A parent's guide to conquer periods and hormone with their teen
with free downloadable resources
PARENT RESOURCE
Downloadables & must-know insights to conquer periods and hormones with your teen
HI BRIGHT PARENTS!
Bright means intelligent.
Bright people are smart.
They know their body and they know how to listen to their body.
Your child can embrace their period as an intelligent function of their body, rather than dreading it… they just need the right tools!
If you feel like navigating periods with your teen/tween can be nerve-racking, awkward, or like you don’t know where to begin, you’re not alone in feeling that way.
The resources on this page are here to help you… and make it a positive experience for you and your child!
WHAT'S ON THIS PAGE?
PERIOD CARE PRODUCTS:
This resource includes information about period care products that help to meet the needs of a range of different people.
LEARNING RESOURCES:
This resource also includes activities and conversation starter worksheets to help facilitate further learning for yourself and your teenager.
PRACTITIONER DIRECTORY:
Our practitioner directory is constantly being updated with menstrual health practitioners who are best qualified to find and treat the root cause of period concerns.
Demi Spaccavento
As seen
in:
Proudly
partnered
with:
DEMI SPACCAVENTO
SCHOOL SPEAKER, TEACHER & AUTHOR
FREE RECIPE EBOOK
Easy and delicious recipes to help reduce period pain, PMS and cravings.
5 recipes from our nutritionists to make periods a better experience
YOUR TEEN'S FIRST PERIOD
WHEN SHOULD TEENS GET THEIR FIRST PERIOD?
The average age a period should start is between 9 and 16.
Everyone is different.
If your teen doesn’t have their period yet, but has other puberty signs, such as pubic hair, breast growth, growing taller, and a changing body shape, then this is a great sign that the body is on track and their period is on its way.
The advice of a health practitioner can be sought if your teen is 14, 15, or 16 and isn’t showing signs of puberty.
HOW TO TALK ABOUT PERIODS WITH YOUR TEEN:
– Keep it lighthearted
– Keep it positive
– Read through this page together
– Share something personal first to help them feel comfortable to open up
– Use the conversation starters at the bottom of this page
WHAT'S 'NORMAL'?
Period symptoms and irregularities are more expected when teens first start having their period.
It takes time for the body to be able to regulate the menstrual cycle. In fact, it can take up to 6 years!
It’s important for teens to be kind and patient with their body during this time.
Aim towards balanced hormones and minimal period symptoms over time.
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? - PERIOD SYMPTOMS
Ideally, we want irregular or symptomatic teenage periods improve with time.
Help can be sought for symptoms that impact a teen’s ability to carry on with everyday life.
Extreme symptoms in teenage years (fainting, vomiting, extreme pain, etc.) are not normal.
If your child is experiencing severe symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced menstrual health or hormone specialist to find the root cause.
HELP SEEKING
MENSTRUAL HEALTH
PRACTITIONER DIRECTORY
NOT ALL DOCTOS SPECIALISE IN PERIODS. HERE ARE THE ONES THAT DO!
Find a health practitioner who specialises in periods and hormones
IT'S TIME TO SEE A HEALTH PRACTITIONER WHEN:
- Symptoms are extreme
- Symptoms are disrupting their ability to carry on with (and enjoy) everyday life
- Worrying symptoms become a pattern
FINDING A PRACTITIONER
Most GPs and family doctors are the first place people go for help with period concerns.
It’s important to remember that most general practitioners do not specialise in periods and hormones, and that’s ok.
But what that means is that they’re not always the most equipped to diagnose and treat menstrual health symptoms.
Ask you doctor to refer you to a menstrual health or hormone specialist.
OR, look for one on our practitioner directory.
CONNECT WITH A MENSTRUAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER
Use our practitioner directory to search for specialists by location, qualification or by your symptoms/concerns.
DR TASH - Gynaecologist & Endocrinologist
Period Pain Assessment Online Screening Tool (PIPPA)
Developed by Canberra Health services
This 5 question screening will let you know if you should see a practitioner about your period pain
Read the management tools for period symptoms published by Canberra Health Services
Download a letter to initiate a conversation about your best pathway for period pain help with your doctor
PERIOD-READY KIT
EASY PEASY PERIODS. NO AWKWARD CONVERSATIONS REQUIRED!
Perfect for teens/tweens approaching their first period or navigating the first few years of menstruation
PERIOD CARE PRODUCTS
More than ever before, there are many different options to manage your period and to suit every menstruator’s needs.
