Hi, I am unable to see your question, please send it over again and include this reference, so I know it's you. Thank you.

That’s a really good question, and one lots of girls wonder about. There are a few signs that can mean your first period isn’t too far away, but everyone’s body develops at its own pace, so not everyone will notice all of them.

Common signs include pubic hair and underarm hair starting to grow, and vaginal discharge (this can look clear or white and might leave marks in your underwear). For many girls, discharge can begin around 6–12 months before their first period, and it’s a normal, healthy sign that your body is getting ready. You might also notice growth spurts, breast development, or feeling a bit more emotional than usual.

That said, it’s important to know that some girls get their first period without noticing many signs beforehand and that’s completely okay too. There’s no “right” way for it to happen. Keeping a pad in your bag just in case can help you feel prepared, and if you’re ever unsure or worried, you can always come back and ask me more questions.

Hi, larger branches of Boots, Superdrug and Savers all stock our Lil-Lets teens long pads in store.

Yes! Period blood can definitely be different colours, and that’s completely normal.

It’s a bit of a myth that period blood is always bright red or very heavy. For lots of people, it can be pinkish, reddish‑brown, dark brown, or even light brown, especially at the beginning or end of a period. This usually just means the blood is older and has taken longer to leave the body, or that it’s mixed with normal discharge, absolutely nothing to worry about.

Periods look different for everyone, and they can even look different from month to month. As long as you’re not noticing strong smells, severe pain, or unusual symptoms, changes in colour on their own are not a sign that anything is wrong. Your body is doing what bodies do and it’s all part of what’s normal.

Hi, it's absolutely not true.

Using a tampon cannot take away your virginity. Virginity is about having sex, not about what period products you use. Someone can use tampons and still be a virgin...it really is that simple.

The confusion usually comes from myths about the hymen. The hymen is a stretchy piece of tissue, not a “seal,” and it can already stretch or change through normal things like growing during puberty or taking part in sport. Tampons are designed for periods and are used by millions of people who haven’t had sex.

If you ever hear otherwise, know that it’s just outdated misinformation, it's your body, your choices, and your experiences are what matter.

Why not read my blog below for more advice.

When Is The Right Time To Use A Tampon?

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Hearing that your parents are divorcing can feel shocking and overwhelming, and that can’t‑breathe feeling is a really common reaction when everything suddenly feels unsafe or out of control. What you’re feeling right now makes sense, you’ve just been given big news, and your body is reacting to the shock of it.

Please know this: this doesn’t mean your parents love you any less. Even though their relationship with each other is changing, their love and care for you does not disappear. Decisions like this are made by adults for adult reasons, and they will still want you to feel secure, listened to, and loved by both of them. Right now, try to focus on slowing your breathing, in through your nose for a count of four, out through your mouth for six, just to help your body settle. You don’t have to have all the answers or feel “okay” yet. Talking to your parents or another trusted adult, writing down how you feel, or even just letting yourself cry can really help in moments like this, feeling won’t last forever.

Hi, this is a really common question, and the answer does depend on the type of bra and how much you’re wearing it. For everyday bras and bralettes, most people wash them after 2–4 wears, or about once a week, depending on how sweaty you get and what you’re doing during the day. Wearing a bra more than that isn’t unhygienic, but oils and sweat do build up and can cause discomfort or smells over time.

Sports bras are different! Because they’re designed for activity and absorb a lot more sweat, they should ideally be washed after every workout or very active day. If you’re not exercising and it’s more of a lounge‑style sports bra, you can treat it like a bralette. And finally, always check the washing instructions on the label, many bras need a cool wash or even hand‑washing to help keep their shape and make them last longer.

Hi, unrequited crushes are really tough, and I know my first crush only ever considered me as a friend. It's especially hard when you’ve liked someone for such a long time and now feel close to them. It’s completely understandable that your feelings haven’t just switched off, even though he’s told you he likes someone else. 

