Grown Up Girl Q & A

1. I am so anxious to start my period, my birthday is coming up and I will be 13, I really want to start my period. Is there anything I can do to make me start?         a. There is nothing you can do to make you start. Your body is on its own schedule. You will start when your body is ready and every girl will have their own schedule. 2. Why does the egg have to come down and crack?          a. This is the process that as we get to be older women that allows us to have a baby. 3. I am scared that I will start at school. What should I do?          a. Hopefully, you are prepared and have a pad ready! Go to the restroom and put the pad on. If you don’t have a pad, you can ask your teacher or school nurse for one. In a pinch, you can roll up some toilet paper and put inside your underwear until you can get a pad. 4. Will people know if I am on my period?          a. No one will know unless you tell them. 5. I really have been having a lot of cramping in my stomach and wonder if it is my period coming?          a. It is possible, or it could be something totally unrelated. It is a good idea to have supplies ready, so you are prepared when your period does come. 6. How often should I change my pad?          a. Typically you should change your pad about every 4 hours, but it really depends on your flow. If your flow is heavy, you may need to change more often. 7. Why does your period stop when you go swimming?          a. Your period does not stop when you go swimming. If you are planning on swimming while on your period, you will have to wear a tampon. 8. Hi,   I just joined your website and I could not find a section on what to do when you are about start. So I thought I would e-mail, I am really nervous, my mom and my sister started in january when they were 12. And I just turned 12. I am going to Gatlinburg with one of my friends and I am scared I will start early while my mom is gone. Do you think I should pack pads and tampons. And what should I do If I start at school? I know I am asking a lot of questions but I kneed your help. Thanks So Much, Whitney!!!         Dear Whitney, I am glad to know that you are at least thinking about it, and even know when your mother started, good job. It is possible for you to start when you are away and even at school. I would suggest carrying a few pads with you in your purse or backpack. That way, you will be ready when it happens. In many cases, girls discover they started when they use the restroom and notice some blood in their underwear. Let your mother know that you feel that you should have the needed supplies with you, just in case. Good Luck! I know you will be just fine. 9. Hello. I'm 10 years old and just got my first period. I was just doing some research and found this site. It really helped me a lot. I have one question though. I'm going into 5th grade and because we don't swich classes yet, how do you think I could sneek a pad to the bathroom? Should I hide it in my desk? I really don't want anyone to know because it is personal, but should I talk to my teacher about it? Thanks! Elizabeth         Dear Elizabeth, That is a great question. Yes, I think it would be a good idea to talk to the teacher, she might have a great solution for this. Or, if you carry a purse, you can keep a pad tucked away in there. Just take the purse to the restroom with you, and nobody will know. Thanks for writing and good luck!

**Jean Moody is not a professional clinician and does not claim responsiblity for any medical issues. If you are experiencing medical issues, please consult your physician.