Yes, of course, what is making you feel this way, I will try to help.

Hi, period leaks happen to literally everyone, no matter how long they’ve had their period. You and your BFF aren’t doing anything wrong.

So, why do pads leak sometimes?

1. The pad might be worn for too long.
Most pads need changing every 3–5 hours, and sooner if your flow is heavier. Once a pad gets full, it can’t absorb any more, so leakage happens.
2. The pad might not be sitting in the right place.
Make sure the long sticky part is right in the middle of the cotton bit of your underwear (that’s called the gusset). The wings should wrap around the sides so the pad doesn’t move around when you walk, sit, or sleep.
3. You might need a longer or more absorbent pad.
If your flow is heavy, especially on the first 1–2 days, try a long, super, or night pad even during the day. They catch more blood and give better coverage.
4. Pads aren’t comfortable for everyone, and that’s okay.
If you ever feel like pads just don’t work for you, you can talk to a trusted adult about trying tampons when you feel ready. Tampons collect blood inside your body and can really reduce leakage. But only use them if you feel comfortable, there’s no pressure.

I have a few bonus tips to avoid leaks:

• Wear snug‑fitting underwear so your pad stays in place.
• Keep spare pads in your bag so you can change whenever you need.
• If you leak at school, tie a jumper around your waist, it happens to everyone and no one will think twice.
• Track your cycle so you know when your heavy days are coming.

Hi, I’m really glad you reached out, because what you’re feeling can be confusing and a bit scary, and you don’t deserve to deal with it on your own. When you look in the mirror and see yourself as overweight but your friends see you as skinny, that’s a sign that your body image and your thoughts aren’t lining up right now. Lots of teens struggle with how they see their bodies during stressful times, and it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong, it just means your mind is under pressure and needs a little support.

Skipping meals and not eating or drinking until late in the day isn’t healthy for your body or your mind, especially during puberty when your body needs more energy than usual. Teens actually need increased calorie intake during puberty to keep up with all the changes happening inside, your body is growing fast, your brain is developing, and you’re using up loads of energy every day. When you don’t fuel your body properly, it can affect your mood, your concentration, and how you feel about yourself. Your friend mentioning anorexia might have been upsetting to hear, but it’s a sign they’ve noticed a pattern and care about you. This doesn’t automatically mean you have an eating disorder, but it does mean it’s important to take your feelings seriously.

I can see that you’re overwhelmed, and you don’t have to handle this alone. The best thing you can do is talk to a trusted adult, like a parent or school counsellor, and tell them you’ve been struggling with your relationship with food and how you see your body. In the meantime, try to give your body small bits of food through the day, even a yoghurt, some fruit, or toast just something to keep you steady. Reaching out today was a brave and important step, and I’m really proud of you. 

First of all, it’s really kind of you to care so much about your friend. Not everyone notices when something might be wrong, so the fact that you’ve picked up on it shows you’re thoughtful and a really good friend.

Now, about your friend…
Some people genuinely are super picky eaters, and some naturally stay very slim without doing anything unhealthy. It can happen, and lots of people get the nutrients they need from foods other than fruit and veg.

But...and this is important, you’re allowed to trust your instincts. If something feels different or worrying, it’s okay to say so. If your friend is:

• skipping meals
• hiding food
• saying they’re “not hungry” all the time

or doing anything worrying after eating (like going to the bathroom straight away), then those can be signs she might need a bit of extra help.

You’re not expected to fix this on your own, and you absolutely shouldn’t keep it a secret if you’re worried. You could quietly talk to a teacher you trust, a school nurse, or another safe adult and just explain what you’ve noticed. You’re not “telling on” your friend, you’re looking out for her.

Her parents may already be aware or keeping an eye on things, but sharing your concerns with a trusted adult can help make sure she gets support if she needs it.

Hi, do you have a question for me?

Hi, this was answered this morning, your original reference number is vzbdL.

It makes total sense that you’re confused and frustrated — anyone would be. But honestly, everything you’re describing is completely normal for this stage.

Even though you’ve had around 12 periods so far, your cycle can still take years to settle. It’s really common for teens to have one month that’s heavy and 5–6 days long, then the next month be super light and mostly brown discharge. The PMS, cramps, cravings, and tiredness can also change from month to month too, because your hormones are still adjusting.

