A kind guide to first periods

A first period arrives on its own schedule, and rarely at a moment anyone planned. This guide is for the person it happens to and for the adult beside them. It cannot say what is normal for your child. It says what Canadian sources describe, and when to ask a healthcare provider. Take your time. There is no test at the end.

Before it arrives

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) puts it this way: “Most girls get their first period somewhere between the ages of 10 and 14, with an average of just over 12 years old.” SickKids adds that some get it “as early as nine years old, while others may not get it until they are in their mid teens.” That is a range, not an appointment.

The body usually gives notice. The SOGC says a first period “usually happens about two years after the first signs of puberty (usually breast development), and about a year after you begin growing pubic hair.” It also mentions “white or yellowish vaginal discharge in the few months leading up to your period.”

A note on words: some sources we quote here say “girls”, and some say “pads”. We keep the sources’ own words so we report them accurately. The Reading Room is for everyone who menstruates.

What the first one is usually like

The SOGC says: “Your first period should last anywhere from 2 to 7 days. It may be very light, with just a few spots of brownish blood.”

Then it may go quiet for a while. “Especially in the first few years of menstruating, your period may be very irregular,” says the SOGC. SickKids adds: “It can sometimes take more than two years for the cycle to regulate.” Its teen page says: “For teenagers, a normal menstrual cycle can be anywhere between 21-45 days.”

If it starts and there is nothing to hand

The SOGC’s answer is practical: “toilet paper will work in an emergency. If you get your first period at school, your teacher or school nurse will have a pantiliner or pad on hand.” Schools differ, so it can help to know in advance who to ask.

SickKids says: “People who menstruate can still enjoy swimming, running and all of their normal activities.”

A drawer at home, a pouch in the bag

The Editor’s suggestion, not a rule: a few period products the young person has chosen, a liner or two, spare underwear, a small pouch, and the name of someone to call. A smaller version fits a school bag.

Every kind of period product, in the same order

Here are the kinds of period product, in the Reading Room’s fixed order. The order is a shelf, not a ranking.

Period pads & liners. Disposable period pads are worn in underwear and absorb flow. The SOGC says they “should be changed every 4-6 hours”. Liners are thinner, for light days or discharge.

Tampons. A tampon is worn inside the vagina and absorbs flow. The next section covers tampons, with Health Canada’s label statement.

Cups. A cup is worn inside the vagina and collects flow rather than absorbing it. SickKids says cups “can be disposable or reusable” and “should be removed and emptied every 8-12 hours”.

Discs. A disc is also worn inside and collects flow. Its shape differs from a cup’s. The Canadian first-period pages we read do not describe discs.

Period underwear. Period underwear is worn in place of regular underwear and absorbs flow. SickKids describes it as “best for times of light bleeding and can be used in combination with other menstrual products during heavier flow.”

Reusable period pads. Reusable period pads are washed and worn again. SickKids says they usually have “Velcro or snap button flaps” to stay in place. SickKids says to change them every 4-6 hours.

Comfort & care. A hot water bottle is a household item, not a treatment. The section on cramps says what the SOGC mentions.

SickKids’ page for parents describes what most people do: “Most people who menstruate do not use tampons for their first period…”. Its page for teens says: “You can use tampons with your first menstrual period, if you wish.” One line describes a common pattern. The other says the choice is open.

Tampons: what Canadian sources say

For learning, the SOGC says: “It’s best to use ‘slender’ size tampons when you are learning.” SickKids says it “may be easier to use the ‘slender’ or ‘lite’ tampons, and to use a tampon with an applicator.”

The sources give wear time in different words. Health Canada says: “Change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours, and do not use tampons overnight.” The SOGC and SickKids say every 4 to 6 hours. SickKids adds: “DO NOT leave tampons in for longer than 8 hours” and “Avoid using tampons overnight.”

SickKids lists the signs of TSS as fever, chills, feeling unwell, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, muscle pain, dizziness, fainting or low blood pressure, and a skin rash. If they appear while a tampon is in, SickKids says to “remove the tampon immediately, and see a health-care provider right away.” Health Canada says to “get immediate medical help. If you can’t reach your doctor, go to the nearest Emergency Care facility.” In an emergency, call 9-1-1. HealthLink BC links TSS to menstrual cup use as well. More in the TSS Column.

Cramps, in ordinary words

If cramps come, the SOGC says: “A heating pad or hot water bottle on the abdomen or lower back can help ease pain in these areas.” For anything from the pharmacy, ask a pharmacist or a healthcare provider. This guide names no medicine, on purpose. SickKids says: “If over-the-counter medicines do not relieve pain, talk to your child’s doctor.”

When to ask a doctor or nurse

For parents and carers: early, short, repeated

SickKids advises: “Initiate the conversation if your child has not brought up the topic as they approach the preteen years.” Quebec’s guide to children’s development lists questions about periods among those of children aged 8 to 10.

A first conversation does not have to be long. One fact, one item from the drawer, one sentence about who to tell at school. Then again, a few months later. The talk is a series, not an event.

Use the plain words: period, blood, period pad, tampon. A child who hears them at home can say them elsewhere.

Tell everyone in the house. Ontario’s 2019 Grade 5 curriculum includes menstruation for the whole class; families can ask for their child to be excused, under their school board’s policy. KidsHealth, a US site, suggests talking with sons too.

What this is not

This guide compiled what Canadian paediatric and gynaecological sources say. It sells nothing, ranks no product, and asks nothing of young readers. It cannot say what is usual for your child.

If you’re reading this and something worries you, tell a trusted adult.