Support + Guidance
Find practical tools and trusted resources to help you, your teen, or other women navigate periods with confidence. Learn how to start conversations, recognize when to seek help, and connect with the right support.
Easy ways to talk openly about periods and bodies
Tips for locating the best care for teens and adults
Spot signs that things may not be “normal”
How and when to talk about puberty and periods
Learn which professionals and resources can help
OT-vetted guides and tools to stay informed and empowered
Conversation Starters About Periods for Parents and Tweens Those first conversations may feel awkward at first. That's totally normal! Try to use open-ended questions at first to get a gauge on what she knows and how she feels. Lead with curiosity. Consider sharing your own funny/awkward/empowering moments. Here are some suggestions to get you started and feeling less uncertain jumping in. 1. Have you heard the word "period" yet? (If so), what have you heard? This gives you a bit of a heads up about where they are coming from, and can be a segue into where to start. 2. When I was your age, I had a ton of questions about periods. Are there any questions you want to ask me? Again, this gives you a starting point and lets you in on what they're wondering about. 3. You may be noticing that girls in your grade are starting to look a little bit different, and you may even notice things about yourself, too. What have you noticed so far (about yourself/others)? This can lead you into a general conversation about bodily changes and you can start to slip in little bits about periods, too. Tip: Sometimes talking face to face can feel intense or intimidating, especially about a topic that may feel uncomfortable at first. Consider communicating in other ways at first: 1. Going back and forth in a journal (your daughter asks a question, you respond, both in writing) 2. Leave each other voice memos or small videos (it's a bit more "asynchronous" so it feels less intense) 3. Have her write 1 question on a notecard and give it to you, with a plan to respond within a certain timeframe (to give you a heads up on what she's wondering, and give you some time to construct an answer!)
When to Seek Support It’s important to recognize when menstrual, pelvic, or emotional symptoms may indicate an underlying issue. Seek help from a healthcare provider if you notice any of the following: Missed Periods – If you go months without a period and you’re not pregnant, it could signal hormonal imbalances or other health concerns. Heavy or Prolonged Bleeding – Needing to change a pad or tampon every hour, soaking through overnight, or bleeding longer than 7 days. Severe Pain – Cramps, back pain, or pelvic pain that disrupt daily life, school, or work, or that worsen over time. Sudden or Significant Changes – Periods that become unpredictable, appear very frequently, or suddenly stop. Urinary Symptoms – Leaking urine, difficulty staying dry, or needing to use pads/liners outside of your period. Disruptive Mental Health Symptoms – Feeling hopeless, crying frequently, struggling to get out of bed, or experiencing extreme premenstrual symptoms (PMDD) that interfere with daily life. Interference with Daily Life – Symptoms that prevent participation in school, work, sports, or social activities. Recognizing these signs early can help you get the right support and treatment. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional if something feels off. Your body and your mental health deserve attention!
Who to Seek Support From GYN (Gynecologist) – For abnormal or new physical symptoms such as missed periods, heavy bleeding, or severe menstrual pain. For those under 18, seek adolescent-focused GYNs who specialize in teen care. Pelvic Health Therapist (OT or PT) – For managing pelvic or period-related pain, urinary symptoms, or other pelvic concerns. Teens should look for pediatric pelvic floor specialists. Reproductive Endocrinologist – If your menstrual cycle or hormones may need further investigation, especially for irregularities or complex issues. Mental Health Professionals – Psychologists or psychiatrists with experience in women’s health can support disruptive mood changes, PMDD, or other emotional concerns related to the menstrual cycle. Primary Care Provider – A first stop for questions or guidance—they can help triage symptoms and refer to specialists.
Go here for a directory for healthcare providers who support/treat PMDD
Finding the Right Provider for You Questions to Ask Yourself Am I in a specific age group that may benefit from specialized care (adolescents, under 18, over 40, perimenopause)? Do I want a provider who understands and supports LGBTQ+ identities? Do I want a provider from a similar cultural/racial background or who is experienced serving BIPOC communities? Have I experienced trauma, even “minor,” and want a trauma-informed approach? Are payment, insurance, or funding options a concern for me? Do I want holistic or non-western-medicine options integrated into care? What other personal preferences or needs should my provider meet? Questions to Ask the Provider or Check on Their Website What age ranges do you specialize in, not just treat? What supports or policies do you have for LGBTQ+ patients? What trauma-informed training or interventions do you use? How long are your sessions and what is your typical approach? Are your sessions primarily insurance-driven or private-pay focused? Do you offer options for follow-up or ongoing support? Are there resources, educational materials, or workshops you provide?
Family Conversations Start early, matter-of-fact – Introduce topics at any age; no need to stress about being “too late.” Young children focus: Use correct body terms, teach consent for touch, and normalize words like “tampon.” Simple observations: Point out body changes such as growing taller, losing teeth, or shoe size changes. Puberty talks around 8–9: Introduce age-appropriate changes for uterus or penis owners using clear language. Periods are normal, not inappropriate. You don't have to dive into a sex-ed talk! Remember that preparation helps kids feel confident. Take your time. It’s okay to pause, think, and return to a question if you’re unsure how to answer. Include all genders. Boys can learn too and be supportive; normalize puberty for everyone. The goal is for you to be a safe person to come to for questions. They will seek answers elsewhere if not from you. Remember, age is a number and can be kind of arbitrary, since kids develop at different speeds and may have varying levels of maturity, fears, and ability to understand. You know your child best!
Here's an article to check out on the topic of age.
Check out this article that surveys teen awareness of period poverty and stigma: "teens are still aware of the barriers period stigma and lack of access to period products present."
A few books to get you started (check out our workshops for more!)
Celebrate Your Body (And Its Changes, Too)
It's So Amazing!: A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families (The Family Library)
This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained
A few apps:
Luna: The big sister app for periods, puberty and everything in between (for teens/tweens)
Flo: For adults - track your periods, ovulation, and pregnancy with the Flo app. Log your cycle symptoms so you can understand your body better.
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