Periods are blood loss from your vagina. The average age for someone to get their first period is around 12.5, though that definitely varies from person to person. They happen every 21-45 days (everyone is different) and the bleeding lasts for 3-7 days. Bleeding usually starts off somewhat heavily but lightens during subsequent days. They can be painful due to muscles squeezing but there are things a doctor can do to help if they’re too painful. Be prepared with pads and tampons!

It’s normal for periods to be irregular during the first couple of years (meaning they aren’t separated by the same number of days every time or they last a different number of days every time). However they will eventually become fairly predictable.

If you have concerns about irregular periods, heavy blood loss or really bad cramping talk with your doctor.