Women’s wellness
Clear answers about periods, written for girls, mothers and teachers. No euphemisms, no blue liquid, nothing you need a medical dictionary for.
Your first period
Most girls start somewhere between the ages of nine and fifteen, and there is no single right age. The first few cycles are often irregular, lighter or heavier than expected, and that is normal.
What helps: keeping two pads and a spare pair of underwear in a school bag before you need them, and telling one adult you trust so you are not managing it alone.
Changing on time
Change a pad every four to six hours even if it does not look full. A pad that stays on too long is uncomfortable and unkind to the skin, whatever the flow has been.
Overnight, a longer pad such as Neva XL covers eight hours more comfortably than a regular pad stretched past its limit.
Everyday hygiene
Wash with plain water, front to back. Internal washes and strong soaps are not needed and can upset the body’s own balance.
Wash hands before and after changing a pad, and wrap used pads before binning them. Never flush a pad.
Talking to your daughter
Have the conversation before the first period, not after it. A girl who already knows what is happening is far less frightened when it happens.
Keep it factual and short. Name the body parts properly, say that it is normal, and make it clear she can raise it again any time without embarrassment.
Some things are worth getting checked
Period discomfort is common. These are the signs that deserve a doctor’s opinion rather than being waited out.
- Bleeding heavy enough to soak through a pad every hour for several hours.
- Pain that stops you attending school or work despite ordinary pain relief.
- Periods that stop for three months or more without an explanation.
- Bleeding between periods, or after intercourse.
- Cycles that suddenly become far heavier or far more painful than your normal.
This page is general information, not medical advice, and it cannot account for your individual history. For anything that worries you, speak to a qualified doctor.
A period kit worth keeping packed
Five things in a small pouch, ready before they are needed.
- Two pads — one Regular, one XL.
- A spare pair of underwear in a sealed bag.
- A small pack of tissues or wet wipes.
- A paper bag or wrapper for disposal.
- Whatever pain relief you normally take, if any.
Awareness sessions for schools and communities
Joyce Lifecare runs menstrual health awareness sessions for schools, colleges and community groups, with a focus on girls approaching their first period. Write to us if you would like one arranged in your area.
