Dr Savita Brito-Mutunayagam is a Consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health with Fife Health and Social Care Partnership. We asked Dr Brito-Mutunayagam's advice to find out how and when is best to talk to young people about periods.
Dr Brito-Mutunayagam explained that regardless of your child's gender, it is important that they have an understanding about periods and what to expect from quite an early age. This helps to manage expectations, foster awareness and to challenge taboos around menstruation. She also advised that discussing periods should not be one big sit down talk at a particular age. Instead parents and carers should start such conversations early and slowly and build on their child’s understanding over time.
To normalise conversations about periods and puberty the doctor recommends providing reliable information and says that it is important to bring this topic up, even if the child doesn’t start to ask questions. Most parents will know when their child is ready for such discussions as it will depend not only on the child’s age but also on their development. If it is easier, it can be worth identifying a natural moment, for example, when a period product advert appears on TV, to start a conversation about this important milestone.
With Dr Brito-Mutunayagam’s help, we’ve pulled together some questions and possible answers below.
Commonly asked questions about periods
When do most people get their period?
A first period can happen anytime between 8 and 17 years of age. The average age is 12, but everyone is different. There are some clues that a period may be coming soon. Typically, someone will get their period about 2 years after their breasts start to develop and/or they start growing pubic hair. Another sign is vaginal discharge that they might see or feel on their underwear. This discharge usually begins about 6 months to a year before someone gets their first period.
These timelines can help parents prepare their kids by making sure they know where to access period products in their school or at home. Remember everyone is different.
What causes a period?
Periods happens because of changes in hormones to prepare the body for a possible pregnancy. Hormones are chemical messengers. The ovaries release hormones Estrogen and Progesterone. These hormones cause the lining of the uterus (or womb) to build up. The built-up lining is ready for an egg fertilised by a sperm to attach and start developing. If there is no fertilised egg, the lining breaks down and passes out of the vagina - this is what’s called a period. Then the same process happens all over again, every month or so.
Do periods happen regularly when menstruation starts?
For the first few years after a first period, it may not come regularly. This is normal at first. By about 2–3 years, periods should be coming around once a month. It is good practice to encourage your child to keep a track of their periods when they first come so they can get used to what’s normal for them. There are plenty of free apps that can help with this.
How long do periods last?
Periods usually last about 5 days. But a period can last shorter or longer. Period blood is usually red but can be pink, brown or black on lighter days.
How often does a period happen?
Periods usually happen about once a month. Some people get their periods around every 3 weeks. And others only get a period about once every 6 weeks. Again everyone is different.
What is PMS?
PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is when someone has emotional and physical symptoms that happen before or during their period. These symptoms can include moodiness, sadness, anxiety, bloating, and acne. They tend to go away after the first few days of a period.
What about period products?
There are a range of period products including tampons, disposable or reusable pads, menstrual cups and period underwear. Talk to your child about all the options available to them allowing them to choose what they will most comfortable using. Remember your child may prefer different products to what you have used yourself. Tampons and cups can take some getting used to so it is important that they don’t feel under pressure to use them if they find them uncomfortable.
Free period products
The Scottish Government introduced new legislation - the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021. The Act requires local authorities to ensure period products can be easily obtained free of charge. Free period products are available in most public buildings and schools.
Access to free period products | Fife Council
The Scottish Government, working with Hey Girls, have produced an app called PickUpMyPeriod, so anyone can find free products in Scotland. The app is available for download on Android and Apple devices. You can also request free period packs online from Hey Girls.
Problems relating to periods
Most people don't have any problems with their periods. But call your doctor if your child:
- is 15 and does not have their period
- has no puberty signs or their period and is aged 13
- is more than 2 years from their first period and they still do not come in a regular pattern
- has severe cramps, not relieved by painkillers
- has very heavy bleeding (bleeding that goes through a pad or tampon faster than every 2 hours)
- has severe PMS that gets in the way of their everyday activities
