Periods & Puberty

My First Period - Carrot's Story

Soo...I started my first period recently. I know many people hate their periods, but my mom helped me see it in a different way. Periods are a true blessing, even though uncomfortable. After all, you can't have babies without them! And it shows that you are a true woman. It also shows that you are responsible enough to keep yourself clean during your period. It shows that you are mature. So maybe they are uncomfortable and scary, but remember that periods are a blessing!

By Carrot[Read More..]

My First Period - Mari's Story

I got my First Period in May of 2009 when I was 11, now I'm 15. I got up & got dressed, I remember I was wearing purple capris with sneakers & a white shirt, I also had my hair pulled back. I remember I had to pee so I went to the bathroom, when I looked at my underwear they had pink stuff on it. I remember getting a little freaked out even though my mom had told me about periods. I got out & was like, "mom we gotta get me pads." She was like, "pads? for what?"...[Read More..]

My First Period Story (Imagination)

So hi, I haven't gotten my first period yet and I'm 12, but this is how I imagine it...

I'm at home just waking up at 7am like normal, and I go to the bathroom (as usual when I wake up) and I'm about to wipe myself, but I see some red ucky stuff on my panties. I already know about periods. So I start panicking because I think it is my FIRST PERIOD!!!!!! I get excited and get my panties off and quickly get to my room while my parents are asleep. I get new panties and a pantylin...[Read More..]

Party At The Lake

Ok, so my first period started on July 3rd of 2012! My family goes so Torch Lake with a bunch of family and friends for the 4th of July. I remember walking back to the house from the sand bar because i had to pee REALLY bad. So when i got to the house and went to the bathroom i saw blood gushing out of me!!!!! I was FREAKING out because i was only 11, and LOVED swimming and tubing in the lake. So i sat there and cried (nobody was home) and i would NOT use a tampon!!!!!! So then i rememberd i ...[Read More..]

My First Period - Sierra's story

I started my period during a morning before school. I woke up to get dressed for school, went to the bathroom, and there was blood all over my clothes. So I hollered to my mom, luckily she had some thin panty liners. I wore them for the first time. The second time I switched to bigger ones. I did end up going to school. It was an awful day of school having to deal with it but the second time it was better. I got mine at the age of 12..Girls when you get yours for the 1st time, don't be afraid...[Read More..]

My First Period - Sarah's Story

I got my first period when I was 9. I blame drinking hormone filled cows milk as a child. That day I had a friend sleeping over and I woke and went to the bathroom to find that my undies and pajamas and legs were covered. It looked like I had a murder in my pants. So I sat there screaming with the door locked and I wouldnt let anyone in. I knew where my mom kept her pads but...[Read More..]

My First Period - Jane's Story

This is the story of my first period. I had my first period at age 11 and 1/2. One sunday morning I was making breakfast for my family around 6:30 am. The night before I was having cramps, I have had dischage since I was 10 and have to wear a bra or well you understand. So I was having cramps the night before. I was making oatmeal with water, I felt something wet so I thought it was water or discharge. I felt my pajama pants and it was not what I expected. I ran to the bathroom and I saw a h...[Read More..]

Party Time

I remember going to the bathroom after my mom's dinner party and seeing pink on the tissue and thought oh no I'm dying, lol. My mom explained to me that this was what she told me during that birds and bees talk two years earlier would happen. It didn't hurt much the first time but ever since then I think it's trying to take me out! I was 13 and during the dinner party I thought I just had a tummy ache. My mom went in her room that night and cried because her little girl was growing up.

Sensitive Starter

When I first got my period, I was 11 years old and was at my father's house for the weekend. I went to the bathroom and noticed blood on my panties. I started crying! My dad found out I was crying and asked what was wrong. I was too embarrassed to tell him and I knew it would be awkward for him. Instead I called my mom and she came to pick me up. She bought me icecream, magazines, and midol for cramps. I remember sleeping alot the first time and enjoyed the attention I got from my mom.

My First Period - Edyta's Story

I was a late bloomer. At 15 years old, I had gotten breasts and was fairly tall, but I still hadn't hit menarche. I was beginning to think I was infertile, and I would always clam up around girls at the lunch table talking about period woes. I was also jealous that I didn't have that excuse to get out of swim class! I always thought I would wake up one morning, see the blood as I stepped into the shower, and look at myself in the mirror, feeling like a true woman. Instead, I got it in global...[Read More..]