The choice is no longer limited to just pads or tampons.
There are menstrual cups to go all day without thinking about our periods, period swimwear so we can still swim on our period, reusable pads if we prefer external options, and period underwear so we can cut down on disposable products to be more environmentally conscious.
More options means more freedom and more people who get their needs met. Periods do not have to stop us living life!
SUSTAINABLE PADS & TAMPONS
PRODUCTS THAT ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS
● Organic pads and tampons with biodegradable materials and packaging
These options are still disposable, however, they are designed to break down much faster than conventional pads/tampons. They often tend to also use less plastic in their packaging. Organic options also contain less hormone disrupting compounds and skin irritants like certain pesticides, bleaches and fragrances.
WHAT ABOUT REUSABLE PERIOD PRODUCTS?
Reusable period care options include:
- Period cups
- Period-proof underwear
- Reusable pads.
These options don’t need to be disposed of, and therefore create less waste. They are gaining popularity because of their benefits to our health and the environment.
DISPOSABLE PADS AND TAMPONS:
As conscious consumers, we can think about the potential impact our period care products have on the environment.
ORGANIC PADS AND TAMPONS
- INTERNAL
- EXTERNAL
- REUSABLE
- DISPOSABLE
For a more environmentally and body friendly alternative, you can look for pads and tampons that are:
– Organic
– Biodegradable materials
– Free from dioxins, bleaches, phthalates, polypropylene
– Disclose their ingredients
Many people’s skin can be irritated by the above ingredients.
A BETTER CHOICE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR YOUR HORMONES
It’s important for us to make informed choices about period care products. Some pads and tampons can contain harsh hormone disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that impact our hormones. Many disposable pads/tampons contain plastics that take many years to break down in landfill.
More brands are now offering organic options with biodegradable materials and packaging.
WHERE DOES PADS/TAMPON WASTE END UP IF IT CANNOT BREAK DOWN?
- IN OCEANS, RIVERS, STREAMS
- IN LANDFILL WHERE THEY TAKE HUNDREDS OF YEARS TO BREAK DOWN
- BURNED IN OUR WASTE SYSTEMS EMITTING TOXIC FUMES
- BEACHES & WATER POLLUTING THE ENVIRONMENTS OF MARINE ANIMALS
Keep scrolling for period cups and period underwear
PERIOD UNDERWEAR
- INTERNAL
- EXTERNAL
- REUSABLE
- DISPOSABLE
HOW DO THEY WORK?
Period-proof underwear are a reusable period care option, designed to absorb period blood and keep you dry without the need for pads or tampons. Period underwear have an absorbent section in them (similar to having an inbuilt pad) with multiple layers that absorb blood, prevent leaks, and keep moisture away from skin. They hold more blood than pads and tampons, so you can often go longer without needing to change them. However, wear time will depend on how heavy your flow is.
CLEANING YOUR USED PERIOD UNDERWEAR:
- Remove the period underwear
- Rinse off excess blood on the surface under cold water in a sink or bathtub until the water runs clear
- Put them in the washing machine on a cold cycle WITHOUT fabric softener. They can be added in with the rest of your laundry with similar colours
- Hang, dry and wear them again
STARTING OUT WITH PERIOD UNDERWEAR
PERIOD CUPS
- INTERNAL
- EXTERNAL
- REUSABLE
- DISPOSABLE
HOW DO THEY WORK?
Menstrual cups are inserted into the vaginal canal, just like a tampon would be. However, instead of absorbing menstrual blood like a tampon, the menstrual cup collects the blood. The cup gets folded up so it is smaller, the tip is positioned at the vaginal opening, and it is gently directed inside the vaginal canal on a diagonal angle. Once inside, it opens up and the holes around the rim of the cup create a seal to the walls of the vagina, ensuring it does not move out of place and that blood will not leak out. If inserted correctly, you shouldn’t be able to feel the menstrual cup and it shouldn’t cause discomfort.
CLEANING THE CUP
A menstrual cups is reusable, meaning it is cleaned after each use and used again. It can last you years, saving a lot of money! Because the cup is made of 100% medical grade silicone, it is very hygienic and safe.
After removing, rinse cup the sink with cold water and gentle soap and reinsert.
When your period is over, you can sanitise the cup by boiling it in a pot on the stove for a few minutes (follow manufacturers instructions). Alternatively, the TOM Organic cup comes with a steriliser case to sanitise your cup in the microwave. Do this before reinserting before your next period too.
