Sometimes, yes these can be mistaken for one another! But generally, marks left from not wiping correctly after pooping, are towards the back of your underwear and in a line, they have an unpleasant odour too. Whilst, period blood is generally central the gusset area of your underwear and is more rounded in shape, it will also have very little odour.

Keeping and making friends in puberty can be tough, I want you to know that, and that you are not alone in feeling this way. Sometimes we just struggle to click with others, but that does not mean you should give up, you just haven't found likeminded people yet. If you've recently started a new school and are having to make new friends, then my tips are.

• Stay central in class so you can listen to others and find which people you have the best connection with.
• Smile when you pass someone in the corridor, you'll be surprised how far a smile can go to breaking the ice.
• Look out for after and in school clubs, things you are interested in and so you know will have people there with similar interests.

And if things are getting on top of you, speak to your form tutor and let them know you are struggling and finding connecting with other students difficult. They can often see, who students have most in common with and can help you connect with them.

Yes, absolutely this is your first period as period blood is not always red and can be pink, orange, brown or even do dark it appears black in colour. 

My advice would be to now place a pad or liner in your underwear and always keep some spare pads in a period kit, so you are never unprepared. And have a chat to your mum, or the person who cares for you and let them know of your news, they will want to support you.

For advice on periods and telling someone about your first period arriving see the links below.

How Do I Tell Someone My First Period Is Here (or Might Be Coming Soon)?

My First Period

This is a great question and one I know many girls have questions about and for this reason I have written a blog about it, check out it out below.

Is Your Phone Becoming Your New Bestie? A Teen Guide to Using Tech Without Losing Balance

Breasts grow at different speeds for everyone, but most people find that they do most of their growing between about 10 and 16. For many girls, they slow down a lot once they’re around 15–17, but they can keep changing a little bit into your early 20s.

Things like hormones, periods, and even changes in weight can make them grow, shrink, or change shape slightly over time, that’s completely normal.

The main thing to remember is: there’s no “perfect age” where everyone stops growing. Your body is just doing its own thing at its own pace, and that’s okay.

Personally Jamie, I love a crop‑top bra, they’re comfy, supportive, and perfect for school when you’re running around between classes.

Try not to worry too much about people noticing; lots of girls feel unsure at first when they start wearing any kind of bra. After a little while it honestly stops feeling like a big deal. And as your body changes, you might want to try different styles or even switch between crop tops and other bras — I know that's what my daughters do!

Why not take a look at the types of bras available in my blog below.

Your First Bra And How To Choose A Starter Bra

When you think about future relationships, it’s easy for your mind to jump into “what if” scenarios. But something really important to remember is this: these thoughts usually come from worries about yourself, not from what a future partner would actually do.

A lot of the fear you’re feeling comes from doubting your own worth, not from what someone else might think about your friends. It’s completely normal to compare yourself to people you care about, but it doesn’t mean a future partner would ever switch their feelings to someone else. When someone chooses to be with you, it’s because they genuinely like who you are; your personality, kindness, sense of humour, and everything that makes you you. Noticing people or thinking someone seems nice is something humans naturally do, especially when you’re a teen and your brain is still figuring out emotions, but that doesn’t mean anyone is planning to act on those thoughts.

You can’t control what someone else thinks, but you can learn to speak kindly to yourself and grow your own confidence. As you get older and actually experience relationships, you’ll discover that trust, communication, and feeling safe with each other matter far more than any “what if” worries your imagination creates now.

Hi, it’s absolutely okay to ask things like this and I am glad you have as lots of people your age have the same questions, even if they feel a bit awkward to talk about.

Let's start by talking about eczema around the vulva:
Yes, eczema can happen on the vulva (the skin on the outside between your legs). That skin is really sensitive, so people with eczema on other parts of their body sometimes get it there too. It can cause itching, dryness, or irritation.
But there’s another thing to know, itching in that area is also really common with yeast infections, and the symptoms can feel very similar. From what you’ve described, it might be an infection rather than eczema.

The best first step is to talk to your mum or whoever looks after you and ask if you can try an over‑the‑counter treatment for a yeast infection. These are gentle and commonly used during puberty. If the itching doesn’t get better after treatment, then a doctor can check whether it’s actually eczema or something else.

Does discharge feel like blood when it's released:
This is completely normal. Discharge and blood both come from the same place, so the sensation of them being released can feel very similar, warm, slow, heavy, or like something “opening.” That doesn’t mean anything is wrong.

During puberty, your discharge can change a lot depending on your cycle, stress, hormones, and even growth spurts. Some days it’s light, and other days it feels like a sudden gush and all of this is  all normal.

You’re doing the right thing by paying attention to your body. Nothing you’ve described sounds dangerous, just part of growing up and figuring out what’s normal for you.

Hi, it makes sense that you cling to the things that quiet your mind, even if they aren’t always good for you when life feels overwhelming, anything that brings even a moment of peace can feel like safety.

But comfort and health aren’t always the same, so maybe, instead of ditching your current coping mechanisms all at once, you could try adding one small, kinder tool beside them something tiny that helps you breathe without hurting you. You don’t have to figure everything out today, and you don’t have to do it alone. 

This one may be a good one to try.

When your head feels noisy, say out loud or in a whisper, one sentence about what you’re feeling, like:
“I’m overwhelmed right now.”
“My thoughts are too loud.”
“I need a minute.”

It sounds tiny, but naming the feeling helps your brain switch from panic mode to “okay, I know what’s happening.” It doesn’t fix everything, but it gives you a moment of control without hurting you or pulling you into something destructive.

Hi, these are great questions. 

When should I wear a bra?

My advice is when you are out and about and active it is a good time to wear your bra, so in school, if you do after school activities or if you are out and about and need support. It is then your choice if you want to wear the bra at home or when sleeping, you can, if you wish remove it and that is absolutely fine and will have no impact on development, it's a personal choice.

How should a bra feel if its the right size?

Another great question. A bra should fit snuggly but not too tight, you should be able to fit your finger in between the bra and your body easily. Breasts should not fall over the top or out the sides of your cup, and the straps should not dig into your shoulders, or the band ride up at the back.

Check out my blog below for more tips on finding the right size and style of bra for you.

Bra Fitting Problems - A Guide For Teens?

Hi, I can offer you a sample, but I am afraid I am unable to offer you products to last for the year.

Hi, it’s completely normal to sweat more between your legs during puberty because your sweat glands become more active. To help manage it, try to keep the area clean, wear loose cotton clothing that lets your skin breathe, and change into fresh underwear daily. Staying hydrated, avoiding tight clothes, and switching into dry clothes after exercise can also make a big difference. Remember, this happens to lots of people, and simple daily habits usually help keep things comfortable.

Check out my blog here it discusses tips on hygiene in your teens.

They sort of do yes. But unlike humans where the fluid leaves the body via the vagina, menstrual fluid in animals generally dissolves inside the body of the animal.

A period can arrive anytime between the ages of 8-18 and I wonder have you noticed any other signs of puberty, such as breast development, discharge, pubic or under arm hair?

It may not be what you feel like doing, but the best way to stop cramps, is to keep active, this helps ease the muscles surrounding the uterus that cause the cramps and helps your body feel better naturally. You don't have to go for a full on jog, a brisk walk, stretching or a dance in your room will help. Taking your mind off the pain can help too, so watching a funny TV show, having a laugh with friends will all help reduce period cramps as the chemicals we release when we are happy (Endorphins) also help reduce pain too!