Ok, here we go. This is when your period and your cycle starts.
Bleeding begins as your womb lining is shed.
Demo

Emotionally you'll feel more chilled than you have for days as your hormone levels drop.
No more PMT for 28 days.

You can expect 13 periods each year and 500 in your lifetime.
Sounds a lot? You'll be ok.

Each period contains up to 90 ml of blood.
But remember, you're unique, so it's different for every girl.

You may find you get your period at the same time as your mum, sister or best mate.
Somehow we seem to synchronise with women we're close to.

Periods can last from three to eight days but five or six days is average.
By now 'Auntie Flo' should be much lighter.

Your period is ending, your hormones are regulating, and you're feeling more sociable.
A good time for a party or even, a hot date.

Soaring energy levels ahoy!
Your body's preparing to ovulate, in other words, release an egg.
Happy days.

You're at your least hormonal now, the perfect time for serious, level-headed chats.
("Mum, I've been thinking…")

Around this time levels of the female hormone oestrogen begin to rise.
This stimulates the growth of an egg within one of your ovaries.

You may notice that your vagina starts to secrete thin, clear mucus.
This helps make it easier for sperm to pass into the womb and fertilise an egg.

A rise in oestrogen(the female hormone) means you feel flirty and confident.
Make the most of it girl!

Getting slight cramps in the lower abdomen?
No worries, this is your body preparing to release an egg.

About now you'll be ovulating so you're very fertile.
But you need to use contraception all month round if you're having sex.

If you're feeling a tad warmer that's because your body temperature rises by about one degree centigrade after ovulation. This is another female hormone at work, progesterone.

Don't fret if you have thicker vaginal discharge that's yellow or white.
It's totally normal and is easily washed out of your underwear

Yes, you can have a period without ovulating, especially if you've only recently started.
But ovulation does occur in most cycles.

Tender breasts alert! It's because your body is producing more progesterone now. It also makes the lining of your womb thick and spongy.

If the egg isn't fertilised, your body gradually stops producing oestrogen and progesterone.

Uh-oh, PMT. Headaches, bloating, irritability and tearfulness all make their presence felt. But some gals don't seem to suffer at all. Huh, alright for some.

You may feel a bit edgy and more emotional than usual.

Levels of serotonin, your brain's 'happy chemical' dip around now.
Luckily, you can find the same sort of thing in chocolate. God is female!

Hormonal changes may affect your judgement and could make you more upset or angry.
Avoid big decisions and lay off any heavy-duty shopping.

At this point in your cycle you're loads more sensitive to pain.
So no leg or eyebrow waxes purleese!

Zits ahoy! You may see more of these blighters before your period.
This is due to a change in the level of hormones which affect your skin.

Not sure when your period is due? Write down the date it starts so working out when the next one is due is much easier.
Demo

You won't always be a once-a-month girl at the beginning.
Missing a month when you first start is nothing to worry about.

The day before you come on your 'period pains' will start.
Aches in your back, tummy or vagina are signs that your womb is starting to cramp.