- YOU ONLY NEED 1 CUP. WASH IT AND REUSE!
- NO NEED TO BUY PADS/TAMPONS MONTHLY, WHICH SAVES $$$
- NO PLASTICS OR PESTICIDES
- MADE FROM MEDICAL GRADE SILICONE - SAFE AND HYGIENIC
- DIVERTS THOUSANDS OF PADS/TAMPONS FROM LANDFILL
- GREAT FOR SWIMMING AND SPORTS
- COLLECTS 2-3 TAMPONS WORTH OF BLOOD
- WEAR FOR UP TO 8 HOURS WITH LESS RISK OF TSS
STARTING OUT WITH PERIOD CUPS VIDEOS
CAN TEENAGERS USE PERIOD CUPS?
(but the short answer is YES!)
Many teenagers use menstrual cups.
Some are able to make the cup work right away. Others need to practise for a few cycles (and that’s normal!)
It’s not an all-or-nothing experience. It’s okay to try inserting a cup part way, call it a day, and try again when you’re feeling comfortable. Eventually you’ll be able to position the cup so that you can’t even feel it.
Teenagers can use a cup as soon as they feel comfortable and confident to try it out.
The Saalt teen cup is a smaller fit to make starting out with a cup easier!
BUY THE SAALT PERIOD CUP
Comfy & holds 2-4x more blood than tampons.
Your wallet & the environment will thank you!
AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA
Keep scrolling for downloadable activies and conversations starters
REUSABLE PADS
- INTERNAL
- EXTERNAL
- REUSABLE
- DISPOSABLE
HOW DO THEY WORK?
Reusable pads absorb your period without the need for disposable pads or tampons.
They have an inbuilt absorbent section that absorbs blood. Reusable pads usually clip onto your underwear. They usually hold more blood than a disposable pad, so you can often go longer without needing to change them. However, wear time will depend on how heavy your flow is. Just make sure to change after 8 hours! When you’re ready to change a reusable pad, it can be rinsed or soaked, and then put in the washing machine.
CLEANING REUSABLE PADS
Remove the reusable pad
Soak in cold water for to get out the excess blood on the surface and prevent staining. Follow product guidelines for soaking
Wash in the washing machine on a cold cycle without fabric softener. You can put them in with the rest of your laundry with similar colours
Hang, dry and wear them again!
- WASH AND REUSE THEM!
- NO NEED TO BUY PADS/TAMPONS MONTHLY, WHICH SAVES $$$
- COLLECTS 2-4 TAMPONS WORTH OF BLOOD
- NO PLASTICS
- DIVERTS THOUSANDS OF PADS/TAMPONS FROM LANDFILL
- CUTE AND COMFORTABLE
USE YOUR PERIOD TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
'THE BRIGHT GIRL GUIDE' BOOK
BY DEMI SPACCAVENTO
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING!
Use code “BRIGHT10”
for 10% off
ebook and paperback
Also available on:
LEARNING RESOURCES
USE THESE RESOURCES TO FOSTER CONVERSATION
AND COMMUNICATION AROUND PERIODS WITHIN YOUR FAMILY
CONVERSATION STARTERS AND ACTIVITIES
EASY PEASY PERIODS.
NO AWKWARD CONVERSATIONS REQUIRED
Do you want your teen to EMBRACE their period, rather than resent it?
Join families around the world and register for the
“Period Perfect” parent-teen Masterclasses today!
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
2x 90 minute ‘Period Perfect Masterclass’ videos
A copy of ‘The Bright Girl Guide’ ebook – an all encompassing guide to the menstrual cycle and hormones
Access to a resource kit of activities and worksheets for deep learning
Access to our exclusive Facebook group for BONUS resources and a community of support from like-minded families
Unlimited access to the masterclass recordings to watch back as you wish
You will receive instant access to material to experience the Masterclasses at your own pace
Use code “PARENT20” for $20 off
Get the latest discounts and information to your inbox!
SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS
MENSTRUAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
Delivered by an experienced teacher, the presentations empower students to understand that periods aren’t scary, but that they can a great tools for better health. These research based seminars elevate body image and self confidence, and equips students with diet/lifestyle strategies for better health and a balanced period.
- The menstrual cycle
- The reproductive & endocrine systems
- Coping with stress
- Building positive body image
- Help seeking
- Lifestyle & diet strategies
- Destroying negative stigmas surrounding menstrual health
- Recognising and identifying reproductive health concerns
- PDHPE & Science syllabus outcomes
THANKS PARENTS!
