Periods, puberty and body changes can sometimes feel awkward to discuss.

But you deserve reliable information.

A trusted adult can help.

Who Can Be a Trusted Adult?

Depending on your circumstances, this might be:

• A parent
• A caregiver
• An older responsible family member
• A teacher
• A school counsellor
• A school nurse
• A healthcare professional
• Another responsible adult you know and trust

How Do I Start the Conversation?

You don’t need a perfect opening.

Try something simple:

“I have a question about my period.”

“Can we talk about something I’m noticing with my body?”

“I learned something about puberty and I want to understand it better.”

“My period started and I need some help.”

What If I Feel Embarrassed?

That’s understandable.

You could write your question down first or choose a quiet moment to speak.

Remember, parents, caregivers and other adults went through puberty too.

Yazz® Tip Just 4 You

Asking for help is a smart way of taking care of yourself

Puberty can sometimes make you more aware of how you look.

Your height changes.

Your skin changes.

Your body develops.

Friends may develop differently.

And social media can make it seem as though everyone else has everything figured out.

They don’t.

Don’t Compare Your Growth

There isn’t one “perfect” way for a developing body to look.

Comparing yourself constantly with friends or people online can make normal differences feel like problems when they aren’t.

Confidence Is More Than Appearance

Confidence can grow from:

• Learning new things
• Developing your talents
• Treating others well
• Speaking respectfully
• Asking questions
• Taking responsibility
• Learning from mistakes
• Building healthy friendships
• Taking care of yourself
• Recognising your strengths

Speak Kindly About Yourself

Pay attention to how you describe yourself.

Instead of focusing only on what you dislike, recognise what your body enables you to do and the qualities that make you who you are.

Yazz® Tip Just 4 You

You don’t have to become somebody else to become confident.

Grow into you.

As your body changes, your personal-care routine may need to change too.

Good hygiene isn’t about trying to look perfect. It’s about caring for your health and feeling comfortable.

Bathing

Regular bathing helps remove sweat, dirt and body odour.

Pay attention to areas that sweat more, including your underarms and feet.

Clean Clothes and Underwear

Change your underwear daily and choose clean, comfortable clothing.

Menstrual Hygiene

During your period:

• Wash your hands before and after changing your pad.
• Change your sanitary pad regularly according to your flow and the product directions.
• Wrap used pads before placing them in an appropriate waste bin.
• Never flush sanitary pads down the toilet.
• Keep spare pads available when possible.

Caring for Your External Genital Area

Keep the external genital area clean using gentle hygiene practices. Avoid harsh products or unnecessary internal cleaning.

Oral Hygiene

Puberty doesn’t change the importance of caring for your teeth.

Brush regularly and follow good dental-care practices.

Create Your Everyday Care Kit

Depending on your needs, your bag could include:

• Sanitary pads
• Tissues
• Clean underwear
• Deodorant or appropriate personal-care products
• A small disposal pouch

Yazz® Tip Just 4 You

Clean habits. Comfortable body. Confident you.

Puberty isn’t only about physical changes.

You may also notice changes in your emotions.

Sometimes you might feel happy and energetic. At another time you may feel irritated, worried, sensitive or overwhelmed.

Hormonal changes can influence emotions, but school, friendships, family relationships, stress, sleep and everyday experiences can affect them too.

What Can Help?

Talk About It

Speak with someone you trust instead of keeping difficult feelings to yourself.

Get Enough Rest

Sleep is important for your physical and emotional wellbeing.

Take Healthy Breaks

Reading, music, creative activities, gentle exercise, spending time outdoors or enjoying a hobby can help you reset.

Be Patient with Yourself

Growing up involves learning how to understand and manage new feelings.

You don’t need to have everything figured out immediately.

When Should I Ask for Help?

If difficult emotions feel overwhelming, continue for a long time or interfere significantly with everyday life, tell a trusted adult.

Getting appropriate support is important.

Yazz® Tip Just 4 You

Your feelings matter, and talking about them can help.

Not necessarily.

Vaginal discharge is fluid produced by the vagina and cervix. It is part of the body’s natural way of keeping the vaginal environment healthy.

You may begin noticing discharge during puberty, sometimes before your first menstrual period.

What Can Normal Discharge Look Like?

Normal discharge can vary throughout the menstrual cycle.

It may be:

• Clear
• Whitish
• Slightly creamy
• Thin at some times
• Thicker at others

The amount and texture can change at different stages of your cycle.

Is Discharge the Same as a Period?

No.

Menstrual flow contains blood and tissue shed from the lining of the uterus.

Vaginal discharge is different and can occur throughout the menstrual cycle.

Do I Need to Clean Inside My Vagina?

The vagina is self-cleaning, so internal washing or douching isn’t necessary and can disrupt its natural balance.

For everyday hygiene, gently washing the external genital area with water and following appropriate personal-hygiene practices is generally enough.

When Should I Tell Someone?

If you notice a strong or unusual smell, significant changes in colour or consistency, or symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation or pain, tell a parent, caregiver or trusted adult and consider speaking with a healthcare professional.

Don’t feel embarrassed about asking.

Yazz® Tip Just 4 You

Understanding what’s usual for your body can help you recognise when something changes.

Know your body. Ask when you’re unsure.

One day your clothes fit perfectly. A few months later, things may feel different.

