---
title: "FAQs for Teens: Your First Period"
date: 2019-02-15T03:00:00-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/faqs-for-teens-your-first-period"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# FAQs for Teens: Your First Period

These FAQs answer many questions young teens may have about periods, including “What is puberty?” “How often will I get my period?” “How do I choose a tampon?” and “What if I am having heavy bleeding?” Answers are brief and easy to understand and can reassure teens that what they’re going through is normal.

> When puberty begins, your brain signals your body to produce hormones. Some of these hormones prepare your body each month for a possible pregnancy. This is called the menstrual cycle. Hormones cause the lining of the uterus to become thicker with extra blood and tissue. One of your ovaries then releases an egg. This is called ovulation. The egg moves down one of the two fallopian tubes toward the uterus.

[View the FAQs ](https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/your-first-period)

SOURCE: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

![FA Qs for Teens Your First Period scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle)
- [menstrual products](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menstrual-products)
- [youth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/youth)
- [puberty](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/puberty)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesLook

## A Brief History of Periods/Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print

Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.

![A Brief History of Periods:Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print](data:image/png;base64,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)

Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-brief-history-of-periods-vagina-museum-period-exhibition-print)

[ResourcesRead

## A Menstrual Expert's Surprising Tips On How To Talk About Your Period

An interview with Dr. Inga Winkler about menstrual stigma – what it is, how it is perpetuated, and ways to combat it.

![A Menstrual Expert's Surprising Tips On How To Talk About Your Period](data:image/png;base64,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)

An interview with Dr. Inga Winkler about menstrual stigma – what it is, how it is perpetuated, and ways to combat it.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-menstrual-experts-surprising-tips-on-how-to-talk-about-your-period)

[ResourcesRead

## A Trauma-Informed Response To Racial Injustice

How can adults help young people discuss injustice safely and meaningfully? This resource explores trauma-informed responses to racial injustice.

![Duncan shaffer lo Pr MM Xp IIA unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

How can adults help young people discuss injustice safely and meaningfully? This resource explores trauma-informed responses to racial injustice.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-trauma-informed-response-to-racial-injustice)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Discussing How Important Youth Social Movements Are for Feminism

MB discusses how youth movements, horizontal organization, and social media mobilization can promote change.

