Teens 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 period is still the best way to turn this special time into a true moment of confidence.
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 mom, your sister, your cousin, a school nurse, or another trusted adult—you have options. It's important to discuss your questions and concerns with someone you trust.
• Get informed. Learn about the menstrual cycle and the different protection options available so you can better understand how to manage your period every day. You’ll find tons of information 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 underwear for teens. Check out our two favorite models for teens, available starting at size XXS (size 32):

• Mathilde – Heavy Flow Period Underwear
  This style is perfect for managing very heavy flows. 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 touches your skin). It stays discreet under clothing. The solid black style with a dotted trim is both elegant and practical. Its high, full-coverage waist ensures optimal support.
  
  
• Simone – Teen Heavy Flow Period Underwear
  Designed especially for teens, the Simone panty combines comfort and style. Its red and white striped cut gives it a feminine and modern look while being highly effective at absorbing a heavy flow (holds as much as 4 or 5 tampons). The soft, healthy organic cotton lining is reassuring and helps prevent 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, they offer long-lasting protection (up to 6 hours at a time) and are easy to clean. While insertion may take some getting used to for teens, cups are a cost-effective, environmentally friendly long-term solution.

Less well-known but just as effective, washable sanitary pads are an alternative for those looking to reduce their environmental impact while still using 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?

Choosing your period protection depends on several factors. Here are the main things to consider to make an informed choice:

1. Type of menstrual flow
   Light to medium flow. You can choose less absorbent period products like regular pads or light/medium flow period underwear (like a thong or standard style).
   Heavy flow. Products specifically designed to hold a large amount of blood, like the Mathilde or Simone underwear, will be more suitable. The cup is also an excellent option for heavy or very heavy flows.
   
2. Lifestyle Sports activities. If you exercise regularly, choose protection that stays in place and offers plenty of freedom to move. LouLoucup’s period panties are designed to be discreet and comfortable, even during sports. The menstrual cup is also a great ally for athletes, especially swimmers. Daily or overnight use. Some menstrual products are better for daytime use, while others, like the Mathilde panty, are perfect for heavy flow—even at night. The cup should only be worn during the day (for a maximum of six consecutive hours).
3. Personal preferences Comfort is key. If you prefer the feel of regular underwear, go for period panties. If you like the idea of collecting your flow inside and want ultra-discreet protection, then a menstrual cup is a great option.
4. Sensitivity or allergies
   If you have sensitive skin or allergies, choose natural materials like organic cotton to reduce irritation. All Louloucup underwear is lined with organic cotton. If you’re especially sensitive (for example, your bladder), the Turquoise Louloucup is ultra-flexible and perfect for you. 


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 recommended to choose a simple, easy-to-use hygiene product. Period underwear (boxer, thong, shorty, etc.) acts just like regular underwear, with no complicated handling. They can be especially reassuring for anxious teens.

Your protection should fit your body shape and anatomy well to prevent leaks. LouLoucup offers models in various sizes, from XXS to XXXL (and even 5XL), ensuring optimal comfort for every body type. As for menstrual cups, both our models are available in Small and Medium.

Whether you choose period underwear or a menstrual cup, it’s essential to follow the care instructions to ensure their effectiveness and durability. For underwear, be sure to rinse them well after use and wash them on a 30°C cycle. Air drying is also highly recommended.
For the cup, rinse with cold water. Sterilize it before each new period.

Getting your period, especially at first, can feel a bit overwhelming. But trust us—with the right habits and products, it’ll become just another part of your routine. Don’t stress, and don’t worry about stains or leaks. Try things out, ask yourself questions, and talk about it with those around you. Listen to others’ experiences and stories to help you along the way. This article is here to inform, reassure, and inspire you. Your period should never be a source of anxiety—it’s a chance to celebrate your femininity and take care of yourself in a healthy, natural way. Don’t wait—check out our special teen collections: teen period swimwear and teen period underwear. Discover the comfort and quality of LouLoucup products. You deserve the best, every day of your cycle!