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Overview of periods

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A period is part of the menstrual cycle and refers to the shredding of the lining, called endometrium, of your uterus (womb). This blood and tissue leaves your body through your vagina. Most people call this bleeding a period.

Periods can start any age, but they usually start between the ages of 9 and 15. Some people start their periods earlier and some later. This is not usually a cause for concern. You keep getting periods until menopause.

A period happens approximately every 28 days though this can range from 21 to 40 days. Day 1 is the first day of bleeding. A period usually lasts between 3 and 8 days.

Sanitary products are used to collect the blood. The most common types are:

• Sanitary pads. Pads made from absorbent materials that you place inside your underwear to absorb the blood.
• Tampons. Cylinder-shaped items made from absorbent material that you insert into your vagina to soak up the blood.
• Menstrual cups. A cup-shaped device made from silicone or rubber that you insert into your vagina to catch and collect the blood.
• Period pants. Leak-proof padded underwear designed to absorb the blood. They are sometimes called menstrual pants. They have absorbent padding that makes them slightly thicker than normal underpants. Most period pants can be worn all day then washed in a washing machine afterwards.

Many people, especially teenagers and young adults, get period pain. It is also quite common to experience a mix of physical and emotional symptoms in the week or 2 that lead up to your period. This is called premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

If you are sexually active and your period is late, you might be pregnant. This can happen even if you are using contraception, as sometimes it can fail.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• NHS – Periods and fertility in the menstrual cycle

  Information about periods and the menstrual cycle. Includes a video animation about how the menstrual cycle works.

• Jean Hailes Foundation – Periods

  Information about periods, the menstrual cycle and period pain.

• Patient.info – Delaying a period

  Read about ways in which you can delay your period. For example, for times when having your period could be inconvenient.

• YouthHealthTalk – Starting periods

  Video interviews with a range of young people about their experiences with starting periods.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed January 2025.

Sources

Page reference: 53354

Review key: HIPER-53354