Hey there! Welcome to Teen Zine Edition 1, your friendly period guide for teens.
If you’re reading this, chances are your body’s been doing things it’s never done before, and your feelings have been louder than they’ve ever been. People often say you’re “growing up” like that explains everything. But growing up comes with questions, surprises, confusing days, exciting days, and moments where you wonder if anyone else feels the same way.
That’s why we created this little zine. It’s designed to help you understand what’s happening in your body and mind, from your first period to changing friendships, emotions, confidence, and family relationships. Think of it as a companion for the journey.
The IRL physical zine version of this is included inside Nua’s Teen Comfort Pack. If you’d like your own copy to keep it on your bookshelf, in your backpack, or tucked away for whenever you need it, grab a pack ASAP!
Until then, here’s a version of what you will find in the pack:
1. Understanding Your Cycle
Ever feel like you’re on top of the world one week, then want to scream into a pillow the next? You’re not being dramatic. And it’s definitely not random. It’s your cycle.
Because your period isn’t just the few days you bleed. It’s one part of a whole month-long loop. The entire time, your hormones (the chemicals in your body that influence how your mind and body functions) are shifting in the background, and that’s what changes your mood, your energy, even how chatty or sleepy you feel. Kind of like your body’s playing a different playlist every week.
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Your menstrual cycle has four phases – starts on day 1 of your period and ends on the day before you next period.
The 4 Phases of Your Menstrual Cycle
Week one-ish, your period: You’re bleeding, probably tired and crampy, and weirdly into being left alone. All normal. Those cramps are just your body preparing for your period, which is exactly why a heat patch and your comfiest pyjamas feel SO good right now. Managing period cramps is mostly heat, rest, and zero guilt about cancelling plans.
Week two-ish, right after: Your energy comes back. You feel braver. This is the perfect week to do the thing you’ve been putting off, that assignment, that extra curricular sign-up, and raising your hand in class.
Week three-ish, the middle: Peak main-character energy. You’re chatty, creative, and basically the best version of you. Soak it up.
Week four-ish, right before your next one: Welcome to PMS. You’re more sensitive, more tired, and everyone is annoying. It’s all “too much,” and it’s because your body’s just in its low-battery week. Be gentle with yourself.
Notice we keep saying “week-ish”? That’s on purpose.
Nobody’s cycle is the same or exactly on time, especially in the first year or two, so yours might be early, late, or all over the place for a while. That’s completely normal.
The way you learn your own rhythm is by tracking it.
How to track your period is honestly the easy part. Note the day it starts each month and a tracker app like Nua’s figures out your pattern, even predicts the next one.
Bonus, once you know the signs your period is coming, like a sore chest, a surprise pimple, or that out-of-nowhere mood dip, you can have a pad ready instead of getting caught off guard at school.
Half the battle is just having your stuff ready before the week hits. That’s pretty much why the Teen Comfort Pack exists: the right pads for lighter and heavier days, plus liners, are already sorted so you’re never caught out.
2. Why Your Parents Are Suddenly So… Much
Have your parents gotten weirdly strict lately? Extra clingy? Started every other sentence with “in my time…”? It can feel like they flipped a switch overnight.
Here’s the secret: they kind of did, and it’s because they’re going through your puberty too. For years you followed their lead. Now you’ve got your own mind, your own opinions, your own choices, and they’re scrambling to keep up.
Our “Parent Translator” explains exactly this, because a lot of the time, what they say isn’t what they mean. “Why are you always on your phone?” usually just means “I miss you.” “You’re too young to handle this alone” usually means “please don’t shut me out.”
Check it out below
Once you can hear what’s underneath, the arguments get smaller.
And it goes both ways.
Talking to parents about periods, or honestly anything, gets easier when you tell them what you actually need, even if it’s just “I’ve got it handled, I promise.” Most of the time they’ll be relieved you let them in at all.
And it’s worth it: moms are still the number-one place most girls learn about all of this.
Speaking of, a first period can be an awkward thing to bring up. Having everything already sorted makes it about a thousand times less awkward. The Nua Teen Comfort Pack covers the basics, pads, liners, all of it, so the conversation can be way less “ugh” for both of you.
3. Bring This Up At Your Next Sleepover, Trust Us
It’s called the Truth Jar, and it’s almost too simple: everyone scribbles a few questions onto slips of paper, drops them in a jar, then you take turns pulling one out, answering it, and letting everyone else answer too. Full rules are right above. Think of questions like “what’s something nobody knows about you?” or “what’s a compliment you secretly hope for?”
There’s one rule, and it’s the whole point: what’s said in the circle stays in the circle. Always.
Now, here’s what a game is doing in a zine about puberty changes in girls.
Growing up can feel weirdly lonely, like you’re the only one whose body and feelings went strange overnight. You’re not. Every single one of your friends is going through the exact same thing, they’re just not saying it out loud. This game is the shortcut to finding that out. By the time the jar’s empty, you’ll know each other a little deeper, and the whole group feels closer.
Honestly, that closeness is one of the best things you can have right now.
Not a Goodbye, Just a See-You-Later
That’s edition one!
Next month we’re getting into crushes: why they feel SO enormous, and why your brain flat-out refuses to shut up about them. You won’t want to miss it.
And if any of this made you feel even a tiny bit more “oh okay, I’ve got this,” share it with your friends! Growing up as a teenage girl is so much easier when you’re not doing it alone.
Whatever’s going on with you right now, your very first period, a rough PMS week, or a body that feels brand new, you’re doing just fine. Teen period care really isn’t complicated. Mostly it’s the right pad in your bag, a friend who gets it, and knowing that none of this is weird or wrong.
If you’d rather hold this period guide for teens than scroll it, it’s tucked inside the Nua Teen Comfort Pack, pads and liners included. Get one now!
FAQs
A few things this period guide for teens wouldn’t be complete without.
What even is a period?
The few days each month your body sheds the lining of your uterus. Totally normal, and it happens to nearly everyone with a uterus.
How long does a period last?
Usually three to seven days, though it can be unpredictable for the first year or two.
What are the most common period symptoms in teens?
Cramps, tiredness, mood swings, and bloating are the usual period symptoms in teens, your body’s way of saying “big stuff happening in here.”
What are the signs your period is coming?
A sore chest, bloating, a mood dip, maybe a pimple or two, usually a few days before it starts.
How do I start tracking?
Write down the day your period starts each month. After a couple of months, your pattern starts to show up, and Nua’s Period Tracker can take it from there.
Disclaimer
The content of this article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared is of a general nature and may not be appropriate for all individuals or specific circumstances. Readers should not disregard, delay, or substitute professional medical advice based on the information contained herein.
If you experience any symptoms, notice anything unusual, or have concerns relating to your health or overall wellbeing, you should consult a qualified healthcare professional. While every effort is made to ensure the information shared is accurate and up-to-date, Nua makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information provided and disclaims all liability arising from reliance on this content to the fullest extent permitted by law.