Strong, confident, BRIGHT teenagers who embrace their health begins with YOU!
I hope that the resources on this page will help you and your teen/tween connect, facilitate open, honest conversation, and help equip them to make the best health decisions possible!
Demi Spaccavento
MORE RESOURCES:
BOOK: ‘The Bright Girl Guide’
PERIOD-READY KIT: online masterclasses and resource kit for parents and teens
USE YOUR PERIOD TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
'THE BRIGHT GIRL GUIDE' BOOK
BY DEMI SPACCAVENTO
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING!
Use code “BRIGHT10”
for 10% off
ebook and paperback
Also available on:
FOR PARENTS
PARENT-TEEN
PERIOD-READY KIT
Easy-peasy periods - no awkward conversations required!
Activities, masterclasses and resources for parents and teens to understand hormones and have the best period possible!
FREE RECIPE BOOK
Easy and delicious recipes to help reduce period pain, PMS and cravings.
WHAT'S NORMAL & WHAT'S NOT?
What's typical when it comes to periods?
Period symptoms and irregularities are more expected when teens first start having their period.
It takes time for the body to be able to regulate the menstrual cycle. In fact, it can take up to 6 years!
It’s important for teens to be kind and patient with their body during this time.
Aim towards balanced hormones and minimal period symptoms over time.
Ideally, we want irregular or symptomatic teenage periods improve with time.
Help can be sought for symptoms that impact a teen’s ability to carry on with everyday life.
Extreme symptoms in teenage years (fainting, vomiting, extreme pain, etc.) are not normal.
If your child is experiencing severe symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced menstrual health or hormone specialist to find the root cause.
The average age a period should start is between 9 and 16.
Everyone is different.
If your teen doesn’t have their period yet, but has other puberty signs, such as pubic hair, breast growth, growing taller, and a changing body shape, then this is a great sign that the body is on track and their period is on its way.
The advice of a health practitioner can be sought if your teen is 14, 15, or 16 and isn’t showing signs of puberty.
– Keep it lighthearted
– Keep it positive
– Read through this page together
– Share something personal first to help them feel comfortable to open up
– Use the conversation starters at the bottom of this page
HELP-SEEKING
When is it time to see a doctor for periods?
- Symptoms are extreme
- Symptoms are disrupting their ability to carry on with (and enjoy) everyday life
- Worrying symptoms become a pattern
Most GPs and family doctors are the first place people go for help with period concerns.
It’s important to remember that most general practitioners do not specialise in periods and hormones, and that’s ok.
But what that means is that they’re not always the most equipped to diagnose and treat menstrual health symptoms.
Ask you doctor to refer you to a menstrual health or hormone specialist.
OR, look for one on our practitioner directory.
PRACTITIONER DIRECTORY
NOT ALL DOCTOS SPECIALISE IN PERIODS…. HERE ARE THE ONES THAT DO!
Find a health practitioner who specialises in periods and hormones
Period Pain Assessment – Is it time to see a doctor?
Period Pain Assessment Online Screening Tool (PIPPA) developed by Canberra Health services
This 5 question screening will let you know if you should see a practitioner about your period pain
Read the management tools for period symptoms published by Canberra Health Services
Download a letter to initiate a conversation about your best pathway treating your period pain
PERIOD CARE PRODUCTS
The choice is no longer limited to just pads or tampons.
More options means more people get their needs met.
PERIOD CUPS
- INTERNAL
- EXTERNAL
- REUSABLE
- DISPOSABLE
Menstrual cups are inserted into the vaginal canal, just like a tampon would be.
However, instead of absorbing menstrual blood like a tampon, the menstrual cup collects the blood.
The cup gets folded up so it is smaller, the tip is positioned at the vaginal opening, and it is gently directed inside the vaginal canal on a diagonal angle.
Once inside, it opens up and the holes around the rim of the cup create a seal to the walls of the vagina, ensuring it does not move out of place and that blood will not leak out.
If inserted correctly, you shouldn’t be able to feel the menstrual cup and it shouldn’t cause discomfort.
A menstrual cups is reusable, meaning it is cleaned after each use and used again. It can last you years, saving a lot of money! Because the cup is made of 100% medical grade silicone, it is very hygienic and safe.
After removing, rinse cup the sink with cold water and gentle soap and reinsert.
