No, you definitely don’t have to wear a pad when you’re not on your period. Some people (including me) like to wear a panty liner for a day or two after their period ends, just in case there are tiny leftover drops of blood. Other people sometimes use panty liners during the month to catch normal discharge and to feel clean but that’s totally a personal choice.

Most of the time, you can just wear your normal underwear and that’s perfectly fine. Pads are only really needed when you’re actually on your period. Everyone is different, so just do whatever feels most comfy and right for you.

During puberty, your body is growing and changing on the inside as well as the outside, and sometimes that can cause little twinges or discomfort around the vulva (the outside area). It can also happen if you haven’t drunk enough water and your pee is a bit strong, which can make the skin feel stingy for a moment.

Most of the time, this feeling goes away quickly and isn’t anything to worry about. But if the pain starts happening a lot, gets really strong, or makes you feel worried, it’s a good idea to talk to your mum or the person who looks after you. They can help you figure out what’s going on and make sure everything is ok,

It sounds really painful to be teased about something that’s such a personal part of your body, and all part of puberty and I’m really sorry you’re going through that. Everyone develops in their own time, and your body is doing things at the pace that’s right for you. Breast size is mostly decided by your genetics and natural body shape, and nothing you do can speed that up, but that doesn’t mean anything is “wrong” with you. Your worth isn’t measured by your bust size, and there are so many girls and women with smaller chests who are confident, healthy, and completely themselves.

The real problem is the bullying, not your body. When people make comments, it can help to roll your eyes or walk away so they don’t get the reaction they’re looking for, bullies usually enjoy attention. But if it’s constant, hurtful, or making you dread school, please talk to a teacher or another adult you trust. Schools have anti‑bullying rules for a reason, and you deserve to feel safe and supported. You’re allowed to ask for help, and you absolutely deserve to feel good in your own skin.

It sounds like you’re doing all the right things by keeping clean and using gentle, non‑perfumed products, so please don’t feel embarrassed, lots of girls worry about this, especially when doing activities like ballet. A light smell is totally normal, but a strong fishy smell can sometimes happen if the skin is sensitive, if products irritate you, or if sweat gets trapped. Washing the outside only (not inside), using warm water instead of hot water, and always wiping from front to back can really help protect the area.

If you’re worried about discharge or sweat during the day, you could try using panty liners to stay fresh, and changing them regularly. Sometimes certain foods, like garlic or onions, can also affect how things smell for some people. But if the smell is strong and won’t go away even when you’re being careful, that’s a sign to speak to a trusted adult, it’s nothing to be ashamed of, and they can help you feel comfortable again.

For more advice check out my blog below.

Puberty & Intimate Hygiene: A Simple Guide for Girls

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It sounds like you’ve been having a really tough time with food and how you feel about yourself, and that can be so exhausting. Even though your friend’s attempts to get you to eat feel overwhelming, she’s trying to look out for you because she cares. Feeling pressured or ashamed doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong, it just means you’re struggling, and that struggle is real, not something you should hide or handle alone.

Right now is a really important moment to reach out to a trusted adult, because you deserve proper support and kindness. Talking to someone, a parent, teacher, school counsellor, or another adult you trust can help you feel less alone and get you the help you need. It’s a brave step, but you don’t have to explain everything perfectly. Even saying something simple like, “I’m having a hard time with eating,” is enough to start getting the support you deserve.

Sports bras usually don’t need specific cup sizes and are often sold in sizes like Small, Medium, Large, or Extra Large. They’re made with stretchy material, so one size can fit a range of body shapes and developing sizes.

You’ve been incredibly brave sharing how you feel, and that’s a really important step in looking after your wellbeing. Your scars are nothing to be ashamed of, they don’t define you, and they aren’t something you need to hide or feel guilty about. They’re a reminder of what you’ve been through and how strong you are for getting through it.

Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident. People who care about you will see your strength, not your scars, and they will want you to feel safe and happy.

You could try a sports bra for now. They’re really comfortable, give gentle support, and are great while your body is still developing. They can be a good step before moving to a regular cupped bra later on, when you feel ready.

Before you think about taking any pain medicine for period cramps, it can help to try some natural things first. Gentle movement is great...no I'm not saying hit the gym!! But things like stretching, going for a walk, or even dancing around your room. Watching something you enjoy, especially something funny, can also help because laughter releases endorphins, which naturally ease discomfort.

Heat can really help too, like using a hot water bottle or a heat patch on your lower tummy. If none of these things help, you can talk to a parent or the adult who looks after you about taking something like ibuprofen, but only take medication under adult supervision.

I’m not a big fan of period‑tracking apps for teens because your body is still developing, and there’s no way an app can really predict what’s happening inside. For example, if your last period started on December 23rd, it wouldn’t naturally expect your next one in early January — that’s way too soon for a normal cycle.

And you’re right: periods can be very unpredictable during your teen years. It’s totally normal to have long gaps or be late, sometimes even by weeks or months. Try not to worry too much. Just make sure you have some pads or tampons with you when you’re out, and your period will show up when your body is ready.

Hi, sometimes parts of your body can feel tender or achy as you grow, so try not to worry too much right now. Give it a day or two and see if it settles. If it still hurts or you’re really concerned, it’s a good idea to talk to a trusted adult so they can help you figure out what’s going on, but I am sure it's nothing more than growing pains.

It’s really good that you’re looking out for your friend and noticing when something doesn’t seem right. For now, just keep an eye on things and try not to pressure her, there could be lots of reasons she isn’t eating much this week, like feeling unwell or having a low appetite.

But if this keeps happening every day and she still isn’t eating, then it’s important to talk to a trusted adult, like a teacher, school counsellor, or your parent, and let them know your worries. You don’t need to diagnose her, just share what you’ve seen. They’ll know how to help her safely.

At night your whole body relaxes, including the muscles around your uterus that help period blood come out. Because everything’s more relaxed, the blood doesn’t always flow as much when you’re lying down.

So even if your pad looks pretty empty in the morning, it doesn’t mean your period stopped. You might notice a little rush of blood when you get up and start moving around, that’s just gravity doing its thing!

Wearing a pad overnight is still a good idea, just to keep everything comfy and protected.

It’s completely understandable that you’re asking about your coping mechanisms, because when someone has a lot going on, they often turn to whatever helps them get through the moment. You’re just trying to manage feelings that are really heavy and some of the things you mentioned can be harmful for you, and that’s not a judgement, just a sign that you’re overwhelmed and need more support than you’ve been getting. You don’t have to stop everything at once or figure it all out alone, talking to someone you trust, like a counsellor, doctor, or adult who cares about you, can really help you find safer ways to cope. So please take that next step and reach out to someone when you feel ready.