Are you ready to talk periods?

Learn the basics to help build confidence and break down stigma.

Why talking about periods matters

Periods are a normal part of life, but many of us didn’t grow up talking about them openly.

By starting conversations early, we can help young people feel informed, confident and supported.

This quick quiz is a simple way to check in on what you already know about periods and highlight opportunities to learn more together.

This quiz is a helpful starting point

There’s no pressure, no judgement.

Brush up on the basics

Check in on your knowledge gaps.

Tailored tips and tools

Based on your answers, you’ll get helpful info that’s right for you.

Keep learning, keep talking

Every chat about periods helps to build confidence

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Step 1 of 14 – Get started

Do you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?*

Why are we asking this? This information helps us to understand who is using our resources and ensure they are inclusive, culturally appropriate and meeting the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Yes

Which of the following best describes your body at birth?*

Why are we asking this? This information helps us tailor resources so they’re relevant to you.

Female

Male

Intersex

Prefer not to say

Are you a parent or primary caregiver?*

Why are we asking this? This information helps us to tailor tips and resources to help you have conversations with young people about periods.

Yes

What is a period?*

A type of exercise you can do in your spare time

When bleeding happens from the vagina as part of the menstrual cycle

A sign of illness that you need to see the doctor for

A hormone that occurs naturally in the body

How long does a period usually last?*

Between 3 and 7 days

Exactly 30 days

A few hours

It lasts the same length of time for everyone

What is a period?*

A type of exercise you can do in your spare time

When bleeding happens from the vagina as part of the menstrual cycle

A sign of illness that you need to see the doctor for

A hormone that occurs naturally in the body

Who gets periods?*

All children

Usually girls, women and some gender-diverse people

Only adults

Only men and boys

What is a period?

When bleeding happens from the vagina as part of the menstrual cycle

Periods are part of the menstrual cycle. They are a normal and natural part of life.

How long does a period usually last?

Between 3 and 7 days

Most periods last between 3 and 7 days, but this may change at different life stages.

What is a period?

When bleeding happens from the vagina as part of the menstrual cycle

Periods are part of the menstrual cycle. They are a normal and natural part of life.

Who gets periods?

Usually girls, women and some gender-diverse people

Periods happen to people with a uterus, including girls, women and some gender-diverse people.

How long does a period usually last?*

Between 3 and 7 days

Exactly 30 days

A few hours

It never ends

Which of the following is a common cause of irregular periods?*

Eating spicy food

High stress

Wearing tight clothing

Drinking cold water

What can help reduce period pain?*

Cold exposure

Pain-relief medicine, heat packs and gentle exercise

Eating less food

Drinking less water

What is a period?*

A type of exercise you can do in your spare time

When bleeding happens from the vagina as part of the menstrual cycle

A sign of illness that you need to see the doctor for

A hormone that occurs naturally in the body

How long does a period usually last?

Between 3 and 7 days

Most periods last between 3 and 7 days, but this may change at different life stages.

Which of the following is a common cause of irregular periods?

High stress

High stress is a common cause of irregular periods. Other causes include a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), extreme levels of exercise and some medicines.

What can help reduce period pain?

Pain-relief medicine, heat packs and gentle exercise

When it comes to practical ways to manage period pain, pain-relief medicine, heat packs and gentle movement can help.

What is a period?

When bleeding happens from the vagina as part of the menstrual cycle

Periods are part of the menstrual cycle. They are a normal and natural part of life.

At what age do people usually get their first period?*

Between 6 and 9 years

Between 9 and 16 years

Between 18 and 20 years

Any time after age 25

When is period pain not normal?*

If it stops you from going to school or work

If it stops you from playing sport

If it doesn’t go away after taking pain-relief medicine

All of the above

When should someone see a health worker about their period?*

If they have strong period pain that stops them from doing things

If their periods last much longer than usual

If their periods stop coming every month

All of the above

At what age do people usually get their first period?*

Between 6 and 9 years

Between 9 and 16 years

Between 18 and 20 years

Any time after age 25

At what age do people usually get their first period?

