Periods

“Time of the month”, “code red”, “shark week”, “on the rag”, “crimson wave”

A period occurs around every 4 weeks and can start between ages 8 and 15. Every female body is different and there is no one right age to get the first period. Periods happen because of change in  hormones being released by the uterus. The hormones estrogen and progesterone cause the lining of the uterus to build up ready for a fertilised egg to attach to and start developing (pregnancy). If there is no fertilised egg, the lining breaks down and expels the lining that looks like blood. This process is called the menstrual cycle and is the reason why most individuals with a uterus/vagina get their period once a month. A period can last two to seven days.

Jean Hailes: All you need to know about periods

It’s normal to feel nervous or anxious about getting your period. It can help talk with a trusted adult or older friend/family about what to expect and how to access sanitary products.

Periods usually stop between the ages of 45 and 60 and this is called menopause.

For more information about the menstrual cycle, what to expect and how to manage periods check out the sources below.