Let's Talk About Periods: A Newsround Special

People are often embarrassed to talk about periods.

Well Lauren Layfield has been finding out more in this Newsround Special called Let's Talk About Periods.

Lauren meets experts, celebrities and children to find out what periods are, people's attitudes towards them and why it's important to open up the conversation.

This Newsround Special wants to encourage everyone to ask questions and share their knowledge.

What is a period?

Period is short for menstrual period or menstruation. Periods are part of a woman's reproductive system.

A period happens because of changes in hormones in the body. These hormones cause ovulation, when an egg is released from one of the ovaries and also cause the lining of the uterus to build up.

If this egg is fertilised then it may go on to create a baby, and the lining of blood and tissue will support that. If it isn't fertilised, then the egg dissolves and the lining breaks down and bleeds out of the body through the vagina for a few days. This happens around every 28 days and is called a menstrual period.

Watch the video to find out more.

Even celebrities have period stories!

Celebrities Dani Harmer, Vick Hope and Bytesquad share their stories

Dani Harmer, Vick Hope and Bytesquad have shared their period stories and experiences with us.

Tracy Beaker star Dani Harmer said: "My first period was when I was about 12 years old and I was actually at a cheerleading competition so it actually couldn't have come at a worst time."

Radio 1 presenter Vick Hope told us how she spoke about periods with her friends: "We used to talk about our period in code at school. We used to call our period, surfing the crimson wave or just surfing."

The average age to start your period is 12. Bytesquad member Lily Rose started a bit later: "I was a late bloomer so my first period was when I was 16. I remember being too shy and I didn't want to tell my dad, so I told my mum."

The experts

Dr Alex George talks to Lauren about the medical side of periods

Lauren also meets experts to find out more about what periods are.

Dr Alex George, A&E doctor and the UK's first Youth Mental Health Ambassador, chats to Lauren about the medical side of periods. He said: "Girls usually start their period around 12 years old... it varies at times; some people might be a bit younger and sometimes a bit older."

Periods are completely normal and fine most of the time. Dr Alex George adds: "I think it's important to learn what is normal for you, so if you're having any changes in bleeding or any pain or anything that is worrying you, see a doctor and ask."

People are often embarrassed to talk about periods.

Expert Kasey Robinson runs workshops for children teaching them what periods are, the products available to them but also how to feel confident talking about periods.

Kasey's tell us her top three tips to feeling confident about periods and how to talk about them.

Let's Talk About Periods: A Newsround Special is on at 7pm, Monday 8th March on CBBC. You can also watch it on BBC iPlayer now.