Teenagers and first periods: how to choose the right protection?

For teens or preteens, their first period marks the start of puberty. First menstrual cycles, first hormonal cycles, femininity, first menstruation—these moments in a young girl’s life are significant changes.

First periods often bring up lots of questions, especially about how to prepare and choose the right hygienic protection. Every teen girl deserves to experience this new stage of life with peace of mind. 

Louloucup, a French brand of menstrual products, is on a mission to offer beautiful, healthy, and eco-friendly alternatives (underwear, swimsuits, and cups) to traditional period protection (tampons, pads, and liners). At Louloucup, we believe that practical, accessible, safe, and respectful solutions (for women and the planet) are viable and reliable. 

So, when it comes to managing your period, which period products should you choose? Period underwear or a menstrual cup? Internal protection or period lingerie? Here’s a breakdown of all the benefits, drawbacks, and key factors to consider when choosing the right products for your period. 

The first period, or menarche, is when the body begins to show its ability to reproduce. These first bleeds come with normal physical changes linked to puberty: breast development, the appearance of pubic hair, and changes in body shape. For many young girls, this transition can be a source of worry or confusion. Still, it’s a completely normal stage in a woman’s life.

There’s no set age for getting your first period. Some teens start as early as 11, while others might not until 15 or even later. It’s important to remember that every body is unique and hormonal differences are totally normal. 

A valuable tip: never compare yourself to others. Your body is unique, and it’s completely normal for it to have a different rhythm than your friends.

Getting ready for your first period is still the best way to turn this special moment into a real confidence boost.
Here are a few practical tips:


• Build a first period kit. Gather several types of period protection, some wipes, maybe a pain reliever, and put them in a cute toiletry bag you can slip into your school bag or backpack. Don’t forget a change of clothes.
  
  
• Talk to someone you trust. Your mum, your sister, your cousin, the school nurse or another trusted adult – it’s up to you. It’s essential to discuss your questions and worries with someone you feel comfortable with.
  
  
• Get informed. Learn about the menstrual cycle and the different protection options available so you can better understand how to manage your period day to day. You’ll find tons of info on our Louloucup blog! 

When it comes to choosing period protection, there are several options on the market, each with its own pros and cons. The main categories are disposable menstrual products and eco-friendly hygiene alternatives.

Pads, tampons, panty liners—you can easily find them at the supermarket. The packs are cheap, but you have to buy them often. These types of protection also create a lot of non-recyclable waste. Plus, their ingredients are questionable and unclear. Dangerous substances have been found in them (petroleum derivatives and pesticides).

Easy to use and available everywhere, pads offer good protection for light to medium flow. However, they generate a lot of waste and often contain chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin (such as fragrances). They’re also not very comfortable and can feel bulky between your legs.

Discreet and effective, tampons are well-suited for sports activities and help you feel more comfortable during your period. This internal protection expands on contact with blood, making it especially suitable for heavy flows. However, using them requires some familiarity. They can also pose risks if not changed regularly (toxic shock syndrome).

Often used alongside other products or for very light flow. They are less absorbent but help keep your underwear clean. However, they are made of plastic or contain added fragrance.

Faced with environmental challenges and concerns about chemicals, more and more girls, teens, and women are turning to reusable, sustainable, washable, and body- and eco-friendly solutions. Just as effective and reliable as traditional disposable products, period underwear, cups, discs, and reusable pads have a lot to offer.

Period panties or menstrual underwear are becoming increasingly popular (among both adult women and teens) for their comfort and effectiveness. Menstrual lingerie works just like regular underwear: you simply wear it under your clothes, nothing else needed.
Super discreet, period underwear has a built-in membrane sewn into the lining that reliably holds menstrual flow. At LouLoucup, we offer styles for every type of menstrual flow (light, medium, heavy, very heavy).

Louloucup offers a special range of period panties for teens. Discover our two favourite teen styles, available from size XXS (EU 32): 

• Mathilde – Very heavy-flow period panties
  This style is perfect for managing very heavy flow. It’s as effective as five tampons and is designed for very active teens who need strong protection all day or all night. The absorbent layer is extended, comfort is guaranteed (organic cotton against the skin) and it stays discreet under clothing. The plain black design with a dotted mesh trim combines elegance and practicality. Its high, full-coverage cut ensures optimal support.
  
  
• Simone – Teen period underwear for heavy flow

  Designed especially for teenagers, the Simone brief combines comfort and style. Its red and white striped cut gives it a modern, feminine look while being highly effective at holding a heavy flow (absorption capacity equivalent to 4 or 5 tampons). Its soft, healthy organic cotton lining is reassuring and helps limit irritation. Simone can be worn day or night with no risk of leaks.

Menstrual cups are another excellent eco-friendly alternative. Washable, durable, hygienic and reusable, period cups offer long-lasting protection (up to 6 consecutive hours) and are easy to clean. While insertion can take a bit of getting used to for teenagers, cups are a long-term solution that’s economical, reliable and environmentally friendly.

Common misconception. 

A menstrual cup for teens, seriously?! 

• At first glance, a menstrual cup for teens may seem unsuitable for very young girls. Yet this washable, reusable menstrual protection is actually very hygienic. 
• It’s perfect for sporty girls or teens who have a fairly heavy flow. 
• Also, a menstrual cup can absolutely be used and worn if you are still a virgin. 
• However, using a cup does require being comfortable with your body. You mustn’t be afraid of or put off by blood.
• Finally, using a cup requires a certain discipline: removing it, emptying it and rinsing it every 4 to 6 hours to ensure maximum comfort.

Less well-known but just as effective, washable pads are a great alternative for anyone wanting to reduce their environmental impact while keeping a familiar type of protection. 

