Will my first period be heaviest?

Your first menstrual cycle is unique. Some may experience their first period in primary school, while others may be a few years into high school. No matter when it happens, it’s a significant moment. Whether mum’s prepared you with boxes of pads ready to go, or you have no idea what you’re in for, chances are you still have quite a few questions. One of them being: will my first period be heaviest?

The short answer… you’re more likely to experience a light flow, but we’re all different! For most, first periods are super light and only lasts a couple of days, but others may experience a heavier, longer flow. It’s also totally normal for your first few periods to be pretty irregular. We know your curiosity doesn’t end there - so let’s dive a little deeper.

What is the Menstrual Cycle? 

Let’s start with the basics. Many think the menstrual cycle is just your period, but that’s only one of four stages over 28 days (on average - our bodies can play by their own rules!). 

Stage 1: Menstruation 

Menstruation is the fancy word for period. It’s when the uterine lining sheds, causing blood, mucus and tissue to flow from the vagina. We know that may sound scary, but menstruation is your body doing a normal, healthy thing.

Stage 2: Follicular phase

This is when the brain releases the follicle-stimulating hormone to produce follicles on the surface of the ovaries, with only one follicle maturing into an egg, and the rest being absorbed back into your body. Cool huh? As the follicle matures into an egg, oestrogen is released, thickening the uterine lining. The follicular phase lasts around 14 days, beginning on the first day of menstruation and ending when ovulation starts.

Stage 3: Ovulation

When an egg matures, it’s released from the ovaries and travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. This happens once every month, about two weeks before your period. 

Stage 4: Luteal phase

We’ve made it to the final stage! The luteal phase lasts around 14 days and is when the cells in the ovaries release hormones which thicken the uterine lining readying it for pregnancy. If the egg isn’t fertilised and pregnancy doesn’t occur, the lining sheds - aka your period is back. 

What to expect during your first period? 

How long should my period last? What colour should it be? Are cramps really that painful? We’ve got you.

While the average length of a period is 4-5 days, some first periods only last 1-3 days. Our top tip? Make sure you have enough period care items to keep you covered for 5 days. You can always use the leftovers next period. 

You can also expect your period to be a brownish or dark red colour. That’s because first flows are generally light, meaning it takes longer for blood to come out of the vagina, so it isn’t as fresh. To learn more about the different period blood colours, read our blog. 

Some common period symptoms include cramps, lower back pain, fatigue and mood swings. How many period symptoms and how bad they are varies from person to person. We can all do with some tips to help ease cramps, so check out our top 5 remedies! Note that while some period pain is normal, if you experience pain that interferes with your day to day life, don’t just put up with it. Make sure you talk to a parent or medical professional.

What to do if your flow is heavier than you expect?

As mentioned earlier, your first period is likely to be on the lighter side. It’s normal for your flow to become heavier and last for longer as your body regulates and gets used to the monthly cycle. However, just like us, periods are unique and a bit unpredictable. So you may find your first period is heavier than you expected. Don’t stress, you can handle it! Just pop on a Libra Girl pad (the Goodnights pads are super absorbent), and trust it will keep you covered. You may need to change your pad more frequently than if your flow was light, so a good indicator is when you start to feel damp down there, it’s time to change your pad. 

For an ultra comfy and super absorbent period care option, why not try our new Libra Girl Hipster Period Briefs? They can hold up to 5 tampons, so whether your first period is light, heavy, or you just want some peace of mind, these undies will keep you feeling fresh and protected. If you start experiencing some signs and symptoms that hint your first period is on its way, you can always wear our Libra Girl period undies just in case. They’re made from Organic Cotton and feel just like your regular undies, but have your back if your period arrives. 

If you find your flow is consistently very heavy, and you’re bleeding through pads every few hours, make sure you check in with your medical professional, as it could be a sign that something else is going on.

What should I pack in my period kit?

Here are our tips to become a period prep pro, no matter your flow! Pack pads, tampons or a pair of period briefs in a little bag you can take to school, sports training, or your job. Even if you don’t need one, your bestie might! We recommend adding some Panadol, hand sanitiser and throwing a choccie in your period kit, too!

As much as you might want to be able to predict everything when it comes to periods - when it’ll come, how light or heavy your flow will be, and  how you'll feel - sadly, we can’t. One thing you can expect is to flow leak-free with the Libra Girl range! Just like we have your back on all things period care, we’re also here with more advice and education on our blog. ‘Cause you can never be too prepared, right?

Love, Libra x

Essity makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional, medical or other health professional advice.