If he’s made it clear he sees you as a friend, the kindest thing you can do for yourself is to slowly break the habit of leaning on him so much. You don’t have to cut him out, but try reducing how often you chat, giving yourself space, and putting energy into other friendships, hobbies or people who make you feel good. Over time, that closeness will ease, the feelings will soften, and you’ll miss him less and he’ll also get used to you not always being so available. You deserve someone who chooses you back, not someone you have to quietly hurt for.

No, where you’re from doesn’t change when your period arrives. Your period doesn’t run on a clock, time zone, or country schedule. It happens when your body’s hormones decide it’s time, and that’s based on your own internal rhythm, not your location, it's quite marvellous when you think about it!

Whether you live in the UK, Australia, or anywhere else in the world, your cycle works the same way and can start at any time of day or night.

Things like age, stress, illness, sleep, and hormonal changes can affect timing, but geography doesn’t. So if your period seems unpredictable, that’s normal, especially in your teen years. Your body is doing its own thing, in its own time.

Even Ask Vicki is mainly for teens, I do feel it's important to understand that periods can be a mystery to us throughout our lives. And periods can change quite noticeably around the mid‑40s many women begin to experience perimenopause. This transition can bring shifts in cycle length, flow, and predictability, and for some women that includes heavier or more variable bleeding, as well as unexpected spotting.

If your flow has become heavier or less predictable, our range designed for extra protection would be a reassuring choice. Maxi pads, ultra pads, and tampons designed for an extremely to very heavy flow can provide greater absorbency and confidence, while liners can be helpful for added freshness, lighter period days, spotting or unexpected leaks. Many women find that having a mix of options allows them to adapt more comfortably to changing cycles and continue daily life without worry.

This sounds much more like the medicine doing its job rather than anything to worry about. If you had stomach pain and it’s eased after taking medicine, that’s a good sign it’s kicked in. Some medicines can also affect your body temporarily, and things like being unwell or feeling stressed can mean a period turns up a bit later than expected. That’s especially common in your teen years, when hormones are still settling into a routine.

Honestly, during puberty it’s very normal for periods to be a bit unpredictable, sometimes late by days, weeks, or even occasionally months. It doesn’t usually mean anything is wrong. Just keep a pad in your bag so you’re prepared, and if your period doesn’t come for a long time or you’re feeling worried, talk to a parent, carer or school nurse for reassurance and of course you can always come back and ask me anything too!

This is actually really common, especially during puberty. Our bodies sweat more as hormones change, and the vulva is a warm area that can hold onto smells by the end of the day. On top of sweat, it’s normal to have some natural discharge, and tiny traces of urine after using the toilet can also add to odour, especially when you’re wearing tight clothing like leggings all day, which doesn’t allow much airflow.

There are a few simple things that can help. Wearing breathable cotton underwear, changing out of leggings when you get home, and washing underwear daily can make a big difference.

And for me this is when pantyliners come into their own, they are so helpful for feeling fresher during the day, it's no wonder many girls pop a new one on every morning.

Finally, one little bit of advice, if the smell ever becomes strong, fishy, or unusual, or you have itching or discomfort, it’s important to talk to your mum or a trusted adult, just to rule out an infection. But in most cases, this is just a normal part of a changing body.

Hi, great question, and this is something so many girls worry about. When your periods first start, it’s completely normal for them to be irregular. Your body is still going through puberty, and the hormones that cause periods are the same ones that are busy changing lots of other things too. Because of that, it can take months (and sometimes over a year) for your body to figure out a regular cycle. Long gaps between early periods are very common and usually nothing at all to be worried about.

For now, it’s a good idea to be prepared rather than stressed. Keep a small period kit in your bag with a pad or two, just in case that way you don’t have to worry about being caught out. Your body is just learning what’s normal for you!