When your period is over, you can sanitise the cup by boiling it in a pot on the stove for a few minutes (follow manufacturers instructions). Alternatively, the TOM Organic cup comes with a steriliser case to sanitise your cup in the microwave. Do this before reinserting before your next period too.
- You only need 1 cup – wash and reuse it!
- No need to buy pads/tampons monthly, which saves money
- Made from medical grade silicone – safe and hygenic
- Diversts thousands of tampons/pads from landfill
- Great for swimming and sport
- Collects 2-4 tampons worth of blood
- Wear for up to 8 hours
- Less risk of TSS than with tampons
Many teenagers use menstrual cups.
Some are able to make the cup work right away. Others need to practise for a few cycles (and that’s normal!)
It’s not an all-or-nothing experience. It’s okay to try inserting a cup part way, call it a day, and try again when you’re feeling comfortable. Eventually you’ll be able to position the cup so that you can’t even feel it.
Teenagers can use a cup as soon as they feel comfortable and confident to try it out.
The Saalt teen cup is a smaller fit to make starting out with a cup easier!
STARTING WITH PERIOD CUPS
PADS & TAMPONS
- INTERNAL
- EXTERNAL
- REUSABLE
- DISPOSABLE
- In oceans, rivers and streams
- In landfill, where plastic components take hundreds of years to break down
- Polluting beaches and oceans
More brands are now offering organic options with biodegradable materials and packaging.
As conscious consumers, we can think about the potential impact our period care products have on the environment and our body.
Environmental impact of disposable pads/tampons
- Plastic packaging, pad inlays and tampon applicators can take potentially hundreds of years to break down
- Tampon applicators are one of the most common items polluting beaches
Health impact – endocrine disruptors:
- Many pads/tampons contain pesticides, phthalates and fragrances, which are hormone disruptors (xeno-oestrogens)
- Hormone disruptors impact the body’s endocrine (hormone) system
- These can also cause skin irritation for some users
For a more environmentally and body friendly alternative, you can look for pads and tampons that are:
– Organic
– Use biodegradable materials
– Free from dioxins, bleaches, phthalates, polypropylene, fragrances
– Disclose their ingredients
PERIOD UNDERWEAR
- INTERNAL
- EXTERNAL
- REUSABLE
- DISPOSABLE
Period-proof underwear are a reusable period care option, designed to absorb period blood and keep you dry without the need for pads or tampons.
Period underwear have an absorbent section in them (similar to having an inbuilt pad) with multiple layers that absorb blood, prevent leaks, and keep moisture away from skin.
They hold more blood than pads and tampons, so you can often go longer without needing to change them.
However, wear time will depend on how heavy your flow is.
- Remove your used period underwear
- Rinse off excess blood on the surface under cold water in a sink or bathtub until the water runs clear
- Put them in the washing machine on a cold cycle WITHOUT fabric softener. They can be added in with the rest of your laundry with similar colours
- Hang, dry and wear them again
STARTING OUT WITH PERIOD UNDERWEAR
REUSABLE PADS
- INTERNAL
- EXTERNAL
- REUSABLE
- DISPOSABLE
Reusable pads absorb your period without the need for disposable pads or tampons.
They have an inbuilt absorbent section that absorbs blood. Reusable pads usually clip onto your underwear.
They usually hold more blood than a disposable pad, so you can often go longer without needing to change them.
However, wear time will depend on how heavy your flow is. Just make sure to change after 8 hours!
When you’re ready to change a reusable pad, it can be rinsed or soaked, and then put in the washing machine.
Remove the reusable pad
Soak in cold water for to get out the excess blood on the surface and prevent staining. Follow product guidelines for soaking
Wash in the washing machine on a cold cycle without fabric softener. You can put them in with the rest of your laundry with similar colours
Hang, dry and wear them again!
- Wash and reuse them!
- No need to buy pads/tampon monthly, saving money
- Collects 2-4 tampons worth of blood (sometimes more!)
- Diverts thousands of pads/tampons from landfill
- Cute and comfortable
CONVERSATION STARTERS AND ACTIVITIES
Use these resources to foster conversation around periods within your family
'The Bright Girl Guide' ebook
The young person's guide to understand and embrace their cycle!
Parent-Teen 'Period Ready' Kit
Perfect for teens/tweens navigating the first few years of menstruation
INQUIRE ABOUT A SCHOOL PRESENTATION
'THE BRIGHT GIRL GUIDE' BOOK
BY DEMI SPACCAVENTO
Use your period to your advantage!
Use code “BRIGHT10” for 10% off
ebook and paperback