My First Period - Heather Lynne's Story

I have to start by saying that my mom and I are now best of friends and this is in no way criticism of the way she raised me it was a different time and talking about certain things were still taboo. 

When I was a young girl there was no "talk" about your cycle or what to expect, actually I don't think there was much talking about anything regarding our bodies. I do remember my very forward-thinking mom buying me "Are You There God? It's Me Margaret." But th...[Read More..]

Thankful for Friends

Growing up I was the first to mature. I remember being teased in school because I wore a bra. My mom was a single mother and I was alone a lot. I had a good friend and her mom was always home. They were a very open family. It helped that when I was going through my first stages of puberty my friend welcomed a baby brother into her family. We asked numerous questions and she answered them wholeheartedly.

So when I experienced my first period my mother didn't know. I told...[Read More..]

My First Period - Francine's Story

My first period story takes place in the summer of 1964. I was a bubbly, active thirteen-year-old who was excited for the many summer activities of camping, swimming and picnics by the lake my family had planned. With the sun on my heels and warm wind in my hair, I knew this summer would be special.

But I didn’t realize it would be special in “that” kind of way...

I remember the day like yesterday, and rightly so, without it The DivaCup would never be the suc...[Read More..]

Prepared & Waiting for Period #1

As a late bloomer (later than pretty much all my friends), I was more than "prepared" for my first period. Having a great relationship with my mom and 2 older sisters, I knew what to look for when my monthly visitor arrived. Though my period arrived later for me than my friends I very much appreciated that. While friends were changing tampons or sanitary napkins, I was still riding bikes and having fun. Not to say your period should end your childhood, it just changes the dyn...[Read More..]

Very Simple and Easy Experience

I wanted to get my period so bad. Like all girls, I wondered when it would make it's appearance. I was crazy enough to get into my moms stash of tampons (super plus ones ouch!) and practicing putting them in before my period ever began. I read the American Girl book, The Care and Keeping of YOU, over about a hundred times. I was so ready.

It was January 1, 2002 and I was turning 13 in a month. I was home alone, not at school because it was winter break. I was in my room organizing st...[Read More..]

My First Period - Jannie's Story

My first period was never anything special. I was just an 11 year old girl and it was just a spot of blood on my panties about the size of a quarter. no biggie but my mom wasn’t the kind of person to talk to me about something like that.

She just tells me that its my period hands me a pad and that was it. later on down the road I started hearing about how some moms would take their daughters out to eat or take them out for a pedicure to celebrate their period but I could&r...[Read More..]

The Most Exciting News

I was well prepared for my first period. I don't mean in school, although I was a good student as well. I mean that first time you menstruate. I had had sex education in fifth grade; I knew the parts and what they were supposed to do. I just had to wait until it happened. As luck would have it, I was wearing white shorts when it started. I wasn't worried though, I was excited. I was a woman. I had supplies with me so there was just a rush to get them in place.

When I got home tha...[Read More..]

Talk To Your Girls (and boys too!)

I was raised by my grandma, and I adore her, but when it comes to periods she's definitely "old fashion". I guess you could say she warned me about my period in her own subtle way, but I got far more information from friends at school than I did from her. And to tell you the truth, I really didn't want to hear "that information" coming from my grandmother, it mortified me! I was always (and still am) totally embarrassed to talk to her about anything period or sex related, ...[Read More..]

My 1st Period - Angela's Story

I don't have kids but remember the 1st day of my period like it was yesterday. I was 11 and it was the first day of school...first day of 6th grade...1st day of moving from grade school to middle school. I started on the bus ride home that afternoon after school. I was a latch key kid and my mom worked full-time. I went to the bathroom...saw the "evidence" ...and promptly freaked out and called my mom at work. Her boss let her come home early. She came into the house and hugge...[Read More..]

My First Period - DeAnna's Story

Our First Period stories are seldom told.

We share highlights from our childhood with our own children as they grow up, from the mischievous to the beautiful, from the mundane to the unparalleled. Moms may share their First Kiss story with their Teen girl, but a first menstrual story? Rarely...

Having worked with woman and girls all over the world, I found that sharing these silent stories creates deep bonding, and has a rich healing effect on those who share, as well ...[Read More..]