Between 9 and 16 years

In Australia, the average age to get your first period is 12 to 13, but it can start as early as 9 and as late as 16.

When is period pain not normal?

All of the above

If period pain impacts daily life, it’s important to speak to a doctor or health professional.

When should someone see a health worker about their period?

All of the above

Having strong period pain, longer cycles or absent periods are all good reasons to see a health worker.

At what age do people usually get their first period?

Between 9 and 16 years

In Australia, the average age to get your first period is 12 to 13, but it can start as early as 9 and as late as 16.

As a caregiver, why is it important that you understand periods?*

So you can diagnose medical conditions

So you can provide practical and emotional support as well as accurate health information to people in your care

So you can track your own health

To help you choose medication for people in their care

How common is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?*

PMS refers to the symptoms you might feel in the week or 2 before your period starts. Common symptoms include mood changes, bloating and fatigue.

PMS does not exist

Rare – affecting around 5% of women and people who get their periods

Very common – affecting around 90% of women and people who get their periods

Quite common – affecting around 40% of women and people who get their periods

Which of these are common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?*

Increased height and growth spurts

Mood changes, bloating and irritability

Needing less sleep than usual

A sharp fever before the period begins

Why might a young person feel shy talking about periods?*

Because periods only happen later in life

Periods are sometimes treated as embarrassing or not talked about openly

Periods are dangerous

Getting your period means something is wrong

As a caregiver, why is it important that you understand periods?

So you can provide practical and emotional support as well as accurate health information to people in your care

Understanding periods helps you provide practical support, accurate information and reassurance when it matters most.

How common is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

Very common – affecting around 90% of women and people who get their periods

PMS refers to the symptoms you might feel in the week or 2 before your period starts. Common symptoms include mood changes, bloating and fatigue.

Which of these are common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

Mood changes, bloating and irritability

PMS symptoms can be emotional, physical or both – everyone is different.

Why might a young person feel shy talking about periods?

Periods are sometimes treated as embarrassing or not talked about openly

Periods are often not talked about openly. This can make people feel embarrassed, but your support can help change that.

As a caregiver, what should you do if period symptoms such as pain or heavy bleeding are impacting the day-to-day life of a person in your care?*

Tell them it’s normal

Wait a few days

Encourage them to rest but not worry

Speak to a doctor or health professional together

Which of the following is a sign of heavy periods?*

When you need to wake up in the night to change or empty your period product (such as a pad, tampon, cup, disc or period underwear)

When your period lasts exactly 7 days

When you get period pain only on the first day of your period

When your menstrual cycles are shorter than 28 days

On average, how much blood and fluid do people lose during a period?*

0-5 mL

10-20 mL

30-50 mL

100mL or more

As a caregiver, what’s a good way you can support someone starting their periods?*

Avoid talking about periods to prevent the person from getting embarrassed

Offer understanding, a safe space to ask questions, and have period products available

Tell them to keep their periods to themselves

Make them stay home and avoid others

As a caregiver, what should you do if period symptoms such as pain or heavy bleeding are impacting the day-to-day life of a person in your care?

Speak to a doctor or health professional together

If period symptoms are affecting everyday life, it’s important to speak to a doctor or health professional and get support.

Which of the following is a sign of heavy periods?

When you need to wake up in the night to change or empty your period product (such as a pad, tampon, cup, disc or period underwear)

Needing to change or empty your period product every 1 to 2 hours may be a sign of heavy bleeding. It’s important to speak to a doctor or health professional if this happens.

On average, how much blood and fluid do people lose during a period?

30-50 mL

Most people lose around 30 to 50 mL of blood and fluid during a period.

As a caregiver, what’s a good way you can support someone starting their periods?

Offer understanding, a safe space to ask questions, and have period products available

Creating a safe and open environment and having products available can make a big difference to someone starting their periods.

A few final questions

Why are we asking this? To help us understand who we’re reaching, so we can make our resources more relevant, inclusive and useful for everyone.

Do you have a preferred language other than English?*

Please specify your preferred language:

What is your age?*

Where are you located?*

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Are you ready to talk periods?

Why talking about periods matters

This quiz is a helpful starting point

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