Hi Sam. I'm 10 years old and I'm feeling kid of scared because I've been seeing blood on my underwear and when i use my tissue paper when i go toilet. I don't want to tell my parents because I feel like they're just going to shout at me. Please please please help me and tell me the right decision. Thank you very much!
Hi there,
When girls go through puberty their bodies change in different ways. These changes might not all happen at the same time but they’re all normal and they’re nothing to be ashamed of. One of these changes is you start to have periods. No one should shout at you or make you feel embarrassed about getting yours, and it can help to understand more about what is happening as you grow.
During your period you’ll lose a small amount of blood from your vagina. It’s nothing to be scared of and it only will last for a few days (for most people – between 3 and 8 days).
Periods aren’t the same for everyone. Some people have periods where they bleed lots, other people don't bleed much at all. Some people have very regular periods so they know exactly when to expect them, other people have irregular periods which can happen at different times. Some people feel pains like a stomach cramps or back ache before or during their periods and other people don’t feel any pain at all. There is no such thing as a normal period because everyone’s bodies are different, so don't worry if yours is a little different than other girls. Brook have lots of information on periods that you might find helpful.
Periods are nothing to be ashamed of but you might feel worried or embarrassed when you first start. But it’s important to talk to someone you trust so they can help you find supplies and help you cope with the changes that are happening. Try telling someone who’ll understand how you’re feeling. If you’re worried about telling your parents you could try another family member - like an aunt or grandparent – or another adult you trust.
Once you start having your period, you’ll need to be prepared for your next one. If you have a regular cycle, you’ll get your period roughly once a month. You’ll need supplies like tampons, sanitary pads, panty liners or period pants to stop the blood staining your clothes. You might also need painkillers or a hot water bottle to help with aches and pains. You shouldn’t have to prepare for this alone and your family should help you and support you with what you need
Nobody should shout at you for getting your period, it's a normal part of growing up and puberty is something everyone has to deal with. Sometimes people start as young as 9 years old but might also be later like 16 or 17. Everyone goes through it, but in a different way.
You can get advice and support online by posting on Childline’s message boards – other young people may have gone through something similar. You can also always talk to a Childline counsellor - they'll listen and be there for you.
I hope this helps, thanks for writing to me. Take care.
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
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