Hi ❤️ Yes, this is absolutely normal.

Unlike what you might see on social media or in books, period blood isn't always bright red. It can be pink, brown, orange, bright red, dark red, or even so dark that it looks maroon or almost black, and all of these can be completely normal.

The colour often depends on how quickly the blood leaves your uterus. Blood that takes longer to come out has more time to react with oxygen, which can make it appear brown, dark brown, or maroon. This is especially common at the beginning or end of a period.

We are all different, and period blood colour can vary from day to day and from one period to the next. Check out my period myths blog below for more advice.

Vicki ❤️

Period Myths: What’s True and What You Don’t Need to Worry About

Hi, you can request a free sample pack from Lil-Lets by clicking on the Contact Us tab and entering your full name and postal address. If you are under the age of 16 be sure to let us know that you have your parents, or carers permission to request a free sample.

Hi ❤️

If you're in your pre-teens or teens, then a dull ache in your breast can be a completely normal sign that breast development is beginning. Breast buds don't usually appear overnight. The changes happen very gradually, and for some people, soreness or tenderness is one of the first things they notice.

A little tip in case you didn't know: it's very common for one breast to start developing before the other. One side may ache first, develop first, or be slightly bigger for a while before the other catches up. That's completely normal.

Keep an eye on it, but try not to worry. If the ache becomes severe, you notice redness, swelling, or a lump that doesn't feel like normal breast development, then it's worth mentioning it to a parent, carer, or doctor.

The good news is that breast tenderness is often one of the earliest signs of puberty, so from what you've described, this may simply be your body starting that journey.

You may find my blog on breast buds and breast development helpful too. 😊

Vicki ❤️

Hi Arfa❤️

Please don't apologise. Honestly, there was no need. 💗 I never mind someone asking a question or sharing how they feel, and I can completely understand why the replies might have felt a bit different to you.

You're right that sometimes my answers are longer now. Feedback from schools and young people has shown that a few extra sentences can help explain things more clearly and answer the questions people might have after reading a reply. As I continue working with teens and pre-teens, I know it's important to adapt and make sure everyone gets the information and reassurance they need.

As for feeling emotionally attached to things like a pencil, that's actually more common than you might think, I do the same myself with a little metal box I have had for over 20 years. We all attach memories, comfort, and feelings to different objects. If that pencil reminds you of a person, a happy memory, or simply feels familiar and safe, losing it can feel like losing more than just a pencil.

And by the way, second day period emotions can be intense for some people, so try not to be too hard on yourself!

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Try not to worry. Just because your friend started her period at 9 doesn't mean you will too. Puberty happens at different ages for everyone, and a first period can start anywhere from about 8 to 18 years old, although many people start somewhere in the middle of that range.

It sounds like you're wondering whether your own period might be coming soon. Some signs of puberty can include breast development, growth spurts, body hair and vaginal discharge, but everyone develops at their own pace and in their own order.

The good news is that there isn't a "right" age to start your period. Whether it happens soon or a few years from now, both can be completely normal.

And yes, I do hear from lots of young people, but I don't know who anyone is in real life, so I wouldn't know your friend personally, everything posted on here is completely anonymous. 😊

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Firstly, try not to worry about what the online test says. Online quizzes can't diagnose depression or anxiety, and only a healthcare professional can do that.

However, from what you've said, it sounds like your friend is really struggling at the moment. If she's feeling very low, anxious, and is self-harming, it's important that she talks to a trusted adult as soon as possible. This could be a parent, carer, teacher, school nurse or another adult she feels comfortable with.

Let her know that she's not alone and that there is support available. You can be a good friend by listening and encouraging her to reach out for help, but please remember that this is not something you should carry on your shoulders by yourself.

If you're worried about her safety, or if she isn't willing to tell an adult, I would encourage you to speak to a trusted adult yourself. She might be upset initially, but getting her support is far more important than keeping a secret when someone could be at risk.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

It's really kind of you to care about your friend. From what you've said, it sounds like she's scratching herself to cope with difficult feelings, and that's something she shouldn't have to deal with on her own.

Try to gently encourage her to talk to a parent, carer, teacher, school counsellor or another trusted adult about how she's feeling. Let her know she's not in trouble and that there are people who can help.

You can be there to listen and support her, but it's important to remember that this isn't something you should have to handle by yourself. If you're still worried about her, or if she tells you she's carrying on hurting herself, please speak to a trusted adult yourself, even if she asks you not to. Her safety is the most important thing.

The good news is that help is available for self-harm, and with the right support, things can get better.

Vicki ❤️

Hi and what fabulous news, you are now super ready and even in school won't be caught out. 

Vicki ❤️

No, all questions are answered by me, not by AI or a bot, and they always have been. ❤️

I personally read and reply to every question that comes in. Recently I started adding a few emojis because lots of girls now include them in their messages, but apart from that, it's still just me and my keyboard answering your questions. 😊

Vicki ❤️

Hi Lizzy ❤️

Firstly, I've removed most of the details from your question in my reply, so nobody reading this will know exactly what you've shared.

Families can be complicated, and it's important to remember that different families have different rules, boundaries and ways of doing things. If your parents don't want you reading certain books, it can feel frustrating, especially when they were something you enjoyed, but it may help to talk to them calmly about why they feel that way when things are less tense.

What stands out most to me, though, is that you're feeling worried and unsure about some things that have happened at home. From what you've said, it sounds like there have been times when you've felt uncomfortable, upset or confused by the way people have behaved. Those feelings matter.

