Our experts walk through common period facts, the menstrual cycle, and how you can support your teen.
Author Jen Bell | Reviewed by Staci Tanouye, M.D.
Your teen is going through puberty and has started or is about to start their first period. Though you may have menstruated or currently still menstruate (or maybe you’ve never menstruated!), it’s important to know that their menstrual cycle may not be the same as yours. And, that’s okay.
There’s a lot to learn about periods. BLOOM is here to help with an intro on period facts, a look into the period cycle and common questions.
What Is Menstruation?
Menstruation (pronounced-Men-Stray-Shun) also known as a menstrual period, period, menses, or flow, is the release of a mixture of blood, tissue, cells, and mucus from the uterus out through the vagina. A preteen’s or teen’s first period is a sign that they are getting close to the end of puberty.
For everyone who has a uterus, periods are a natural, healthy part of growing up. Periods shouldn’t get in the way of them exercising, having fun, and enjoying life.
What Is a Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is the monthly process a person’s body goes through in preparation for a possible pregnancy. Though individual cycles may vary in length, they generally go through the following:
- Follicular/Menses: On days 1-6 of their period, your child will have started their period and will experience menstrual bleeding.
- Follicular/Proliferative Phase: On days 7-13, they will start to experience, white, cloudy discharge, signaling ovulation is approaching.
- Ovulation Phase: On days 13-15, estrogen peaks and vaginal discharge resembles a raw egg white.
- Luteal/Secretory Phase: On days 15-28, ovulation has passed and they can experience sticky, tacky, gluey, dry or absent discharge. The menstrual cycle repeats itself.
What is Ovulation? Ovulation is the release of an egg from an ovary, into the fallopian tube. During ovulation, a person is most fertile, meaning it’s the time they are most likely to get pregnant.
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How Many Days Between Periods Is Normal?
Your teen might wonder how many days between their period cycles is normal. Ensure them that there is no one “correct” answer to how many days between periods.
In the first few years, it’s normal for a menstrual cycle (the time from day 1 of one period to day 1 of the next period) to vary from 21-45 days. By about three years after your preteen’s or teen’s first period, they should have a period every 21-34 days, with the average cycle length being 28 days.
For most people it takes about six years for their menstrual cycle to get into a regular rhythm! So don’t worry if your preteen’s or teen’s cycle is not regular from the start.
Help your child start tracking their period with these tips.
How to Talk to My Tween or Teen About Periods
How and when you talk to your teen about periods is a personal decision, but an important one as well. Their first period is a sign that their body is changing, and that it is now possible for them to get pregnant. Having conversations about what is going on in their body and teaching them that it is all a natural process can help them be more comfortable with the whole menstruation process.
If your tween or teen is more comfortable learning on their own, or has expressed interest in learning more about what happens during the period process, urge them to check out the menstruation section of the BLOOM Teen Hub, where they can learn more about periods, PMS symptoms, how to start tracking their cycle and more.
PRO TIP > Encourage your teen to explore the BLOOM TEEN HUB to learn all about their skin and skin care, written just for them!
How to Help My Teen With Cramps and PMS
Cramps are a common premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptom, and a very common part of many people’s monthly periods. If your teen experiences cramps with their monthly menstrual cycles, encourage them to:
- Try getting extra rest
- Exercise to help increase blood flow
- Try deep breathing or meditation
- Try a heating pad or cold pack.
- Use calming sensory input like a weighted blanket or essential oils.
BLOOM TIP > Check out our period care products for a smoother and more comfortable period, and learn more about our top 6 period products for teens.
What About Transgender Teens and Menstruation
Going through puberty and getting your first period can be challenging for anyone, and being transgender adds another emotional layer to that. Many, but not all trans and nonbinary youth experience gender dysphoria, where they experience distress because of a mismatch between their anatomy and their gender identity.
If your preteen or teen doesn’t identify as a girl but still gets a period, this can cause discomfort and anxiety — especially because many people still equate menstruation with femaleness.
The most important thing when talking about their periods is to mention that they’re normal. And, no, that does not mean you mean they are a girl or woman. Be gentle, be flexible, and don’t be pushy. Offer your preteen or teen lots of resources and listen to what they have to say. They’ll open up when they’re ready.
More Period Questions?
If you are still feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! BLOOM is here to help. With our library of On-Demand Workshops with our trusted educators, to our Ask the Expert Forum & Live Events where you can get answers to your burning questions from our qualified professionals, to Supportive Community, where you can find strength in a community of other parents and caregivers, to Direct 1-on-1 Parent Coaching Support, we’ve got you. Raising tweens or teens is hard enough. BLOOM is here to make it a little easier.
