theChat.scot

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Talking about menstruation (Periods)

The suggestions about how to talk about menstruation that are offered here are written to support chats with your daughter. Of course, young men can ask and talk about periods too. You can adapt what is here to give them information too.

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Talking about periods

Young women are likely to understand the basics about menstruation, but this text can help support your chats to make sure there is a good understanding, and just to make sure they know you are available to chat more.

Having a period is one part of your menstrual cycle. When your period comes, blood that comes out of our vulva for a few days every month. This is normal.

When a girl has her period, she wears a period pad or tampon, period pants or menstrual cup to absorb the fluid. You can talk to me (other adults/older siblings) about what you would like to use. If you use a period pad or tampon you change that a few times a day. You put your used pad or tampon in a bin, not down the loo.

When a girl has a menstrual cycle, this can affect her emotions and moods. This is normal. She might feel tired or annoyed or sad at different times during the cycle. When you start to have your period, you can talk to me about your feelings.

A girl can have some pain when she has her period. This is normal, but if you are having pain that makes it difficult to do the day-to-day things you do, like go to school or college, we can talk about that and get some support for you from the GP or a young person’s clinic. It’s important to talk to me if you have any pain, so that I can help with that.

It is important to know that a girl can still do anything she wants when having her period. Girls start having their period at different ages. Every girl is different and unique.

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To support your chats these films and resources might be helpful.

Sponsored by Lil-lets a short films with description of periods as part of the reproductive system, with girls talking about having their period.

Animation and FAQs.

The social enterprise Hey Girls has information about all the myths that girls can hear about periods

Childline provide information on periods here.

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By when should a girl have started her periods?

Most girls have started their periods by the age of 16, but some might not have. If not, it is advisable to support your daughter to visit her GP or local young people’s sexual health service, just to have a chat about why this might be so.

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In Scotland, all girls and women can get pads or tampons at school or college or in places like leisure centres for free. This is because it is unfair that girls and women have to pay for something that is essential for them when they have their periods.

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Knowing about endometriosis

Many times, endometriosis has no symptoms. When symptoms are present, they may include abdominal cramps or back pain during menstruation, menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding during periods, painful bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation, painful sex and difficulty becoming pregnant.

There is an animation here for young people about this condition:

https://youtu.be/34syY5N5ZQA?si=9eq9dsc0huNDuDbF
(3 minutes 31 – you might need to skip adverts when viewing on YouTube)

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Books

These books might be of interest. Maybe you could both read them and chat. Your library might have them, or you can ask them if they will order a book for you.

The book provides valuable tips and insights for taking control of your health and well-being throughout the month. Empowering and full of practical advice.

Funny and informative book full of practical tips and advice from what a period actually is, to who and who doesn’t have them.

A book that answers questions about periods and related issues.