount you wouldn’t even notice in the pool, and neither would anyone else. The blood would be diluted in the water.
4. Do they ever stop? Yes! When a person stops getting their periods (for 12 months) they go through something called menopause. This is not an overnight process, but takes a few years (on average 4-5) and there can be some side effects whilst the body is changing.