![Marley](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFZElEQVRIiV1W264ktw2sojRe20hekv//qfyCgcC52Fnv2enWhazKQ/ecs2uB4BADNUtFSiXxl1/+YVtSVeXeufeac8+55thz7DVzr9pLSkgAIhgR0fq7MTqjIZrZjDDCoE0DBjpAECQJkAQAAgTuCDA+/J/D9/Hxzfd/IhgkAyQYAEnymn2BgR8Qfnnf8fepryC+8QTYg80wCIcjgnwZAqRBg/BN+YL6wDMNEjSCd95vAQCwRzQDQNkmRTay8X2eaeM2ATCCFhyv7DdG4M92M+vROmyCNiIcUWQDA2z3PNOmBBgGQjZfkH4vSxgNt8V3JWrtYRuoFlBzRUXkTeJKbUqwYL1/BYoRtGmTDiDgABr4jnHXtrfWbRNhI8qMuqoEhhF2WLQgwfJVIhIWZNC0ww44yHcGDQ5f6wN7i4dhoiREOJiM/podNm2UUGXLhG2DphC62nN1IuwAG9yN5pvQNwxgtnBFi+jk3Sg7bEpUQWXp2msmobBuDFphBtF8VQnNaDaNsK9dZNiMMFlkEI1s772tguryIuxm0AxEgwSKDNphBaJd3TbCbroYRHRfvEOMV/Wv4goSJFc5Uy6DagaoCFc5GihQRJAmFL471/QqwFUQkybi3s4mQBsyVah0piqlEiE3gI5QlKvABgoQCCIIU6BN3f1jBwMwIJDApVC0KEPlkqtcqUwpi3QYpCIczVFWgQHULSkmDcrUffjZcYnepX+vEyv7zp7OVKZyl7JAN5kMhqIpmljXWi9hAwABMvQ6//36kXx1woJk1b3wysqsvWvvUiZh9yAjovICaEbIEJsgmbYtW5YcNrok2ZJVqpdlVVVd2XNX7twrlUnaDjKiVbTKLmSBMkQLlFlyyKybBHuVZFVV1eU/Uu+svXOv3GvvtZWbtNXAYMtoyZ2MAitQVyCETNnlJttGz0zZld+MnTvzut3usfae7wAiGdGjPRjJSCPDiWhgCJRR1xV5bdO9t+3M2t+PtfdaV+q15tpzKhdpu5OM1qPviERsoYcbIsA7e1mlkCizr70sV9Xaa6291lp77XXZXPO2CyAIWxcA22YsRxd6qCFoQna5Uq0UJVrsa86bwVprzbXmmnPOD7/mWGPsMZSrBezOQLR2Xfdml9ut7nC5Sj0VqShRYp9zyK6svfacY44x51jzw88x1nnu83SuarAfEbwAEN1sclzSJVS5p1pWy2JeAGMM21m115pjjHnbHOcc5zzPdR7zPPJ4ulZrhH+IIPs7QJTI5ktWSm1X2xVZzGIJfYzTdmbuvecYY5xzHHOcY5x3fB7reO7jK3K1B4EfozFugCYwdF0clyS2nbGKO7mTJfRzHL5LtMaYYxxjnGMccxzzfM7zOY+v8/klv76xpj41sqIzHo29IeICcEjI8t4VK2Mm18ZOZL0YVOZee4wxxznOY57HGMccz3l8nceX9fa//PIb6/n4+aeIbI9ojx79ZkDBLCG32s6YybEwN+ZGlvv4hsEcc4xjzlf28znPt/n18/z8T/36hQD+dsSj2qdH++HBx+MGKDsyX8sfC+fEuTyW10afc1iuyrX2mmPOc45zzmOOY47nOr6st3/tX7/oein8jvbz5/bTz+3Tp3g82FqAaBar3FbFWDiXj+Hn6efwWO5zDtt17aI11hxrjbXGnucaz3V+3n/8ZwN6vUbqK/TXf9f+S+WP3A8xIIiVaiuxFsbwcejtqT+e+vx0z7xP8q1qufZeuefeI9eR4/f8Dfl6LhagN9TfU3kqZ+UPEc2NgrIiE3t5DY2zvr7Vr//VfKpXlm81zZftS6MrZ63fC6jX49aACy5YU9qhlNJogquiEpnOXWvm8az5LED/B9BQZCtw7vm+AAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

MB discusses how youth movements, horizontal organization, and social media mobilization can promote change.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-discussing-how-important-youth-social-movements-are-for-feminism)

[ResourcesRead

## Comic Book: Teen Dating Violence

This comic book tells the story of Neela and Chris, a high school couple. The book illustrates what intimate partner violence can look like in a teenage relationship.

![Screenshot 2023-03-08 at 12.49.17 PM](data:image/png;base64,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)

This comic book tells the story of Neela and Chris, a high school couple. The book illustrates what intimate partner violence can look like in a teenage relationship.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/comic-book-teen-dating-violence)

[ResourcesRead

## The Impact of COVID-19 Loss on Children's Mental Health

This February 2022 fact sheet provides information on the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of children and their caregivers.

![pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4473979](data:image/png;base64,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)

This February 2022 fact sheet provides information on the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of children and their caregivers.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/covids-impact-on-childrens-and-families-mental-health)

[ResourcesRead

## Criminalizing Trauma: On Childhood Sexual Abuse and Incarceration of Girls

Vera Institute’s Initiative to End Girls’ Incarceration explains the link between childhood sexual abuse and incarceration of girls, LGBQ/TGNC youth.

![girls hands in handcuffs](data:image/png;base64,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)

Vera Institute’s Initiative to End Girls’ Incarceration explains the link between childhood sexual abuse and incarceration of girls, LGBQ/TGNC youth.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/criminalizing-trauma-on-childhood-sexual-abuse-and-incarceration-of-girls)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Asking Legislators to Provide Menstrual Products in Prison

KH discusses her work lobbying and advocating for a menstrual products bill that would benefit women who are incarcerated.

![Kimberly](data:image/png;base64,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)

KH discusses her work lobbying and advocating for a menstrual products bill that would benefit women who are incarcerated.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-asking-legislators-to-provide-menstrual-products-in-prison)