Center for Young Women's Health
I’ve been having cramps in my lower abdomen and I’ve been moody, but I haven’t started my period yet. Is this normal?It’s uncommon to have cramps in your lower abdomen (belly) before your period starts. The discomfort you feel could be caused from constipation, but there could be another reason for … read more
Articles Tagged: period
Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea)
It’s common for many girls to have mild pain with their periods a couple of days each month. However, if your pain is not relieved with over-the-counter pain medicine, and … read more
Birth Control Pills: How to take BCPs
The most common pill packs come with 21 active hormone pills and seven placebo pills, but some packs have 23, 24, 26, or even 28 active pills. The example shown … read more
Period Products: Information about Tampons and Pads
There are two basic types of period products: external protection and internal protection. External protection such as pads and panty liners attach to the crotch of underpants to absorb your menstrual … read more
What is the appropriate time to have sex after menstruating?
Although women are most fertile during the middle part of her cycle, there’s a chance a woman can become pregnant ANY TIME she has unprotected intercourse, AND pregnancy can happen … read more
What are the symptoms of a period?
The symptoms of a period are different for everyone. Some women have cramps in the lower part of their belly, while others never feel any discomfort at all. Many women … read more
How do I tell my mom that I got my period?
You may be nervous or excited about having your first period. Hopefully you’ve talked to your mom, aunt, older sister or another relative before it started so you know what … read more
Tampons
You may feel nervous about using a tampon for the first time. It’s normal to feel nervous, especially if you have any unanswered questions about tampons. What are tampons and … read more
Can I have sex while I’m on my period?
Having sex during your period is a personal choice between you and your partner. There’s no medical reason not to have sex during this time, but remember: although it’s unlikely … read more
If my mom got her period at 13, will I get my period then?
Not necessarily. Some girls may get their first period around the same age as their mom did, but that’s not always the case. Every girl’s body is different. One clue … read more