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Getting your first period can bring many questions: What is normal? How long should it last? Why do cramps happen? Which period products should you use? When should you talk to a doctor? Understanding menstruation can make these changes feel much less confusing. A period is a normal biological process that happens as part of the menstrual cycle . For most girls, the first period occurs during puberty, and cycles gradually become more predictable over time. This guide explains everything girls and teens in the USA should know about periods, including the menstrual cycle, cramps, PMS, period products, hygiene, tracking, exercise, nutrition, and signs that may require medical attention. What Is a Period? A period , medically called menstruation , happens when the lining of the uterus is shed and leaves the body through the vagina. Throughout the menstrual cycle, hormones prepare the body for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the uterine lining is shed, resulting ...