Hi, what you’re describing sounds really uncomfortable, from what you’ve noticed, the biggest clue is that this only happens in full school uniform and eases when you get home and change. Tight waistbands can put a lot of pressure on an already bloated tummy, especially when you’re sitting for long periods, which can turn normal bloating into something really intense. I actually get this too, one pair of my favourite jeans can make my stomach ache horribly on bloated days, even though they fit fine at other times so I completely understand how restricting and frustrating it can feel.

It might really help to talk to your mum or trusted adult and explain how painful this gets, not just uncomfortable. You may need to go up a size or choose trousers with more give in the waist and that’s about comfort, not your body doing anything wrong. Our tummies naturally change size during the day, especially as teens, and school clothes don’t always allow for that.

I’m really sorry you and you’re family are going through this, having a parent who is very ill is incredibly hard, and it makes complete sense that it’s made you worry about your mum and your own health too. When something big and scary happens, our brains naturally jump to lots of “what if?” thoughts, that’s not you being dramatic, it’s your mind trying to protect you.

It could really help to talk to your mum about how you’re feeling, even just a little. Letting her know you’re worried gives her the chance to reassure you and support you, so you’re not carrying all of this on your own. You don’t have to be strong all the time, this is a lot for anyone, especially a teen.

32D should be more than adequate for these measurements. But do remember that sizes can vary from store to store and based on the type of bra style too, so be sure to try on before purchasing.

Hi there, what you’re describing sounds like short anxiety or panic flutters, and they’re actually quite common in people your age. They can happen suddenly, even when you’re calm, and can make your heart feel funny, your breathing feel strange for a moment, and bring a quick wave of fear. It feels scary, but it isn’t dangerous and it passes on its own.

When it happens, try slow breathing (in through your nose, out through your mouth), and remind yourself: “This will pass - I’m safe.” Fighting the feeling usually makes it stronger, but letting it settle helps it fade faster. If it starts happening a lot, lasts longer, or you ever faint or have pain, tell a parent or trusted adult, but from what you’ve described, this is very normal. 

Hi, there’s absolutely no need to worry. This is actually very normal for teens, especially in the first few years after periods start. Your body is still learning how to ovulate and settle into a rhythm, and that can take quite a long time. Because of that, it’s really common for periods to be spread far apart, stop for a few months, then come back again seemingly out of nowhere.

Even though it can feel worrying, missing a few months does not usually mean anything is wrong. Cycles often don’t become more predictable until the late teens, and for some people even later than that. As long as you’re otherwise feeling okay, this is just your body figuring things out at its own pace. 

Hi, it’s very normal for periods to take several years to fully settle, even after you’ve been menstruating for a while. After the first period, cycles are often irregular for 2–3 years, but for many people they can still be a bit erratic into the late teens, and for some even the early twenties. So having had periods for 3 years and only just seeing them become more regular, with slight variation  is completely expected and nothing to worry about.

Even once your periods are classed as “regular,” the flow and pain don’t usually become exactly the same every month. Hormones naturally fluctuate, and things like stress, sleep, illness, exercise, and growth can all affect how heavy a period is and how cramps feel. You might notice one month is heavier or more painful than the next, and that can continue long term. 

Yes, this can happen, and it’s actually quite common around your period. Hormone changes can cause bloating and trapped gas, which can make your tummy feel very full. When that air builds up, it can press on nerves in your body that help control your breathing and heart rate. This can make you suddenly feel weak, light‑headed, shaky, or like your heart is racing. Because those feelings come on quickly, your body can react as if something is wrong, which can feel a lot like an anxiety attack.

The really important thing is that it goes away once you burp and release the air, and there’s no pain, that tells us it isn’t anything serious like a heart problem. It can be scary in the moment, but it’s harmless. Eating slowly, avoiding fizzy drinks around your period, gentle movement, and reminding yourself “this will pass” can really help.

If it ever starts happening very often, you faint, or you have pain, it’s a good idea to tell a parent or trusted adult, but what you’ve described is very normal and nothing dangerous