FreeFlow Fact File
The typical age that periods start is between 10-13 but it’s not unusual if it begins as early as 8 or as late as 17.
Periods tend to last for 3-7 days about once a month (every 4-5 weeks), but this varies from person to person. In the first few years of having your period, your cycle tends to vary in terms of the lengths of days and how often you get your period.
Period poverty refers to the lack of knowledge and resources that are experienced in many countries and cultures when it comes to periods.
In India, an estimated 70% of all reproductive diseases are caused by poor menstrual hygiene.
In India, 71% of young girls are unaware of menstrual health until after their first period.
On average, girls miss six days of class each month due to shame surrounding their periods or a lack of sanitary products. This contributes to the 23% drop out rate of girls each year in India.
The average person loses between 1-6 tablespoons of blood during each period. It can be thin or clumpy, and can vary in color from dark red to brown or pink.
When on your period, you can use pads (reusable or non reusable), tampons and menstrual cups and the regularity of how often you change them throughout the day should depend on how heavy your period is.
Many people experience PMS (premenstrual syndrome) before or during their periods which have emotional and physical symptoms including moodiness, sadness, anxiety, bloating, and acne. These symptoms are completely normal to experience and tend to go away after the first few days of a period.
Along with PMS, it is very common for periods to cause cramps (back pains and stomach aches) and headaches. These pains can be reduced by taking Paracetamol, Ibuprofen or applying a hot water bottle to your stomach/back.
It is normal for your first period to only last a couple of days and for your flow to be light.
Your hairs will grow during puberty - armpits, genitals, and it may get darker on your arms and legs.
Having sex whilst on your period does not stop you from getting pregnant, the chances are slim but it is not impossible.
Anaemia occurs when there is an iron deficiency, a problem that is often caused by heavy periods, and symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath and heart palpitations.
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