In Australia, the average age for a first period is 12 to 13, although it can start as early as nine or as late as 16, according to Jean Hailes for Women's Health. A first period as a non-binary menstruator follows that same timeline, and Jean Hailes suggests seeing a doctor if periods haven't started by 16 to 17.
The bleeding is the same for everyone; the experience isn't always. This guide pulls together Australian health information on periods, dysphoria and care for trans, non-binary and gender diverse people.
Quick answer: A first period as a non-binary menstruator involves the same bleeding as anyone else's, and it doesn't change your gender. Some people feel fine about it, while for others it brings dysphoria. Try different products, keep a period kit handy, and see a GP if periods or distress affect your daily life.
Does having a period change your gender?
No. TransHub's menstruation page comes from ACON, which describes itself as New South Wales' leading HIV and LGBTQ+ health organisation. It says people of all genders menstruate, including non-binary and agender people and many men, and that menstruation doesn't change a person's gender.
TransHub also acknowledges that periods feel normal for some trans people and distressing for others, and can heighten dysphoria or act as an unwanted reminder of a gendered experience. Whatever you feel, it is a valid response.
What is a period actually like?
Jean Hailes says a period might last three to seven days, and most people lose less than 80 mL of blood in total. Flow is often heavier for the first three days, and the colour can range from dark brown to bright red. Small clots are normal; clots larger than a 50-cent coin are worth mentioning to a doctor.
Jean Hailes lists tampons, pads, period underwear, menstrual cups and menstrual discs as options, and notes that you may need to try a few before you find what you like. Healthdirect also suggests keeping a period kit in your bag, with pain-relief medicine and a spare pair of underwear.
Can testosterone stop periods?
It often does. TransHub says testosterone usually changes the menstrual cycle and many people stop menstruating completely, most within 1 to 3 cycles. A review in Australian Prescriber, hosted by the US National Library of Medicine, puts the typical timeframe at the first 3 to 6 months of treatment.
If periods continue or cause distress, the same review says progesterone can be used. TransHub lists testosterone, progesterone and hysterectomy as the main ways periods can be stopped, and says that sudden bleeding after periods have stopped on testosterone should be discussed with your doctor.
Where can you find gender-affirming care?
Healthdirect notes that finding a gender-affirming doctor can be hard, and that AusPATH lists gender-affirming clinicians. It also says no health professional should try to change your gender identity. For a chat at any hour, QLife is on 1800 184 527 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.
When to see a GP
Drawing on Jean Hailes and TransHub, see a GP if:
- your periods regularly feel painful, uncomfortable or debilitating;
- your periods don't follow a pattern, or you don't get them at all;
- you have severe emotional or psychological distress in the lead-up to your period;
- you bleed suddenly after your periods stopped on testosterone;
- you notice unexpected changes, especially after a change in medicines.
Our article on what to expect when you get your first period covers the basics in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for a first period to be brown?
Yes, it can be. Jean Hailes explains that period colour can change from dark brown to bright red, and flow is often heavier in the first few days before tapering off. Some small clots are also normal. If you notice clots bigger than a 50-cent coin, or a smell that worries you, talk to your doctor.
What if I bleed after my periods have stopped on testosterone?
TransHub advises talking to your doctor if you have stopped bleeding on testosterone and then suddenly bleed. A doctor can look into why it is happening and whether anything about your treatment needs to change. Keep a note of when the bleeding started and how heavy it was.
How do I know if my periods are too heavy?
Jean Hailes says you may have heavy periods if you need to change your period product every two hours or less, notice clots bigger than a 50-cent coin, or bleed for more than eight days. See your doctor if heavy bleeding comes with cramps or fatigue that affect your daily life.
If you'd like a reusable option in your period kit, the Lunette period cup is made from 100% medical-grade silicone and was independently tested by Danish lab TÆNK, which found no unwanted substances. Not sure whether Size 1 or Size 2 suits you? The period cup size guide explains the difference.
General health information only; it doesn't replace personalised advice from your GP, gender-affirming clinician or another health professional.
