why do I really want my period to start but also I’m petrified of getting it

Okay, so it literally makes total sense that you'd feel like this. Tons of people feel excited and kinda scared or nervous about getting their first period at the same time, and it's super normal.

It's like, on one hand, getting your period is a big sign that you're growing up, and that can feel pretty exciting and cool. It means your body is changing and becoming more mature, which is a huge milestone. It's a natural part of becoming a young woman, and it's something many of your friends might be talking about or experiencing too, so you probably want to be in the loop.

But then on the other hand, it's also a big change! It's new and can feel a little bit like the unknown. You might be worried about things like: will it hurt, will it be messy, what if it happens at school, or what if you don't know what to do? All those feelings are totally valid, and it's okay to feel them. Knowing what to expect and being prepared can actually help a lot with the nervous feelings. It turns out it's not actually that scary once you know what's up.

If you want a clearer idea of about when your first period might arrive, there's a quick quiz on this site that can help: how close is my first period?