Not sure how to tell your friend your period has started? This short guide explains what to say, when to say it, and how to feel more comfortable.
You may have been super excited for your first period, or maybe you were a bit nervous and dreading it, both feelings are totally normal. But one of the biggest questions girls your age often have is: “When do I tell my friends… and how will they react?”
Here’s a simple guide to help you decide what feels right for you.
Getting your first period can feel like a huge moment, but the important thing to remember is this: you don’t have to tell anyone unless you want to. It’s completely your choice. No one will ever know you’ve started unless you decide to share it. Lots of girls prefer to keep it private at first, and that’s totally normal.
If you do want to share it, you don’t need to make a big announcement. You can wait until periods or puberty come up in conversation and casually say something like, “Oh yeah, mine actually started recently.”
If that feels awkward, you can always grab your friend for a quick one‑to‑one chat. Sometimes saying it quietly to just one person feels way less intense than mentioning it in a group.
Your period is personal, so it’s important to tell someone who’s kind and won’t turn it into gossip. Think about how they’ve handled secrets before. A real friend will listen, smile, and move on, because to them, it’s no big deal, and they care about you, not your period.
When someone reacts this way, it’s often coming from insecurity. Your friend might feel left behind, worried something is wrong with her, or confused about when it will happen. That doesn’t excuse mean behaviour, but it can help you understand where it’s coming from.
You don’t have to prove anything about your body. If friends say they don't believe you, you can calmly respond with something like, “I don’t really need anyone to believe me, it’s just what’s happening.” Then change the subject. No big explanation required.
If the comments keep coming, it’s okay to say, “Hey, this is kind of personal. Can we not make it a thing?” Good friends learn to respect those limits.
The most important thing is that you do what feels comfortable for you. There’s no right or wrong way to tell someone, and there’s definitely no rush.
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