What to Do If Your Period Starts at School (Step-by-Step)

If your period starts at school, you are not the first person this has happened to, and you won't be the last. It happens to lots of people, and it's completely normal. Here's exactly what to do, step by step.

1Take a slow breath

That "oh no" feeling is normal. Take one slow breath in and out. Nobody can tell just by looking at you, and you have time to sort it out calmly.

A first period often starts as a few spots of brown or pink blood, not bright red. It's usually only a small amount at first.

2Ask to go to the bathroom

You don't have to explain why. Teachers hear this question all day.

What you can say

"Can I go to the bathroom, please?"

"I need to go to the nurse's office, please."

If you'd rather not say it out loud, you can quietly go up to your teacher's desk, or write it on a note.

3Use what you have

If you have a pad in your bag, put it on the inside of your underwear, sticky side down. If you don't have one:

• Make a quick backup pad by folding toilet paper into a thick strip and putting it in your underwear. It's fine for a little while.
• Ask a friend you trust. Lots of people carry a spare.
• Go to the school nurse or front office. Most schools keep pads for exactly this, and you won't be the first person to ask today.

4If blood got on your clothes

Don't panic. This happens to almost everyone at some point.

• Tie a hoodie or jumper around your waist, like the girl in the comic.
• Rinse small marks with cold water (hot water makes blood stains set).
• The nurse's office may have spare clothes, or they can help you call a parent or carer to bring some.

5Tell a trusted adult

A school nurse, a teacher you like, a school counsellor, or a parent or carer can all help, and they've all dealt with this before. Telling someone means you don't have to handle it alone.

Not sure how to start?

"I think my period just started and I don't have anything."

"Can you help me? I've got a period problem."

6Pack a period pouch for next time

A small zip pouch that lives in your school bag means you're ready, any day.

Period pouch checklist

Tap each item as you pack it.

• 2–3 pads
• Spare underwear
• Small pack of wipes
• A small bag for used things
• Dark leggings or shorts
• Hand sanitiser
• A hair tie and a snack
• A note: who to ask for help

0 of 8 packed

About cramps

Period cramps are an achy feeling low in your tummy. A warm drink, gentle walking or a hot water bottle at home can help. Always ask a parent, carer or the school nurse before taking any medicine.

7When to get help

Tell an adult straight away if you:

• need a new pad every hour for a few hours in a row
• have pain so bad you can't carry on with your day
• feel faint, very dizzy or unwell

Prepared = power. You've got this. ♡

For parents and carers

A first period can arrive any time from about age 8 to 16. Packing a pouch together and talking it through before it happens takes the fear out of the day. Older teens and adults who want to understand their own cycle can track it privately with I Know My Body, which keeps everything on the phone with no account. It's best set up together.

This guide is general information to help you feel prepared. It isn't medical advice. If you're worried about your period, talk to a parent or carer, your school nurse or a doctor.