Period Fact Pack

Boys, eh? They're always whingeing on about their ridiculous football teams. As if being knocked out of the Premier Division is the end of the world!

But what do they really have to worry about? They should try being girls for a day. Let's face it - being a girl is hard work. Sure it's great (and we'd never want to be boys) but why on earth does being a girl also mean spots, boobs, pubes and worse of all periods?

But, love 'em or hate 'em, you're gonna just have to face the facts. You and your periods better become the best of friends 'cause they're gonna be coming to visit almost every month for the next 30-odd years.

So here's the mykindaplace guide to what's going on in your bod...

Your first period

Most girls start their periods between the age of 11 and 14, but it's still perfectly normal for them to start earlier, say at nine, or later at 18.

As soon as you hit puberty there's a chance that P-day is just around the corner. Your body will be going through all sorts of changes - but there are a few signals your body may give you to let you know that you'll soon be joining the world of menstruation.

What to Expect

· You've started growing pubic and underarm hair, the first sign that you're reaching puberty.
· Your breasts and hips are growing.
· You sweat a lot and generally feel uncomfortable.
· You've started breaking out in spots and your hair gets greasy.
· There's a creamy discharge in your pants every day.
· You're on a mood rollercoaster - one minute you're up, the next you're down.

You may experience all of these things - or none of them. Whatever happens to you it's important to remember that everyone's different, but it's all perfectly normal