What Is a Period?
New to periods? This guide explains what a period is, where the blood comes from, what you might notice, and what to do first, with gentle reminders about who can help if you feel worried or unsure.
Read thisKids & Teens
I’m New to Periods
A gentle place to start if periods are new to you. Learn what a period is, why it happens, what the words mean, and who you can ask if you have questions or feel unsure.
Read about
In this section
Why Do Periods Happen?
Your body changes as you grow, and periods are one of those changes. This guide explains why periods happen, what puberty means, and why getting a period is only one small part of growing up.
Read thisWhen Will My First Period Start?
Wondering about your first period? This guide explains when it might start, what you may notice, what you can keep ready, and who can help if it starts at school.
Read thisWhat Is a Menstrual Cycle?
Periods can have a pattern, but everyone’s body is a bit different. This guide explains what the menstrual cycle means, what you might notice during the month, how to track your period, and when to ask for help.
Read thisWhat Is Discharge?
A gentle guide to the white or clear marks you might notice in your underwear, what they can look like, why they happen, how they are different from a period, and when to ask for help.
Read thisWhat Is Ovulation?
Ever heard the word ovulation and wondered what it means? This guide explains it in a simple way, including what ovaries do, how ovulation links to periods, and when to ask a trusted adult for help.
Read thisPeriod Words Explained Simply
A simple glossary of common period words, including period, cycle, uterus, vagina, vulva, ovaries, ovulation, discharge, cramps, PMS and trusted adult.
Read thisNot sure how to ask?
Ask Luma in your own words
You do not need the right words or the correct terms. Type your question the way you would say it out loud, and Luma will point you to a resource that explains it.
Talking to a trusted adult
You can also tell a parent, carer, teacher or school nurse. A short sentence is enough — you do not have to explain everything.
Keep exploring
Related sections
My First Period
What to do if your period starts, how to feel prepared and who you can tell.
Open sectionBlood, Leaks and What’s Normal
Learn what period blood can look like, what leaks mean and when to tell someone.
Open sectionPrivacy, Shame and Period Myths
Periods are not dirty. This section clears up worries, myths and embarrassment.
Open sectionIf you are worried: This information helps you learn and prepare. It does not diagnose or replace advice from a doctor or nurse. If you feel very unwell, have severe pain, are bleeding very heavily, feel faint or something feels wrong, tell a trusted adult or get medical help straight away.