How do I know whichperiod product for teens is right for me? Which period product best fits my flow, my lifestyle, my body type?

Your choice of period protection depends on several factors. Here are the main points to consider so you can make an informed decision:

1. Type of menstrual flow
   Light to medium flow. You can choose less absorbent period products like pads or light-flow (thong) or medium-flow period underwear.
   Heavy flow. Period products specially designed to hold a large amount of blood, like the Mathilde or Simone panties, will be more suitable. A teen menstrual cup is also an excellent washable period product for managing heavy or very heavy flow.
   
   
2. Lifestyle
   Sports activities. If you exercise regularly, choose protection that stays perfectly in place and offers great freedom of movement. Louloucup period panties are designed to be discreet and comfortable, even during sport. The period cup (teen menstrual cup) is also a great ally for sporty girls, especially swimmers.
   Daytime or nighttime use. Some menstrual products are better suited to daytime use, while others, like the Mathilde panties, are ideal for heavy-flow days and nights. The cup is for daytime wear only (a maximum of six consecutive hours). It lets you relax for a good part of the day.
   
   
3. Personal preferences
   Comfort is key. If you prefer the feel of regular underwear, go for period panties. If you like the idea of holding your flow inside and having ultra-discreet protection, then a menstrual cup for teens is a great option.
   
   
4. Sensitivity or allergies
   If you have sensitive skin or allergies, opt for natural materials like organic cotton, which helps prevent irritation. The inner lining of all Louloucup panties is made from organic cotton. If you’re particularly sensitive (for example, your bladder), the Louloucup Turquoise is ultra flexible and perfect for you. This teen menstrual cup is hypoallergenic and patented. It folds very easily and can be inserted in just a few seconds.

Tips, tricks, special teen collection, can’t-miss period products—read on for everything you need to navigate your first period with confidence.

For a first period, it’s often best to choose a simple, easy-to-use menstrual protection. Period panties (boxer, thong, shorty, etc.) have the advantage of working just like regular underwear, with no complicated handling. They can really reassure more anxious teens. If you’re comfortable with your body and already used to tampons, a teen menstrual cup is also a great option.
Our tip? Alternate protections: a cup during the day, period panties at night. Switch between products depending on your mood, your needs and your activities!

Your protection needs to fit your body and anatomy properly to avoid leaks. LouLoucup offers styles in a wide range of sizes, from XXXS to 5XL, to guarantee optimal comfort for every body type. Long live inclusivity!
As for menstrual cups, our two models (Pink and Turquoise) are available in Small and Medium (to be chosen according to how heavy your flow is).

Whether you go for period underwear or a teen menstrual cup, it’s essential to follow the care instructions to ensure they stay effective and last a long time. For period underwear, make sure you rinse them well after use and wash them on a 30°C cycle. Air‑drying is also strongly recommended.
For the teen menstrual cup, rinsing is also done with cold water. Sterilisation is carried out before the start of each new period. Feel free to sterilise your cup as often as you like. 

Another tip: if you like the menstrual cup for teens, don’t hesitate to kit yourself out properly. We recommend having two cups so you can alternate and always have a clean one ready. You can also get a sterilizer—it’s handy for cleaning your protections thoroughly. 

Getting your period, especially at the beginning, can feel a bit overwhelming. But with the right habits and the right products, it will become a routine. Don’t stress, don’t be afraid of stains or leaks. Try things out, ask yourself questions and talk to people around you. Listen to others’ stories and feedback to help you.
This article is here to inform you, reassure you and inspire you. Your period should never be a source of worry, but rather an opportunity to celebrate your femininity and take care of yourself in a healthy, natural way.

Don’t wait any longer – explore our special teen collections: teen menstrual swimsuits and teen period panties. Let yourself be won over by the comfort and quality of Louloucup products. You deserve the best, every day of your cycle! 

Choosing protection for your first period is a personal decision that should combine comfort, safety and respect for the environment. Every teenager is different and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What matters is feeling comfortable and confident with the protection you choose.

At LouLoucup, we make it a point of honor to offer healthy, eco-friendly alternatives tailored to the specific needs of girls and women. Whether you go for period underwear or a menstrual cup for teens, our goal is to support you throughout your hormonal cycle with quality period products that let you experience your period calmly, without fear or worry. 

Remember:

• Discover our selection of period underwear for teenagers and find the one that matches your style and your needs. Try, for example, the Mathilde brief for very heavy flows, or go for Simone, specially designed for the slimmest pre-teens (3XS and 2XS).
  
  
• Explore our collection of menstrual cups for a reusable, budget-friendly option that’s perfect if you want to take a more eco-conscious approach.
  
  
• Get informed and get ready. Put together an emergency kit, talk about it with people you trust and don’t hesitate to ask for advice.
  
  
• Choose solutions suited to your flow. Whether it’s light, medium or heavy, there’s a protection that’s right for you. Don’t compare yourself to your friends. You, your period and your flow are unique!
  
  
• Put comfort and safety first. Choose soft, skin-friendly materials like organic cotton to avoid any irritation.
  
  
• Join our community on social media to share your experiences, get advice, and discover new tips for feeling good during your period.
  
  
• Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive offers, expert tips, and the latest news on all things period protection.

Navigating your first period can feel intimidating, but with the right information and products, it’s absolutely possible to go through this time with confidence. It’s crucial to choose protection that gives you comfort, safety and a sense of well-being.

Take the time to understand your body, listen to your needs, and don’t hesitate to try different options until you find the one that suits you best. Your period is part of you, and it’s essential to approach it with gentleness and kindness.

We hope this guide has given you clear, useful answers and will help you make informed choices so you can experience your period more comfortably. At LouLoucup, we’re proud to support you at every stage of your menstrual journey by offering innovative, eco-friendly products.