Puberty brings physical changes because your body is developing.

Breast Development

Breasts may begin developing during puberty. One breast may sometimes appear to develop differently or at a different pace from the other.

Bodies vary, and development happens gradually.

Body Hair

Hair may begin growing:

• Under your arms
• Around your pubic area
• More noticeably on other parts of your body

This is a normal part of puberty.

Growing Taller

You may experience a period of faster growth.

Your height, weight and body proportions can change as you develop.

Skin Changes

Hormonal changes can cause the skin to produce more oil. This can contribute to spots or acne.

A simple, gentle skincare routine can help you care for your skin.

Sweating and Body Odour

You may begin sweating more, particularly under your arms.

Regular bathing, clean clothing and appropriate personal-care products can help manage body odour.

Vaginal Discharge

You may begin noticing clear or whitish discharge in your underwear. This can be a normal part of puberty.

We’ll explain more about this in the next article.

Yazz® Tip Just 4 You

Your body isn’t supposed to look exactly like anybody else’s.

Give yourself time to grow.

Have you noticed that your body, emotions or even the way you think about things are beginning to change?

Welcome to puberty.

Puberty is a natural stage of growing up when a child’s body gradually develops toward physical maturity. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen at exactly the same age or speed for everyone.

Some friends may notice changes earlier than you. Others may experience them later.

There isn’t a competition or timetable you need to follow.

Why Does Puberty Happen?

Puberty happens because your body begins producing different levels of hormones — chemical messengers that help control growth, development and other body processes.

These hormonal changes can affect your body, skin, hair, emotions and reproductive system.

What Changes Might I Notice?

During puberty, you may notice:

• Growth spurts
• Breast development
• Hair growing under your arms and around the pubic area
• Changes in body shape
• Increased sweating and body odour
• Oilier skin or spots
• Vaginal discharge
• Emotional changes
• The beginning of menstruation

These changes usually happen gradually.

Does Everyone Experience Puberty the Same Way?

No.

Bodies develop differently. Try not to use your friends, classmates, siblings, social media or celebrities as a measurement of how your body “should” look.

Your development is your own.

Yazz® Tip Just 4 You

Learning what puberty is can make the changes feel less confusing. If something about your development worries you, speak with a parent, caregiver, another trusted adult or healthcare professional.

Growing differently doesn’t mean growing incorrectly.

1. When will I start puberty?

There isn’t one exact age. Puberty begins at different times for different people.

2. When will I get my first period?

There isn’t a single date or age that applies to everyone. Your first period generally happens after other puberty changes have begun.

3. What if my friends already have periods and I don’t?

Bodies develop at different rates. Starting later than a friend doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong.

4. Is vaginal discharge normal?

Clear or whitish discharge can be a normal part of puberty and the menstrual cycle. If it changes significantly or comes with discomfort, irritation or an unusual smell, speak with a trusted adult or healthcare professional.

5. Why am I sweating more?

Hormonal changes during puberty can increase sweating. Regular bathing, clean clothing and appropriate personal-care products can help.

6. Why am I getting spots?

Hormonal changes can increase oil production in your skin, which can contribute to acne.

7. Why do my emotions change?

Hormones, stress, relationships, school, sleep and other factors can all influence emotions during adolescence.

8. Is having a period embarrassing?

No. Menstruation is a normal biological process.

9. Can I go to school during my period?

Yes. Most people can continue their usual activities during their period, depending on how they feel.

10. How often should I change my sanitary pad?

Change your pad regularly according to your menstrual flow, comfort needs and the instructions provided with the product. Don’t continue wearing a pad once it is saturated or uncomfortable.

11. What if my period starts unexpectedly?

Use a sanitary pad and tell a parent, caregiver or trusted adult if you need help. Keeping a period kit with you can help you prepare.

12. Should I track my period?

Tracking your cycle can help you understand your usual pattern and prepare for future periods.

13. What if I’m worried about something happening to my body?

Don’t rely only on friends or social media for health information.

Speak with a parent, caregiver, trusted adult or qualified healthcare professional.

YOU’RE GROWING. WE’RE LISTENING.

Puberty doesn’t come with a personal instruction manual.

That’s why Yazz® Tips Just 4 You exists — to make periods, puberty, hygiene and growing up easier to understand.

You’re sitting in class and suddenly realise your period has started.

What now?

First, don’t panic.

Having your period at school is normal, and being prepared can make it much easier.

Pack a School Period Kit

Keep a discreet pouch containing:

• Yazz® Sanitary Pads
• Spare underwear
• Tissues
• A disposal bag or pouch

What If I Don’t Have a Pad?

Ask a trusted teacher, school nurse, school administrator, friend or another appropriate person for help.

Changing Your Pad at School

Use an appropriate washroom when you need to change your pad.

Wrap the used pad and place it in the designated waste bin.

Wash your hands before and after changing where possible.

What If I Notice a Leak?

It happens.

If possible, change your pad and clothing. Ask a trusted adult or friend for assistance if you need it.

A spare pair of underwear in your period kit can be useful.

Track Your Period

Recording the first day of each period can help you understand your cycle and estimate when your next one may arrive.

Remember that cycles can vary, particularly during the first years of menstruation.

Yazz® Tip Just 4 You

Your education matters every day of the month.

Be prepared. Stay protected. Keep learning.