I just tried to use a tampon to make sure I was comfortable with it and when I pulled it out, there was a spot of blood and some orange blood too. Does that mean I've started my period or it's coming in a few few days?

Okay so finding a spot of blood after trying a tampon, especially if it's mixed with orange, usually means your period is super close, like within a few days, or it might even be starting right then! It's kind of like a sneak peek.

Sometimes a little bit of old blood can look orange or brownish because it's had time to react with air, and it's totally normal. It just means your body is getting ready for the main event. It's not usually a full period right away, but it's definitely a sign your body is doing its thing and getting prepped.

What it means

• Spotting: It's common to have a little spotting, or a tiny bit of blood, right before your period. It's just your body gearing up.
• Orange blood: This can be super normal! It's often just older blood mixing with other fluids or just how it looks when it's just starting. If it's a super bright, vibrant orange and you have any discomfort or weird smells, definitely tell a grown-up, but a little bit of orange or brown is usually nothing to worry about.

What to do now

If you see this, it's a good idea to keep some pads or period undies handy, just in case your flow gets heavier really quickly. The Soso app is great for logging these little signs because it helps you learn your body's patterns and predict when your period is actually going to start. It even has a calendar where you can see everything!