My First Period - Jay's Story

My first period came when I was 11 years old, I was the first of my friends to get my period and I was especially pleased with myself, as the flat-chested girl in a group of girls who had developed early and large, this meant I wasn't going to be left behind. In fact getting my period first meant to me that I was the first to reach womanhood, my chest may have been flat but I had made up for that with womanly hips and womanly things going on between my hips.

It was after gym class...i...[Read More..]

My First Period - Carolyn's Story

By Carolyn West

I was 13 and wondering why my cousin who was six months younger than me had already gotten her period. While I was completely terrified of it, I still wondered what was wrong with me for not having it. While I was technically prepared, I knew WHAT was going to happen and I had a box of supplies under my bathroom sink, I was utterly unprepared emotionally. For anything.

At 13 I w...[Read More..]

Yikes! My Period Came: A First Period Story

When I first got my period, I was 13 years old. I was sitting on my front porch with a close girl friend of mine and we were listening to music together, just hanging out. To be honest, I didn't actually feel my period come. I noticed that it had arrived when I went to the washroom and yes, it had soaked right through my fashionable skin tight jean shorts that were light denim in color with pink roses painted on them. I felt completely humiliated and embarrassed and I wasn't even sure if ...[Read More..]

My First Period Story

Getting your period for the first time is one of those moments when you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing. I remember this day so vividly because I was looking SO forward to it for a very different reason. I was preparing to leave that afternoon for my first big trip away from my parents. Not only was I going away without them, I was going to a different country on a different continent for an entire month! My Grandparents were already in Ireland waiting for me to arrive...[Read More..]

First Period Story

I’d say I was pretty young when I first started my period. I was only 8 years old, turning 9 in about two months. I remember the day vividly. I spent the day upstairs on New Year’s Eve while family and friends were over. I wasn’t in the mood to be bothered with everyone laughing and talking unnecessarily loud at all. I had been in a cranky mood all month and didn’t know why. In the midst of watching Purple Rain (my favorite movie), eating everything in sight, and cryin...[Read More..]

How You ARE Loved Changed My Life

In contrast to the many Toxic Shock Syndrome stories on You ARE Loved's site, mine is not one of illness, loss or pain. I am a lucky one!

Getting Started with Tampons

I started my menstrual journey at 15 the way most girls do: using pads. I never got along with them, and hated the "diapery" feeling and the odor.  

My mom solely used tampons, so I was natu...[Read More..]

"What is a Period, Mommy?"

Say it again

Last fall I had a conversation about menstruation with my then two-year-old daughter. I didn’t want to; I was forced. Some were amused by its content. Some inspired.

Just the other night, the topic of periods came up again. Because I was having mine, and once again my daughter saw the string between my legs.The conversation started off exactly like the first ...[Read More..]

Camping With DivaCup

Camping with a menstrual cup, scary or sensible?

Expecting to start my period the day we were scheduled to leave for our camping trip I was "prepared" and decided to bring my DivaCup with me. I've never enjoyed the inconvenience my period has caused during a camping trip, the extra concern of being somewhere I could change my tampon or the early morning wake up calls from aunt flo. There's nothing like waking up wi...[Read More..]

Trying to Find a Better Alternative to Pads

I struggle to be on friendly terms with what is commonly referred to as maxi pads. Although it’s been many years since I’ve used one, I remember why I began disliking pads—they felt like diapers for adults, only instead of urine & fecal matter, I was sitting in menstrual fluids.

My issue with pads began while I was in high school. I was in the middle of class, had just changed my pad, yet I felt warm liquid working its way up my crack. I knew if I didn’t ca...[Read More..]

"Cramping" My Style

I will never forget the shopping trip that I took with my Mom when we were searching for my grade 8 Graduation dress. I had my period and I had the worst cramps I had ever experienced. I had already taken some medication for the pain, but it wasn't doing anything for me. I should have listened better to my body because I ended up passing out on the change room floor because the pain was so intense! We ended up going to see the doctor after that and I was prescribed some special medication...[Read More..]

Dad, I Need Pads...

My parents divorced when I was 11 and my mother moved out of the house. For a while my mother would buy me my monthly "supplies" and drop them off because it was too embarrassing to ask my father.

After a while, my mother said I was on my own to pick up these necessities. In an effort to be sly and avoid any conversation about my needs, I decided to quietly add them to the weekly grocery list for my dad. I wrote "pads" in the middle of the list. I thought for...[Read More..]