Periods often stay irregular all through your teen years, both in when they show up and how heavy they are, so try not to worry. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong — it just means your body is still figuring out its rhythm.

The best thing you can do is always keep some period products with you so you’re prepared for whatever kind of cycle you get that month.

It actually sounds like this is your period, not spotting. Periods can be really light sometimes, especially in your teen years. For some people, a period can look like just a few drops of blood or brown discharge for several days and that still counts as a period.

Cycles can change month to month while your body is developing, so one month you might have a light, slow start, and another month your period might come in more suddenly.

It’s nothing to worry about, but it’s a good idea to always keep a couple of pads or pantyliners in your bag when you’re out, just in case your flow changes or becomes heavier.

Yes, it’s completely normal to miss several periods when you’re a teen. Most people don’t start their period and then immediately get a perfect once‑a‑month cycle. Your body is still maturing, your hormones are adjusting, and it can take years for periods to settle into a regular pattern.

It’s really common to have long gaps, sometimes even a few months between periods during your early teen years. This can continue for a while as your body develops, so try not to worry if your period doesn’t show up every month.

If you ever go many months without a period and it’s making you anxious, or if your periods suddenly stop after they were regular, it’s always okay to check in with a doctor or nurse for reassurance. But from what you’ve described, irregular periods are totally normal.

It can be really hard to find the right skincare routine during puberty. Even if you do everything “right,” you’ll still get the odd pimple because your hormones are constantly changing and that’s totally normal.

My top tips are:

• Use a simple, fragrance‑free face wash twice a day.
• Follow it with a light, gentle moisturiser.
• Use warm water, not hot, because hot water can irritate your skin.
• Try not to touch your face - your fingers carry natural oils and bacteria that can make spots worse.
• Keep your hair clean and away from your face when you can, since hair oils can also clog pores.

Everyone’s skin is different, so don’t worry if yours isn’t “perfect.” With time and a simple routine, it will naturally become clearer.

Yes, you can absolutely shower on your period! Your period shouldn’t stop you from doing anything you normally do. In fact, because your vulva and groin can get a bit sweaty or messy during your cycle, showering daily can actually make you feel fresher and more comfortable.

If you use tampons, it’s totally up to you whether you take it out before your shower or keep it in. Either is fine, just do whatever feels most comfortable for you.

If your birthday is October 23, you’re right on the cusp, the line between Libra and Scorpio. Astrology isn’t exact like science, so different charts put the cut off on slightly different dates. That’s why some people born on the 23rd are listed as Libra and others as Scorpio.

It depends on the exact year, time, and place you were born, because the Sun moves into each sign at a slightly different time every year.
Most of the time:

Early on 23rd = Libra
Later on 23rd = Scorpio

As we talked about before, try to stay confident and let it pass. If he or his friends say anything silly, you can just respond calmly and let them know it’s nothing to tease about...periods are a normal part of life for all girls and anyone who menstruates. Most of the time, people stop quickly when they realise you’re not embarrassed and won’t rise to it.

It’s actually really normal for your period to be irregular in the first couple of years. Some people get one period and then don’t see another for months while their body is still getting used to the hormones.

You also might have had a very light period without noticing, sometimes it’s just a tiny bit of pink or brown discharge.

Since your period has come back now, it can help to keep a little period kit in your bag with a couple of pads, wipes, and maybe spare underwear. That way you’re prepared if it shows up again suddenly.

Hi, strangely this is totally normal to feel like you need to poo when you’re on your period, even if nothing happens when you get to the bathroom. This usually happens because your uterus and your bowels sit really close together. When your uterus contracts to push out period blood, it can accidentally put pressure on the bowel too.

That pressure can trick your body into thinking you need to poo, even when you don’t.

It’s also caused by something called prostaglandins, little chemicals your body releases during your period to help your uterus contract. They can make your bowels more sensitive or a bit crampy, which can create that “I need to go!” feeling.
It’s super common, totally normal, and happens to loads of people every cycle.

Hi, if your period is really heavy and you’ve been using night time pads even during the day, that’s totally okay, a lot of people do that when their flow is heavy.

If you’re thinking about trying tampons, and you’re new to them, it’s usually best to start with a lite or regular absorbency. You can also wear a pad at the same time at first, just for backup so you feel more confident. Once you get used to inserting tampons and feel comfortable, you can switch to super or super plus on your heavier days.

