Sport & Your Period

What If My First Period Starts While I’m Doing Sport?

Your first period can start almost anywhere, at home, at school, during training or at a match. Knowing what to do can help you feel more prepared.

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Periods & SportPeriods

A quick note: This article is here to help you understand and prepare. It does not replace medical advice. If you are worried about symptoms, pain, bleeding or anything that feels urgent, please speak to a trusted adult or healthcare professional.

First: don’t panic

Your first period might look like a small red or reddish-brown mark in your underwear. It may be quite light at first, and that can be normal.

What should I do?

Tell a trusted adult, coach, teacher, parent or carer.
Ask to use a toilet or private changing space.
Use a period product such as a pad or period pants.
Change your underwear or kit if you need to.
Decide how you feel before going back to your activity.

If you feel okay and want to carry on, you can. If you would rather take a break or stop for the day, that is okay too.

Good idea: Keep a pad or pair of period pants in your sports bag before your periods start. That way, you already have something ready.

Read more in the Health Hub

Want to know more? These Health Hub pages can help: