Check the library for books on the topic, ask your school nurse if she can give you any information, or talk to your doctor about what to expect or to address any questions you have. Many times it is part of general school curriculum, so you may learn about it sooner or later. In addition, talk to your mother, an older sibling, or family member about what their experiences were when they first got their period. [2] X Research source
Include sanitary pads, liners, tampons, menstrual cups, a clean pair of underwear, and pain reliever. [3] X Research source
Pads are the easiest method to use when you first get your period. These are rectangular pieces of absorbent material that attach to the inside of your underwear with a strip of adhesive. If your period is heavy, you will probably want a thick, super absorbent pad with wings (pieces of cloth that fold over the sides of your underwear to prevent leaking). On lighter days you may be able to wear a thin panty liner. You should change your pad every four to six hours, depending on your flow and preference. Tampons are a little more difficult to use than pads. Tampons are made of absorbent material that is compressed into a tubular shape that is inserted into the vagina to absorb the blood. Many tampons come in a plastic applicator, which can make inserting them easier. They also come in different absorbencies, like super, regular, or light. To use a tampon, relax your body and follow the directions on the box. You will remove it by pulling gently on the string that hangs outside your body. Tampons can often be used if one wishes to swim during their period. You should change your tampon every three to four hours, especially after you use the bathroom. A menstrual cup is a small rubber or silicone cup you insert into your vagina to catch the blood before it leaves your body. You should remove and empty the cup several times a day. To do so, follow the instructions on the package. [4] X Research source
Some women use heating pads or hot water bottles to ease pain. Pain relievers with ibuprofen might also help. If you’re experiencing a great deal of pain, you can also talk to your doctor about a prescription pain reliever that might give you more relief. They can also help reduce your blood flow. [5] X Expert Source Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DOBoard Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
It’s tough to know when you’re ready for a bra, but if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, it is a good indication you’re ready to get one: Do you feel uncomfortable changing in the locker room? Do you feel uncomfortable wearing a light t-shirt because your breasts feel exposed? Are most of your friends wearing bras? Are you developing faster than most of your friends?[7] X Research source Asking your mom for help picking out a bra can be embarrassing. Remember, she went through the same thing at one time in her life and will be happy to help you. If you’re not sure how to bring it up, try saying something like this: “I’ve been feeling a little uncomfortable about my body lately. I think it might be time for me to wear a bra. Can you help me pick one out?”
Focus on eating lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains like whole wheat, oatmeal, and brown rice, and drinking lots of fat-free and low-fat milk, which will help you develop strong bones. In addition, make sure you’re eating a good amount of protein, like fish, lean chicken, beans, nuts, and eggs to give your body energy. [8] X Research source
In addition, you might be able to use the exercise equipment at your local YMCA, like treadmills, stair steppers, stationary bikes, and weight machines. Be sure you get proper instruction before using this equipment. You could also exercise at home by getting some exercise videos. Look for routines that will allow you to build muscle strength while also providing a cardio workout.
For example, you may deal with the hair on your underarms by shaving it or starting to wear deodorant to prevent sweating and body odor. You may also have questions about what kind of hair growth is normal. Don’t be afraid to talk to an adult about the changes you’re going through. [11] X Research source
Use medicated face washes, creams, and wipes. Also, look for non-comedogenic and hypo-allergenic makeup. This type of product won’t clog your pores or cause any other skin reactions. If your acne seems particularly bad, you can ask your parents to make you an appointment with a dermatologist, or skin doctor. They can prescribe you medication, face washes, and creams that are more powerful than what you can buy over the counter. Avoid using oily makeup, hair products, or lotion. In addition, avoid direct sunlight when you can and don’t ever pick at, squeeze, or try to pop pimples. These things can all make acne worse. You acne might be worse when you are on your period or if you are extra stressed out. Take especially good care of your skin during these times. [12] X Research source
If you ever feel uncomfortable about the attention you are getting, speak up and let the person know their actions or words are making you feel uncomfortable and you’d like them to stop. Try saying, “I don’t like when you talk to/touch me that way. Please don’t do it again. ”[14] X Research source It can be tempting to hang out with an older crowd, but you may not be ready to deal with the situations you could face by doing so—like alcohol, drugs, and sexual situations. Spend time with a trusted group of friends your age. This will help you avoid these scenarios. Not to mention, many of your friends are probably going through the same things and having someone to relate to can make puberty easier to deal with. [15] X Research source People might make comments that make you feel self-conscious about how you look. Instead of dwelling on these comments, focus on the features you like about your body. For example, maybe you really like your hair or your eyes, or maybe you’ve noticed your calves are more defined since you started puberty. [16] X Research source
In the meantime, focus on doing things that make you feel good about yourself. For instance, spend extra time doing your hair in the morning, make sure your fingernails are painted, play a sport you’re good at, or take up a new hobby.
For instance, write about how you’re feeling in a journal, paint a picture, join the choir, or take a dance class. Expressing yourself creatively can help you work through the new things you’re feeling during this time. [18] X Research source
If you’re not sure how to bring it up to your friends or family member, try acknowledging the fact that you’ve been extra sensitive or moody lately and ask if you can talk to them about why. For example, say “I know I’ve been kind of tough to deal with lately. Can I talk to you about what’s making me act that way?”
For example, count to 10 or sing a verse from your favorite song in your head. Sometime just taking a few minutes to focus on yourself instead of the situation can help you feel more calm. [20] X Research source
Try to stick to the same sleep schedule every day. You might want to sleep in or stay up late on weekends, but it can help you sleep better if you stick to the same schedule every day. For example, if you get up at 7:00am for school, try to get up around this time on the weekends too. Pay attention to what you eat and drink before bed. Being hungry or super full can make it difficult to sleep. Also, drinking too much before bed can cause you to have to get up multiple times in the middle of the night, interrupting your sleep. Coming up with a bedtime ritual can also help you sleep. For example, listen to soothing music or read a book before going to bed. Stay away from watching TV or playing on your phone because electronic activities can actually interfere with sleep. Make sure your room is cool, dark, and quiet. These conditions are ideal for sleeping. You can get room-darkening shades, ear plugs, or a fan to help create these conditions. [22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Talk to a trusted, mature adult about sexual health. Reading about sexual health can be helpful, too, but an adult can help you better understand your new feelings and educate you on the different aspects of sexual health. [23] X Research source Ease into dating by going on group dates or dates that include some kind of activity. For example, go to the movies, play laser tag, or go to a school sporting event. [24] X Research source You may feel pressured to engage in sexual situations if your friends and peers are, but remember that everyone is different. Never do anything you’re uncomfortable with. [25] X Research source
Your questions might include things like: When can I expect to see changes in my body? What do I do if I get my period and I’m not at home? Am I going to look different than the other girls in my class?
