Why do we have to have periods?

Okay, so we have periods because our bodies are getting ready to maybe, someday, make a baby. It's literally like our bodies are practicing every month, just in case.

So here's the deal: each month, your uterus (that's like a pear-shaped organ inside you) builds up a super soft, cozy lining. Think of it like making a really comfy bed with extra blankets. This bed is for a fertilized egg to snuggle into if you were to get pregnant.

But if there's no fertilized egg — which is almost always the case when you're a kid, because that usually involves sex, and you're way too young for that — your body is like, "Well, no baby this month! Let's clear out this super comfy bed and start fresh next month." And that's what a period is! It's your body shedding that lining, and it comes out as blood and tissue. It's totally normal, and every girl who can get pregnant will have periods once they hit puberty.

It can feel a little weird and annoying sometimes, but really, it just means your body is doing what it's supposed to do and everything is working. If you're curious about your own cycle or just want to track when yours might be coming, the Soso app can help you see your patterns!