The menstrual cycle is the process your body goes through each month as it gets ready for the possibility of pregnancy. It usually lasts between 21-35 days (most commonly around 28 days).

Changes in your hormones during this process control how fertile you are, meaning you are more likely to get pregnant at certain times during your cycle. These hormone changes can also cause your mood and energy levels to fluctuate over the course of your cycle. The amount of discharge your vagina produces can also vary depending on where you are in your cycle.

wh-menstural health

Find out more about the four phases of the menstrual cycle and how they might affect you.

Tracking your menstrual cycle will help you know which phase of your cycle you’re in and when you can expect your next period to start. Period tracking apps can help with this.

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Let’s talk about periods

Your period is the part of the menstrual cycle when the shed lining of the uterus passes through your vagina, and comes out with blood you bleed from your vagina. This happens when an egg released from your ovary has not been fertilised. For most people, periods happen every 28 days or so.

Regular periods are the best indicator that your reproductive system is working as it should. It’s useful to know what’s ‘normal’ for you, so that you are more likely to notice if something doesn’t seem right.

Starting your period

Getting your first period might feel a bit daunting but there are lots of things you can do to make them easier.

Information for parents

If your child has just started their period, discussing it with them can put them at ease and help them feel more comfortable with their physical and emotional symptoms. It doesn’t have to be an awkward conversation and can help your child feel safe and supported.

Period products

Menstrual products absorb or collect the blood released during your period.

Free period products

If you’re finding it difficult to afford hygiene and toiletry products, find out where you can access them for free.

Dorset Council provides free period products to young people who have experienced care. You can ask your personal adviser for more information or complete a form.

Gender dysphoria and periods

If you are gender fluid, non-binary or trans, you may still have periods. It can be a complicated topic for transgender and non-binary individuals and can cause significant discomfort each month. If you have any concerns about your period, speak to a healthcare professional.

Periods can be a challenging time for you, triggering heightened feelings of gender dysphoria. It’s important to protect your mental health, understand how gender affirming hormones can affect your period, and find gender-neutral period products that help you feel comfortable.

If you have friends or family who are trans or non-binary and you want to know how you can support them during their period the Clue website has some great resources.