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Getting your period means your body is doing a very normal (and powerful) thing-getting ready to grow life someday.

Each month, your uterus (an organ in your lower belly) builds a soft, comfy lining. If there’s no baby, the lining comes out as your period. That’s the blood you see. It’s not weird. It’s just how every woman’s body works.

It might sound wild at first but after your first couple of cycles, it will just be another part of your routine—like brushing your teeth or washing your face.

Before your first period actually starts, your body usually drops a few hints. You might notice:

• A little white or clear discharge in your underwear-totally normal
• Tiny cramps in your lower belly
• Feeling extra tired or moody (ugh hormones)
• Slight bloating or your jeans feeling tight 
• Your chest feeling sore or “full”

These are signs that your body is warming up for its new routine. It doesn’t mean your period will start tomorrow-it could still be months away. Your body is saying, things are happening.

Every girl’s different, but here’s what most people notice in the days or weeks before their first period:

• You’ve had discharge for a few months
• You might get a pimple or two out of nowhere
• You feel a little more emotional (like crying at that puppy commercial 😭)
• Maybe your stomach feels a bit weird or achy
• You spot a tiny bit of brown or red in your underwear — that’s usually the first sign it’s here!

When it happens, don’t panic! You can grab your Shh.Kit bag, find a pad, and take a deep breath.

Here’s the thing-no two periods are exactly alike.

Some girls get their period every 28 days, others every 35, and some only every few months at first. Your body’s still figuring out its rhythm, so it might be a little unpredictable for a year or two.

Maybe yours lasts 3 days while your friend’s lasts for 7. Or maybe you get cramps but she doesn’t. It doesn’t mean anything’s wrong-it just means your body’s doing it‘s own thing.

Tip: Keeping track in a journal or an app can help you notice patterns.

Most periods last around 3–7 days but your first one might only hang around for a day or two.

Your first period might be super light or a little spotty. The color can be bright red or even rusty-looking-all normal. (Darker means it’s older blood and your body is doing cleanup duty!)

You might think you’re bleeding a ton but the average woman only loses about 2–3 tablespoons of blood during her period. So if you think “I’m losing so much,” you’re probably not.

One minute you’re laughing at a TikTok, the next you’re crying because your dog looked at you sadly. Welcome to the hormonal roller coaster.

When you have, or are about to get your period your hormones go crazy, which can make your emotions swing from yay to ugh. You might feel mad, teary, sensitive or just off. Your not being dramatic-that’s just your body adjusting.

The cool part? You’re learning how to tune into your body. Emotions are like waves: they come, they go and they don’t last long.

Let’s be real-your body is changing. Some days you feel awkward and some days you feel awesome. Both are normal.

Your body is growing, learning, stretching and figuring things out, just like you are.

The next time you look in the mirror:
Say one kind thing about yourself: “My smile is cute.” “My legs are strong.” “I’m actually kinda amazing.”

Remember that no one notices your “flaws” like you do.
Remind yourself that it’s not about being perfect-it’s about being confident.

Here’s the secret: no one can tell you have your period.
Stay fresh by changing your pad every 3–4 hours, showering daily and wearing breathable, cotton underwear. Drink water, move a little and rest when your body says “chill.”

Your period doesn’t stop you from doing anything-sports, sleepovers or swimming (once you’re ready for tampons or period swimwear). This is your body doing its thing.

You’ve got this. Stay strong, power on and remember: every girl in the club has been right where you are.