Period Myths Busted: What to Tell Your Daughter

Most of what girls hear about periods comes from friends, older siblings and the internet, and plenty of it is wrong. A few honest facts from home go a long way before her first period arrives. Here are the myths worth clearing up.

Myth: There’s a right age to start

Most girls get their first period at around 12, but anywhere between 8 and 17 is normal. It usually arrives about two years after her breasts start to develop, which gives a rough idea of timing. Whether she’s the first in her friendship group or the last, both are completely normal.

It’s worth seeing a GP if her periods haven’t started by 15, or by 13 if she has no other signs of puberty. It’s usually nothing to worry about, but a check-up puts everyone’s mind at rest.

 

Myth: Periods come like clockwork from the start

Her first periods may be light, short or months apart. It can take a while for the body to settle into a pattern. Once it does, most people have a period every 23 to 35 days, lasting 2 to 7 days. An irregular first year is normal.

Myth: She should rest and skip PE

Gentle exercise can actually ease cramps. Walking, stretching and yoga all help, and our five yoga poses for period pain are easy to try at home. Swimming is fine too, with a tampon or menstrual cup once she feels ready to use one. That said, if she’s tired, an early night is just as valid. Her body will tell her what it needs.

 

Myth: Painful periods are just something to put up with

Some cramping is normal, and a hot water bottle or painkillers usually help. But pain that keeps her off school, or bleeding so heavy she needs to change protection every hour or two, is worth mentioning to a GP. It’s common, it’s treatable, and she shouldn’t have to push through it.

Myth: Periods are embarrassing

Around 800 million people are on their period on any given day. It’s one of the most ordinary things a body does. The more normally it’s talked about at home, the easier it is for her to ask questions, speak up when something feels off, or ask a teacher for a pad without a second thought.

 

Helping her get ready

Talk about it before it happens, so the first one isn’t a shock. A small kit in her school bag makes a big difference: a couple of pads, a spare pair of shorts and a zip bag. Soft, breathable cotton shorts are the comfiest choice for period days, and easy to keep a spare pair in her bag.