text: It is not likely that all the other girls in your class have gotten their periods, although it might be true. It is more likely that you are the only one who is honest about it.\n\nPlease don't be scared. Every woman you see walking around has gotten it and is still standing. Each month your uterus, which is in your abdomen, prepares a nice soft lining to wait for a fertilized egg. If you don't have sex, your egg will not get fertilized. Then your body says, "Oh no baby this month" and discards that lining. That is your period. The unused blood that is part of this lining will pass out of your body through your vagina. You may not be aware of this part of your body much. It is between where you urinate and where your bowel movement passes out. \n\nAt first you may not have much coming out. Your body is growing into womanhood. It will probably be a light brownish red. This may last up to about a week or less. You cannot control what we call "the flow" as it comes out, like you can control your urine. It comes and there is nothing you can do about it. You will want to wear a pad inside your underwear to catch it. Change the pad often and throw it away. I would get some and keep one in your purse. They have a little adhesive strip that attaches to your undies. This way, when your period does come, you will be prepared. Periods have a way of coming at inconvenient times.\n\nSome women will have cramps. Some women will not. Some will have a light flow for just a few days. Some will have a heavier flow for about a week. \n\nThe important thing about your period is that it is a right of passage on your way to becoming a woman. Your period is a thing to celebrate not to fear. We women are very special. Our bodies do the most amazing things. Celebrate your passage from girl to woman. And when you are older, like me, celebrate your passage as you become a wise old woman.