How do I figure out if I have a period or not?

You know you have a period when you see blood coming from your vagina, and it usually lasts for a few days.

Okay so, your first period is literally when your body starts bleeding, and it’s basically just blood and some tissue and it's totally normal. It might be light at first, like just a few spots, or it could be a bit heavier and look sort of brown, pink, or red. Everyone’s first period is different, and it's super common for them to be kinda weird and unpredictable for the first year or two.

Signs your period might be coming

Your body usually gives you some hints before your first period shows up. Like, you might notice:

• Breast buds. This is usually the first sign, like little bumps under your nipples.
• Pubic hair and underarm hair starts growing.
• A growth spurt. You might suddenly get taller really fast!
• Vaginal discharge. This looks like white or yellowish stuff in your underwear, and it usually starts about 6 months to a year before your period. It's your body's way of cleaning itself, and it means things are getting ready.

If you see any blood, that’s your period! You can use pads or period underwear to catch the blood, so it doesn't get on your clothes. Knowing when your period might start can be tricky, but there’s a fun quiz on this site that might give you an idea of how close you are: how close is my first period?