Tampon Tales

Growing up, I was a swimmer. I took swim lessons in back to back sessions and I eventually became a life guard. I had to learn how to use a tampon rather early on in my period experiences. I didn't realize how time consuming trying to figure out how to use a tampon would be nor did I ever think that I would want my Mom's assistance or advice. My Mom left to go out with her friends on the day that I had to figure out how to use one. I was having a swim test that was very important and I c...[Read More..]

Period Disaster!

This is a story that goes back all the way to highschool. I was experiencing a heavy flow and I remember I was wearing a regular pad. I did a lot of walking around and sitting during the day and you know what that does to your period right? It makes your period flow more towards the front than the back so a simple solution for this is to just strategically place your pad closer to the front. This means your pad will cover less area at the back but as long as you know you're not doing any acti...[Read More..]

Menstrual Cramps - Finding the Good in Something Bad

Every woman has a story or two about a menstrual accident. Leaking through white shorts – mortifying. Asking a male teacher for an emergency pass to the restroom – humiliating. A little white string hanging out the crotch of your swimsuit – really, really embarrassing. But hearing about these stories is helpful because you can prepare and hopefully avoid having your own accident story. Cramps are another thing. Knowing that someone else had cramps so bad she sweated through ...[Read More..]

Why Tampons Aren't Right For Me

By Megan Durham

My mother insisted that tampons were practically a gift from the gods. Pads were like diapers, she said, itchy and immature. I got the distinct impression that real women wore tampons, that this was just another trial that I had to undergo in my quest towards adulthood. Blood wasn’t enough in itself.

So I proudly took the box that she had given me and trotted off to the bath...[Read More..]

Embarrassing Moment

As with many girls, I’m sure, the first few years of having your menstrual cycle can be very tortuous. You’re getting used to the pains, the pads, and the predicting. I like to consider myself a fast learner, so I had the changing pads and pain relief down to a science. My main issue was trying to track my cycle and knowing exactly when I was going to start my period. I was in the 6th grade, and my teacher was known all around school for throwing the biggest classroom parties for ...[Read More..]

What You Need to Know About the Disposal of Feminine Care Items

Public bathrooms... not always a great experience! I'm sure just saying those two words brings about a number of images. Public restrooms can be dirty, smelly and just plain gross to use for several reasons (more reasons than I can list here today). So, after visiting a Washington State Ferry Terminal restroom and being pleasantly surprised to find a new way to help keep bathrooms sanitary I had to share.

One of the "ewww" factors for public restrooms can be the improper dis...[Read More..]

Wave Goodbye to Leaks

Is anything more stressful than worrying about the possibility of a leak? How can anyone focus on learning in class, performing on the field, or talking to your friends when a leak could happen at any time?

Whether you are getting ready for your first period, have had your period a few times, or have been menstruating for years the following tips will help you wave goodbye to leaks.

1) Know Your Flow. Be extra prepared on your heaviest days then relax o...[Read More..]

Yoga and Menstruation: A Remedy for PMS

Until my 20’s, I struggled with PMS. Whether it was backaches, migraines, excessive cramping, etc. it was a constant struggle. I always did the obvious, painkillers, PMS tea, read all the tips from magazines and it seemed, nothing worked. It wasn’t until my late 20’s I met a modern day goddess (and yoga guru), [Read More..]

Swimming During My Period?!?!

Swimsuit Season

Swimsuit season has officially arrived! If your summer is anything like mine, you will be in the water a lot this summer. And, more than once you may find the fun in the water is planned on a day when you are menstruating.  

Stressful Situations

When it comes to swimming or even just being in a swimsuit during your period, many girls and women worry. We worry about so many different things, including:

[Read More..]

My Top 3 Foods to Beat PMS Symptoms!

By Nicole Jardim

I used to be that girl who dreaded my period AND the week before my period. It would begin with the ridiculous sugar cravings (yes the kind where eating a whole chocolate cake would be just fine), then the bloating would start (probably because of the whole chocolate cake), and it would culminate in the worst cramps ever (think the kind of cramps that make you throw u...[Read More..]

Get to Know Your Menstrual Cycle

So Many Names & Perspectives

No matter what you call it — Dot, Tom (time of the month), Cousin Ruby, Aunt Flo, Period, or even the old phrase “on the rag,” – it is still menstruation.  If you are a woman, live with women, have daughters or sisters, work or interact in some way with females – chances are good that you are somewhat familiar with the basic deta...[Read More..]

