The thing about periods is that you never hear anyone say how much she adores her flow or how she looks forward to her cycle. Some of girls’ most common fears about menstruation are rooted in, well, stuff that just isn’t quite true about odor, activity levels, harsh PMS and more. Don’t know what to believe? We break it down for you right here:

Period Myth No. 1: Just before and during your period, you’ll always be bloated, cramping, sleepless and a serious B to everyone.

Symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) are not guaranteed. “Periods are so individual, and some girls hardly have any symptoms at all,” says Hannah Wright, a physician assistant in San Francisco. “Girls expect their periods are going to be extremely painful at some point, and that may never be your experience. If you do have super-heavy bleeding, big mood swings or painful cramping, see your medical provider. You do not have to live with PMS symptoms.”

Period Myth No. 2: Period blood is stinky and dirty, and if you don’t shower during your period people can smell you.

Menstrual blood has an odor, true -- but it’s not extreme and it’s not wafting from your nether regions to the guy standing next to you at the coffee shop. “Odor is part of being human,” Hannah assures us. “Your body has different smells, and some girls believe they have to clean out the vagina with feminine washes, especially after a period. This isn’t true. The vagina is a very clean environment that maintains itself with a delicate Ph balance that prevents yeast or bacteria from overgrowing.” Change your tampon or pad regularly, and shower daily as usual. There is one exception: If the odor becomes extreme, you may have an infection. Time to see your doctor.

Period Myth No. 3: If you go swimming you’ll bleed in the pool, and when school starts back up you should be able to sit out during gym since physical activity is bad.

Your period blood is mostly uterine lining gently shedding itself, so it’s not like you’ve got some massive amount of blood swishing around. Unless your tampon is full and your flow is extra heavy, you’re not going to bleed in the pool. You can swim on your period! “You don’t have to treat your period like you’re sick,” insists Hannah. “Exercise is often a great way to alleviate PMS symptoms. You should be able to have a normal, healthy lifestyle, and your period shouldn’t interrupt those activities.” Simply keep a stash of tampons in your tote bag or gym locker, and go do what you do!

Period Myth No. 4: You shouldn’t use tampons if you’re a virgin.

Some girls believe they need to be sexually active before they can insert a tampon. So not true! Virgins, you are tampon-approved, promise. “There are cultures or religions where they don’t use tampons until marriage because they believe nothing should be in the vagina before intercourse,” explains Hannah. “But using tampons has nothing to do with sexuality, and there is no medical reason why a girl shouldn’t use a tampon at any age or stage in her reproductive health. Tampons are especially important if you’re involved in sports or have a super-heavy flow and need the protection.”

Period Myth No. 5: If you use the wrong-size tampon, it will get stuck and you’ll get toxic shock syndrome.

Vaginas are all different, but they are not measured in slender, regular or super plus. “The size of the tampon is not about your vagina size,” says Hannah. “Tampon size should be selected depending on the heaviness of the blood flow. If a tampon is painful, you’re probably not inserting it correctly.” As for toxic shock? “I don’t know the statistics, but I’ve never seen a case -- very low. It is not possible for a tampon to get ‘lost’ in the body. We remove a lot of retained tampons -- some in a patient’s vagina for weeks -- and it’s the odor that brings the patient in. If you think you forgot [to remove] a tampon, don’t worry, but definitely see your medical provider.”

Got a school dance coming up? Or do you just need to pad your holiday wardrobe? Ugh. Dressing room dread has set in. ...

Well, we did a little eavesdropping in the dressing room, and we didn’t love the body-bashing we heard! That’s why we’re here to give you a body image makeover.

Slam: “Ouch, this zipper is digging into my skin!”

Going Glam: Why, oh, why are you trying to squeeze into a piece of clothing that’s too small? Is it because of a number on a tag? The only person who’s going to see that tag with the size on it is you, so get over it. Cuts and styles are different from one brand to the next and from one piece of clothing to another, so if you’re usually a size 7 and have to go with a 9, who cares? It’s just a number! Besides, wearing clothes that are too tight is not flattering.

Try this on for size: Comfort trumps fashion every time! If it’s too tight, too short or too anything, then it’s not for you.

Slam: “I hate my [insert body part here]”

Going Glam: Why battle with your body type? Instead, work with what you’ve got. Girls come in all different shapes and sizes, and they’re all beautiful! So take care of yourself by being physically active (hey, walking around the mall is exercise!), and strut your stuff confidently. Nothing is more attractive than a girl who is comfortable in her own skin, no matter what.