It's very difficult for me to judge situations I haven't witnessed myself, but if you ever feel unsafe, frightened, or worried about how you or someone else is being treated, please talk to a trusted adult. This could be a teacher, a school counsellor, a family member you trust, or another adult who can listen and help you work through your concerns.

Try not to carry these worries on your own. You deserve support and someone you can talk to in real life.

The good news is that you've already done something really positive by reaching out and asking for help. That shows a lot of maturity and courage.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Lots of girls feel exactly the same way before their first period arrives. It can seem a bit scary when it's something you've never experienced before.

The good news is that just because you're 12, it doesn't mean your period is about to start tomorrow. First periods can arrive anywhere between the ages of 8 and 18, and we are all different.

Have you noticed any signs of puberty yet, such as breast buds, discharge, pubic or underarm hair, spots, or mood swings? These can all be signs that your body is developing, but they don't tell us exactly when your first period will arrive.

If your period does turn up soon, you'll probably find that it's not as scary as you imagined. Being prepared can help you feel much more confident. You could keep a couple of period pads in your bag or at home just in case.

Try not to worry. Your body is on its own unique journey, and there's no perfect age to start your period.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

That's a really good question! In fact it's a great question!😊

The honest answer is that we don't actually need periods in order to stay healthy. However, if you have a uterus, your body naturally goes through the menstrual cycle because it's preparing for the possibility of a pregnancy in the future, whether that's something you want one day or not.

Each month, the body builds up a soft, spongy lining inside the uterus. This lining is where a baby could grow if a pregnancy happened. You can think of it like a cosy bedroom being prepared for a baby. If there isn't a pregnancy, the body no longer needs that lining, so it sheds it. That shedding is what we call a period.

It's kind of amazing when you think about it. Your body is creating and renewing this special lining every month, even during the teenage years when you're still growing and developing.

Try not to worry if periods seem a bit strange or inconvenient. They're a normal sign that your reproductive system is developing and working as it should.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Lil-Lets has changed the Teens pad packaging a few times over the years to keep it looking fresh and easy to spot on the shelf. However, it's really helpful to hear from people who use the products every month.

I'm sorry to hear that you're finding the new wrapper tears more easily when opening it, and that the resealable sticker isn't sticking as well when you're wrapping up a used pad before putting it in the bin. That must be frustrating.

The good news is that feedback like yours is really important, and I'll make sure your comments about the wrapper and sticker are passed on to the team. We know that the little details can make a big difference when you're using a product every day.

Thanks again for taking the time to let us know what you think, and please keep sharing your feedback with us. ❤️

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

The good news is that breast size has nothing to do with whether you can produce breast milk. 😊 People with small breasts, large breasts and everything in between can all go on to breastfeed their babies.

Your breasts contain milk-producing glands, and these are there regardless of breast size. When a baby is born, your body's hormones signal that it's time to make milk, and the milk glands get to work.

You may find that if you ever become pregnant in the future, your breasts change in size as your body prepares for breastfeeding. Some people notice quite a big change, while others notice only a small change. We are all different.

So try not to worry. Having a smaller bust at 13 does not mean you won't be able to produce milk in the future.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Try not to worry. Friendships often change a little during the teenage years, and sometimes people stop doing certain jokes, emojis or habits as they get older. It doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong.

From what you've said, your friend still talks to you, especially when you're together with your other friend, which is a good sign. She may just be changing how she communicates or feeling a bit self-conscious.

If it's really bothering you, you could casually ask if everything is okay, but I'd try not to overthink the finger hearts or the "x" at the end of messages. Moving from primary school to secondary school can be a big adjustment for everyone.

The good news is that this sounds more like a friendship changing than a friendship ending.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Heavy periods at 13 can be completely normal, especially in the first few years after your periods start. It's actually a bit of a myth that everyone's first periods are always light or short. For some girls, periods can be quite heavy from the beginning.

The good news is that this doesn't mean your periods will always be this way. As your body matures and your hormones settle down, you may find your menstrual flow becomes lighter or more predictable over time.

It's also important to know that a heavy period doesn't automatically mean there's something wrong. We are all different, and some people naturally have heavier periods than others.

The most important thing is finding the right period products for heavy flow so you feel comfortable and protected. 

Try not to worry. From what you've said, heavy periods as a teenager can be perfectly normal.

Vicki ❤️

Hi! Yes, but they are totally anonymous but nothing is shown other the question and my response. See below for a link to the Recently Answered Questions.

Ask Vicki | Lil-Lets

Hi ❤️ If you've had discharge and you've bled today, it could be that your period has started. 😊

Some people think discharge stops when a period begins, but that's not actually true. Your body still produces discharge, it's just often mixed with the period blood so you don't notice it as much.

If this is your first period, it's a good idea to tell your mum, dad or whoever looks after you. They can help make sure you have period pads ready for this period and any future ones.

Try not to worry. Discharge before and during periods is completely normal, and it's usually a sign that your body is developing just as it should.

You may also find it helpful to read some of the guides on the Lil-Lets Teens Hub about first periods and how to use a period pad.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️ Lots of girls start noticing leg hair around your age, and I promise you're not weird for having it. ❤️

For me personally, 9 is still quite young to start removing body hair, so I'd suggest having a chat with your mum, dad or whoever looks after you and asking what they think. If they're happy for you to remove it, they can help you choose a safe method and show you how to do it properly.

Remember everyone has body hair, even if it sometimes feels like you're the only one. We can be our own worst critics and often notice things about ourselves that nobody else pays much attention to.

If your parent or carer would prefer you to wait a little while, try not to be too upset. With the colder months coming, your legs may not be on show as much anyway.

Having leg hair at 9 is completely normal, and there's nothing wrong with the way your body looks.

Vicki ❤️