Handling Periods at School - Tips for Parents & Girls

For many young girls, one of the most deeply rooted menstruation fears is to rise up from their desk at school only to have accidentally leaked all over their clothes - for everyone in their class to see.

While this fear is diminished with time and experience, it is an absolutely normal and natural feeling for most girls who are menstruating to worry while they are at school.

Truth is, even adults worry about this, and it would be rare for any woman t...[Read More..]

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle and menstruation are often not well understood by many women, even though dealing with it is something they are faced with on a regular basis.

The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but just as all women are different, so are our periods. Normal cycles can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days in adults and from 21 to 45 days in young teens.

Many women may have irregular or heavy periods, making their periods unpredictable or otherwise dif...[Read More..]

If I'd Only Known

I discovered something a few years ago that has changed me and has made a huge difference in my life of PMS, pads and periods. If I'd only known it when I was a teen and just beginning my menstrual journey; oh, what a difference it would have made in my life. I don't want you to be like me; with almost 35 years of menstrual experience before I learned this important truth. Here it is. Embrace your cycle, every day of it. Embrace the good and the bad, the apparent strengths and wea...[Read More..]

How To Use A Menstrual Cup

By Softcup

Using a Menstrual Cup for the First Time
In a feminine hygiene market dominated by tampons and pads, trying a menstrual cup may seem intimidating at first. Menstrual cups have been around as long as tampons but are less familiar to some women. Whether you're dealing with unpredictable periods, experience a heavy...[Read More..]

Easy tips for Happier, Healthier Menstrual Cycle

by www.womens-natural-health.com

Take it easy during your menstrual cycle and, acccording to ayurdeda, a lot of possible future health problems would be diverted.

Unfortunately however, not 'being up to par' once a month is often frowned upon and women tend to try even harder to be 'superwoman'.
However, your monthly period is nature's way of detoxing your body. If you go with it you'll reap enormou...[Read More..]

Use Effective Natural Remedies for Painful Menstrual Cramps, Menstruation

By Dr Easton Patrick

Among the menstruating women, a painful menstruation or menstrual cramps are quite common. Medically this problem is termed as Dysmenorrhea. Mainly younger women experience this painful menstrual cramp. Usually this symptom gradually subsides after pregnancy or with the older age. For some women these menstrual cramps may be severe, while ma...[Read More..]

Toxic Shock Syndrome - What Every Woman Should Know

Amy Elifritz was age 20, menstruating and using tampons, when she came down with what appeared to be the flu. She died four days later from Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). After Amy’s death, her mother, Lisa, founded You ARE Loved, a nonprofit that raises awareness about tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome and provides factual menstrual information.

Since launching the You ARE Loved website, we have received and posted seve...[Read More..]

A Scary Encounter With TSS: At Camp

By Tara B. – Faith Confessions

The day started out great we all woke up got ready and went to breakfast. Our cabin was known for not putting in too much effort when getting ready. While the other girl’s rooms were filled with fumes of hair spray and their mirrors were prime real estate our routine consisted of rolling out of bed, throwing our hair in a ponytail, and heading o...[Read More..]

What You Should Know about Toxic Shock Syndrome

By Samantha Gluck

The term toxic shock syndrome (TSS) refers to a rare complication from a bacterial infection often resulting in life-threatening consequences. Frequently, TSS occurs from toxins released by the Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria, but the Streptococcus pyogenes (strep) bacteria can also cause the condition. These toxins circulate throughout the bloodstream, causing high fever, rash, multi...[Read More..]

Tampon Awareness

By Natracare

Toxic Shock Syndrome was back in the headlines recently following an investigation on US television about the tampon related death of Amy Elifritz.

In response women around the world have been asking what is in...[Read More..]

The Secret Sickness of Women

By Natracare

If you have thrush, or even if you don’t, irritation from tampons and pads may be causing you discomfort. Gynaecologists say that up to a third of women with symptoms of vaginal itching, soreness and/or discharge may be experiencing the symptoms of Vulval Dermatitis or Intimate Irritation.

Stud...[Read More..]

Wondering What to Do About PMS?

By Samantha Gluck

As the name implies, women experience the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) for one to two weeks before their monthly menstruation begins. For some women, these symptoms are very mild and barely noticeable, but for others the symptoms cause considerable...[Read More..]

Is PMDD Damaging Your Quality of Life?

By Samantha Gluck

Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) experience a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).As with PM...[Read More..]