A quick tampon tip: if it feels uncomfortable once it’s in, it usually means it needs to go in a bit further. And always remember to change tampons every 4–8 hours. Check out our How To Insert A Tampon guide for lots more tips.

Finally, if you’re leaking through pads or tampons every 1–2 hours, or your heavy flow never seems to ease up, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor or nurse, just to make sure everything is okay. But many people simply have heavier periods, and it’s nothing to worry about.

Hi, I know that must have been quite scary in the moment ,anything unusual happening in the shower can feel really alarming! But from what you’ve described, it honestly sounds totally normal.

That “gush” followed by a solid, jelly‑like lump is almost certainly a period blood clot. Lots of people get them, especially on heavier flow days.

Here’s what’s going on:

• Your period isn’t just blood - it’s also bits of the uterus lining, which is soft tissue your body builds up each month.
• Sometimes, instead of breaking down into runnier flow, some of that lining can come away as a thicker clump.
• These clots can be squishy or firm, a bit rubbery, and usually around the size of a 5p–10p coin.

A “gush” often happens in the shower because warm water relaxes everything.

When is it normal?
If it’s:

• Just every now and then
• About coin-sized
• Not happening constantly

then it’s usually nothing to worry about.

When should you check in with someone (like a GP or nurse)?
Only if:

• Clots are larger than a 50p,
• You’re soaking through pads/tampons every 1–2 hours,
• You feel faint, dizzy, or unwell,
• Or it keeps happening all the time.

But from what you’ve said, it sounds like a totally normal part of your period cycle, just one of those things no one warns you about!

Boys can honestly be really hard to read, especially around your age. Just because your friend told him she likes him doesn’t mean he knows how to respond or even feels ready to say anything. Some boys get awkward, freeze up, or pretend they don’t care even when they actually do. That shrug back in December might have been nerves more than anything else.

The things you’ve noticed,  him smiling, going red, looking away, and letting her walk past definitely sound like signs he’s aware of her and probably feels something, even if he hasn’t said it out loud. If he didn’t care at all, he’d act totally normal around her, not embarrassed or flustered. Sometimes boys show their feelings through tiny actions rather than words, especially if their mates tease them.

The best thing your friend can do now is just keep being herself, enjoying school, her friendships, and not putting pressure on him. If he really likes her, he’ll eventually find a way to show it or speak up when he feels comfortable. And you’ve already done your part, you were a good friend by passing the message on. Now it’s his turn to make a move if he wants to.

It makes total sense that you felt embarrassed in the moment, even though your dad and brother were kind and respectful. When periods are new, it’s easy to feel self‑conscious even around people who genuinely want to help. As you get more used to your cycle and more confident in your own routine, these moments will start feeling a lot less awkward. The things that feel “big” now eventually become just another normal part of life.

Your family clearly care about you, and right now they’re trying to support you in the way they think is best. With time, as they see you managing your period comfortably, they’ll naturally step back a bit and treat it more casually and you can gently let them know when you want things handled more quietly. You don’t need special treatment unless you ask for it, and it’s okay to say, “Hey, can we keep period stuff low‑key?” if you ever feel uncomfortable.

It also helps to remember what you said about your religion: that periods are seen as meaningful and not something to be ashamed of. Leaning into that idea can make you feel more grounded. Feeling embarrassed doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong, it just means you’re still adjusting. With every cycle, your confidence grows, and those awkward moments get easier to shrug off.

Hi, it’s honestly really mature that you’ve noticed you sometimes need to slow things down. Wanting a break from more intense physical stuff doesn’t mean you care any less about your girlfriend, it just means you’re listening to your emotions, and that’s a good thing. You’re allowed to want closeness without it turning into more every time.

The best way to tell her is to be gentle and truthful, something like: “I love being close to you, but sometimes I need to stick to cuddles and kisses so I can feel okay in myself. It’s not about you, I just need to look after my head too.” A caring partner will understand, and this kind of honesty can actually make your relationship stronger because it shows trust.

Looking after yourself, especially when you’re dealing with hard thoughts or urges is part of being a good partner. You deserve to feel safe and grounded, and taking things at your own pace is completely okay. Real relationships aren’t built on how far you go physically; they’re built on kindness, patience, and making each other feel cared for.