Healthdirect Australia notes that period pain, also called dysmenorrhoea, often starts in the first year after periods begin and is more common in teenagers and people under 30. If cramps arrive with your first few periods, that is common.
Here is a look at what getting your first period really feels like, in your body and in your emotions. We have drawn on Australian health sources rather than personal stories, so you can tell what is typical and when to get help.
Quick answer: Getting your first period can come with a cramping, aching or heavy feeling low in your tummy, usually in the first 3 days of bleeding, according to healthdirect. Emotions can swing too: the Better Health Channel says puberty can be exciting but sometimes feels overwhelming or uncomfortable. Heat packs and gentle exercise may ease cramps.
Where do you feel period pain?
Mostly in the lower abdomen. The healthdirect page on managing period pain describes it as cramping, aching or heaviness felt just before and during a period, ranging from mild to severe.
When it is strong, period pain may stop you from doing your normal activities. It usually starts at the beginning of a period, typically within the first 3 days.
Why might I feel up and down?
Bodies and moods both change during puberty. Healthdirect says many people have physical and emotional symptoms before and during their period, and its guide for parents notes that a teenager's moods can change quickly during puberty.
The Better Health Channel adds that it is easy to feel self-conscious at this stage. Puberty can be wonderful and exciting, yet it can also feel overwhelming, and both reactions are understandable.
What helps when it hurts?
Start with simple comfort measures. Healthdirect lists heat packs, gentle exercise, and relaxation or meditation as things that may help, along with other options such as TENS.
For pain relief, healthdirect says anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen work best if started 1 to 2 days before your period and continued for the first 2 to 3 days of bleeding, while paracetamol can help with mild cramps. Speak with a doctor or pharmacist before starting a new medicine, and check with a parent too.
Is it normal to compare yourself with friends?
Very. The Better Health Channel page Is my body normal? (Girls) says it is common to wonder whether you are normal during puberty, but comparing yourself too closely with others can be unhelpful.
Better Health stresses that girls' bodies come in all shapes and sizes and that there is no single 'normal'. Periods start at different ages too, and everyone's experience is different.
When to see a GP
Talk to your GP if:
- period pain stops you from doing your usual activities, such as going to school;
- the pain is severe, as healthdirect says severe pain may be caused by a health condition such as endometriosis;
- low mood or worry lasts a long time, rather than coming and going.
Keeping a record of when your periods start, how long they last, how heavy they are and how you feel will help your GP. You can also ring healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to talk to a registered nurse, 24 hours a day.
Frequently asked questions
How long does first-period pain last?
Usually a few days at most. Healthdirect says period pain typically comes within the first 3 days, and pain relief is generally taken for the first 2 to 3 days of bleeding. If pain keeps going, gets worse or makes you miss school, book an appointment with your GP and bring a simple record of your periods.
Who can I talk to if I feel worried?
Plenty of people can help. The Better Health Channel suggests a parent, older sibling, trusted family friend, a friend's parent, your school counsellor or your GP. Kids Helpline is free on 1800 55 1800, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for anyone aged 5 to 25, even from a mobile.
Does a heat pack help period cramps?
It may. Healthdirect lists heat packs as one of the self-care options for period pain, alongside gentle exercise and relaxation. Paracetamol can help with milder cramps too, but check with a parent or pharmacist first. If cramps are strong enough to stop your usual activities, talk to a GP about other options.
For timing, colours and cycle length, see our guide on what to expect when you get your first period.
When periods start to feel routine and you're curious about reusable options, the Lunette period cup is made from 100% medical-grade silicone, with a softer Size 1 menstrual cup that Lunette recommends for teens. Our guide on how to clean a period cup shows what looking after one involves.
Everything here is general information and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Your GP, a school nurse or a healthdirect nurse can talk through your own situation.
