Menstrual phase
The lining of the uterus sheds and leaves the body as your period.
- Bleeding usually lasts 2–7 days
- Cramps and tiredness are common
- Rest, warmth and water help
Period education for students, parents & schools
Know your cycle. Own your health.
Many girls get their first period without knowing what is happening. CyclEd teaches the menstrual cycle in a simple, friendly way, with facts instead of myths and no embarrassment.
Tap any day on the wheel. This shows a typical 28-day cycle; real cycles vary.
Learn
The four phases of the cycle
A cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the day before the next. Your hormones change through four phases, and you may notice changes in your energy and mood too.
Follicular phase
Starts on day 1 too. Oestrogen rises and the body prepares an egg to be released.
- The uterus lining builds up again
- Energy often lifts after the period ends
Ovulation
An ovary releases an egg. This is when pregnancy is most likely to happen.
- Some people feel a twinge on one side
- Clear, stretchy discharge is normal
Luteal phase
Progesterone rises. If there is no pregnancy, hormone levels drop and the next period begins.
- PMS can show up: bloating, sore breasts, mood changes
- Gentle exercise and sleep help
A cycle anywhere from 21 to 35 days is normal for adults. In the first few years after periods start, cycles of up to 45 days and some irregular months are common.
Myth or fact?
Let's clear things up
Tap a card to see the truth.
Be prepared
Your school period kit
Keep a small pouch in your school bag so you're never caught off guard. Tick off what you've packed.
Your health
When to see a doctor
Period pain that stops you living your life is not something you have to put up with. Talk to a trusted adult and a doctor if you notice:
- You need to change a pad or tampon every 1–2 hours, or you pass large clots
- Your period lasts longer than 7 days
- Pain makes you miss school or activities, and pain relief doesn't help
- You haven't had a first period by age 15
- Your periods were regular, then stopped for 3 months or more
- You bleed between periods or after sex
- You feel dizzy, very tired or short of breath during your period
These can be signs of conditions like endometriosis, PCOS or low iron, which are treatable when found early.
For schools
Workshops for every year level
Age-appropriate sessions that make period talk normal for everyone. Boys are welcome too, because understanding stops teasing.
Getting ready
What a period is, body changes in puberty, and what to do if your first period starts at school.
45 min · girls & boysYour cycle explained
The four phases, choosing pads, tampons, cups or period undies, and busting myths.
60 min · girls & boysKnow what's normal
Tracking your cycle, managing pain, PMS and mood, and when to see a doctor.
60 min · Q&A includedStarting the conversation
How to talk about periods at home and in class, and how to support students.
45 min · evening optionAbout us
Why CyclEd exists
Too many young people learn about periods from rumours, or not at all. Some feel scared when their first period arrives. Some miss school because they don't have supplies or feel ashamed.
CyclEd was started to change that. We give students, parents and teachers clear, honest information about the menstrual cycle, in plain words, so everyone can talk about it without embarrassment.
No shameJust factsEveryone welcomePlain language
Need to talk to someone now?
Kids Helpline, free, 24/7 (ages 5–25)1800 55 1800
healthdirect, talk to a registered nurse1800 022 222
Trusted women's health informationJean Hailes
CyclEd provides general education, not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor about your own health.