How do I know if I have my period

You know you have your period when you see a reddish-brown or bright red liquid coming from your private parts.

A first period can be really light, like a reddish-brown stain in your underwear or just a little bit when you wipe, and it might not last very long. Or it can be a bit heavier, like you need to wear a pad or period underwear. The color can change a little too, from bright red to darker, brownish red, and that's all totally normal. But if you ever need a new pad every 1 to 2 hours, bleed for more than 7 days, see clots bigger than about 2.5 cm, or bleed through onto your clothes or sheets a lot, tell a grown-up you trust.

What it feels like

Sometimes before your period, or when it starts, you might get cramps in your tummy. They can feel kinda achy or like a dull pressure. You might also notice other stuff like your boobs feeling a little sore or you're more tired than usual. Mood can be kinda wonky too, like you're more sensitive or moody. All those things are totally normal signs of your period starting.

What to do about it

When it happens for the first time, you might feel surprised! It's a good idea to tell a trusted grown-up, like your mom, aunt, or an older sister. They can help you with supplies like pads or period underwear and just generally help you figure things out. If you're nervous about it, you can even just say something like, "Hey, I think I got my period." No biggie! Also, you can start tracking it in an app like Soso so you can see when it usually comes and how long it lasts. It makes things way less surprising next time.