[Abby13]

Okay so I'm 13 years old and have never had my period and my doctor said at my physical that since my mom got her period at 16 that I would to. So here comes my dilemma, there is this brown sticky stuff I guess in my underware and I am to afraid to ask my mom and am terrified of doctors (my phisian is a man) and I am scared what is it and what do I do about it?? Did I mention I faint with blood

[KMonte85]

Your mom having her first period in her mid-teens does not mean you will be the same. My mom got her period sometime around age 14 from what she's told me, and I got my first period at the ripe old age of 9, so it really can vary from generation to generation. If you're not noticing any sort of inflamation or burning (indications of an infection), then there is a good chance that you've begun menstruating and the brown discharge is blood from your period. Try not to be afraid of blood. I know when most people think of "blood" they think of wounds and hurting, but this is so different! The blood from your period is really just a natural process that your female organs must go through to stay healthy. Your body creates a lining in your uterus, and monthly it sheds that uterine lining which is what comes out as your period. This is not an injury, it is not gruesome, and shouldn't be thought of as gross or scary.

Why are you afraid to speak to your mom? She should be able to explain this process to you, what to expect, how to take care of yourself, and comfort you through this new change you're experiencing. She knows you are of an age where this is to be expected, so she will not be shocked if you tell her what is going on. Please understand that this is totally normal, and something that all young women experience, your mom did and she has a lot of advice she can give you. I don't see why you would need to set up an appointment with your doctor because you started your period, there is nothing they can say or do anyway. However, if you are uncomfortable with a male doctor, you may want to talk to your mom about finding you a woman doctor.

As for what to do about it? Well, this will become a monthly thing, although it can vary, especially for young women who have just started getting a period. Your body is still getting used to the change, so you may be irregular. Anyway, just make sure you keep yourself tidy down there. Wear pads to keep sanitary (they have tampons too, but pads are probably best for you as you're just starting this process), and change them as needed.

Do you have any other questions?

And I must encourage you again, pleast talk to your mom. She will understand.

[CrystalChord]

Hey Abby, at least you found out yourself! My sister discovered that I started my period when we were playfighting, at which point she screamed at me to go to the bathroom and clean up because I was "gross"!

I had the same thing at 11 and a half. I know it seems scary, but you can talk to your mother. All women go through this, and she can tell you what to do. Your period is completely natural, and nothing to be too scared of.

I faint too when I see blood, but knowing that what's coming out isn't a dangerous amount, and knowing the cause of it, is very helpful in that siituation.