EPISODE 001.
MY FIRST PERIOD | SHOW NOTES

A memorable moment for every person who bleeds: the moment they got their first period. Some of us were lucky enough to get it while we were safe at home in the comfort of our bathroom. Others...weren’t quite as lucky.Tune in to hear 18-year-old Pratha Nagpal share her tale about the time she got her period and how the conversation around periods have evolved in her family.

Disclaimer: The content contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have any concerns about your period, please consult your healthcare professional. As you start to learn more about the different changes your body goes through, we bet you’ll hear a lot of quirky names for the term ‘period’. Some people call it the crimson tide, Code Red, the time of the month, shark week, and even Aunt Flo.
At RED by Modibodi, we love a tongue-in-cheek moment when it comes to period slang, but we also believe in normalising the conversation around periods, and using the right vernacular to boot. Why? Well, periods are simply a natural part of your reproductive cycle and are just as normal as eating, sleeping, and breathing. They are also a wonderful sign that your body is healthy, maturing and functioning as it should. We shouldn’t be afraid to use the right and factual terms, and talk openly without feeling ashamed or embarrassed.

So, what are periods, exactly and why, oh why, do they show up every month? Well, friends, it’s actually quite a fascinating process.Every month, the lining of your uterus gets thicker. This lining is called the endometrium. Your hormones then signal your ovaries to release an egg into the fallopian tubes. This process is called ovulation.When an egg is fertilised by a man’s sperm, it results in pregnancy.But, if the egg isn’t fertilised by a sperm, your body will shed the lining of the uterus through your vagina and appears externally as blood. This marks the start of your period and is known as ‘day 1’of your menstrual cycle. The average cycle is 28 days, which typically means that you get your period every 28 days. But, your periods can fluctuate depending on your hormones and you may end up missing a period or it may arrive later than usual. It normally takes 1-2 years before you get a regular cycle.

The average time you bleed is normally 4-5 days, but it can often be shorter or longer. Although it may seem like you’re losing lots of blood in the early days of your period, you only lose on average 4 tablespoons of blood. Just think of the sugar when you bake! If you haven’t got your period for the first time yet, you can prepare for it by asking someone you trust to teach you how to use pads, tampons, or even better - buy you a pair of period underwear. If you’ve already got your period but aren’t sure when it’s going to come next, you can pack a pair of period underwear in your school bag or locker so it’s ready to grab whenever you need it. Remember, friends, our bodies are unique and that often means we experience change at different times. You may be someone who gets their period a lot earlier than some of your friends. Or you may hear about everyone else getting their period and feel left behind. Whatever camp you fall in, know that there’s nothing wrong with you and getting your period is not a race. Sooner or later, we all end up in the same boat. If you ever have any concerns about getting your period, don’t be afraid to talk to someone you trust who can help you consult a medical professional.

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