OB/GYN Dr. Staci Tanouye answers frequently asked questions about periods.
Fact: Everyone with a period will have a cycle that is uniquely their own.
Another fact: Get to know yours! The more you know, the better you can prepare and feel comfortable
talking about your period. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions that I get from
my patients:
The best way to prepare for your period is to carry around a period kit (period products including U by
Kotex® pads and liners), spare underwear and a pain reliver. Some additional items you could add to
your kit include:
First things first, take a deep breath. It will be OK!
When puberty starts, your body will start to give off signals that your period is coming, beginning
anytime between 9 and 15 years of age (12, on average). These signs will come in the form of different
bodily changes, such as your breast size and shape, pubic hair development, hips widening and vaginal
fluid secretion.
Your first period may be between two to seven days, and common symptoms during a period include
cramping in your lower abdomen, breast tenderness, diarrhea or nausea, dizziness and lower backache.
While uncomfortable, a heating pad and over-the-counter pain relief medication can help alleviate
symptoms.
For more on what exactly to expect on your first period, check out the First Period Guide and take a look
at this article!
It’s going to feel a little awkward at first, but remember what you’re going through is a completely
natural part of life and your parents know that!
We’ve shared some tips for what to keep in mind and how to get the conversation started here.
This is easier said than done, but the only way to get comfortable talking about your period is to talk
about it.
Period stigma still exists, but the fastest way to eliminate the shame is reminding people that it’s not
taboo to talk about a normal bodily process. Half the population gets a period for 40 years in a lifetime
(on average). That’s a long time to avoid talking about something that affects you once a month!
If you’re not ready to talk openly about your period, follow people who are actively working to shatter
the stigma.
Author Summary: Staci Tanouye, MD, OB-GYN is a physician in a private practice and an expert in
adolescent health, sexual health, reproductive health, and menopausal health. She has become one of
the leading gynecologists on social media with the mission to educate women and all people with vulvas
to love their bodies through knowledge and empowerment.
Check out Simone Giertz’s menstruation machine as she helps young women demystify the amazing process their body goes through.
Learn MoreYour period is an indicator of overall health and wellness. Get to know why it's important to track it and understand your symptoms.
Learn MoreRegistered dietitian and author of “The Better Period Food Solution” Tracy Lockwood Beckerman shares which foods she recommends during a period.
Learn MoreThis is not intended to be medical advice. Everybody is different so please make sure to consult your physician if you're having issues. Do not delay or refrain from seeking professional medical advice from your physician because of something you have read on this site.
No matter what time of the month it is, U by Kotex® has something that's right for you.
Allnighter® Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings, Extra Heavy Overnight
U by Kotex® Allnighter® Ultra Thin Extra Heavy Overnight Pads with Wings provide up to 100% leak free...
Security® Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings, Overnight
For all night protection in any sleep position, try U by Kotex® Security® Ultra Thin Overnight Pads with a 60% larger back*.
Teen® Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings, Overnight Protection
Get up to 100% leak free protection with U by Kotex® Ultra Thin Teen Overnight Pads with Wings.
Teen® Pads - Extra Absorbency
Get up to 100% leak free protection with U by Kotex® Extra Absorbency Ultra Thin Teen Pads with Wings, the ONLY pad uniquely sized for teens*.
Cleanwear® Ultra Thin Pads - Heavy Flow With Wings
Get the ultra thin pad that keeps up with you and your day. U by Kotex® CleanWear® Ultra Thin Pads....
Click® Tampons Super - Compact Applicator
Try the #1 compact Tampon and get up to 100% leak free XPRESS-DRI® protection.
Security® Ultra Thin Pads - Long with Wings
Get up to 10 hours of XPRESS-DRI® protection and no harsh ingredients with U by Kotex® Security® Ultra Thin pads.
Tracking is simple! Use our FREE Period Calculator to figure out when your next period starts.