Starting your period: What to expect

Starting your period is a sign your body is maturing. Leading up to this you will notice physical changes with your body as your breast begin to develop and under arm and pubic hair starts to grow. You may pass a white or yellow-ish fluid (known as vaginal discharge). Don’t panic! This is a sign your first period is on its way.

 

You might also notice changes in your skin and your mood - you may find you feel more irritable than normal, these are all positive signs your body is developing in the right way in response to changing hormones.

 

It’s important to understand that periods can be uncomfortable, but they should not stop you from doing things you enjoy. If you’re experiencing unusually painful periods and they are stopping you from attending work, going to school or socialising, regardless of how long you’ve had them, this is not normal.