Try this on for size: Focus on your strengths and play them up: “I love my smile. And, wow, I’m having a really good hair day.” Look in the mirror every day and compliment yourself on whatever you love!

Slam: “I look hideous in this outfit. Selena Gomez wears it so well!”

Going Glam: Girls are all built differently, remember? In fact, no two bodies are exactly alike. What fun would that be? Besides, Selena Gomez and other teen celebs have crews that work on their style, image and looks. So stop comparing yourself. Find the cuts and styles that work for you, and don’t take it so seriously. Fashion is supposed to be fun!

Try this on for size: Play around with accessories, such as belts and scarves, to give an outfit your own personal touch. When all else fails, go shoe shopping!

When you got your awesome new MP3 player, it came with a user’s manual. When you decided you wanted to bake your BFF a cake for her birthday, you looked up a recipe. Even your shampoo comes with “Wash, rinse, repeat” printed on the bottle. But -- so frustrating! -- there aren’t any instructions for your boobs.

Here, we answer your most baffling breast questions to make living with “the twins” a little easier. Consider this your go-to guide for all things boob-related!

When will my boobs start growing?
Early bloomers might notice “budding” around age 8, but your set can start growing any time between then and age 13. It typically takes three to five years from when your pair starts coming in to when you reach your final size. Still, some girls might feel like they grow a pair overnight, while others develop more slowly -- your boobs could even keep growing into your 20s!

What color are my nipples supposed to be?
Whatever color they are is the color they’re supposed to be! Once your breasts start growing, your nipples and the skin around them usually get a little darker, and the end result is different for every girl. (You might also notice a few hairs growing in that area -- that’s totally normal.)

Should my boobs be this sore?
Some ladies notice their boobs are slightly tender during the early days of blossoming and in the days leading up to a period. Usually, giving ’em some TLC around that time of the month (be gentle and wear a sports bra) is enough to avoid any pain. If you’re still super-uncomfortable, ask your doc if it’s OK to take a pain killer for it.

My boobs are pointy (or lopsided). What’s wrong with me?!
Nothing is wrong with you! Boobs come in all different shapes and sizes, especially when they’re growing in. They might be pointy for a while -- or be two different sizes -- and then even out by the time you’re done developing.

Can I do anything to make my boobs bigger?
Sorry, babe, but your cup size is determined mostly by the genes you get from your ’rents. You can’t swallow a pill or rub on a special cream and expect it to work like Miracle-Gro. Although, you might notice that your boobs change size when you lose or gain weight.

You’re having massive breakouts? Embarrassing armpit stains? Not sure if the pool and your period are a good mix? Yeah, your feminine hygiene catches a whole new wave when summer rolls around. Here, we help you navigate those choppy waters.

Summer Hygiene Lesson No. 1: Bikini Line Dance
When it comes to that spot on your legs that peeks out from beneath your bathing suit, well...there’s often some hair there. And shaving that sensitive area can be tricky at first. Try these tips:

1. Get into a shallow bath or shower -- do not attempt to shave while dry!

2. Lather the area up with a good fragrance-free shaving gel.

3. Spread those legs, or prop one leg at a time up on a ledge, and gently shave along your bikini line with a new -- never dull! -- razor.

4. Rinse your body (and the razor) with water, and pat your parts dry with a clean towel.

Breaking out along the area where you shaved? Those are razor bumps, caused by shaven hairs curling back and growing into the skin. Stop shaving until they clear up. If they don’t go away within a week or so, talk to your doctor about treating the area with hydrocortisone cream.

Summer Hygiene Lesson No. 2: Sweaty Pit Stop
Naturally, there’s no part of us that’s sweatier in the summer than the armpits! Of course, be sure to wash yourself daily. To avoid those nasty T-shirt stains, use a good antiperspirant (not just a deodorant). Carry it with you in a backpack or purse so you can reapply often.

If excessive sweating continues to be a problem, try dusting a little cornstarch or baking soda under your arms in the morning after your antiperspirant has dried. (Tank tops are not recommended with this method.) If you’re not shaving yet, this might be a good time to ask your mom if you can start, since underarm hair can increase sweat and odor.

Summer Hygiene Lesson No. 3: Swimming ... Period
It’s the question that every girl asks at least once: “Can I swim when I’m on my period?” The answer is yes -- if you wear a tampon. You cannot get into the water with a pad or no protection, as you risk leaving a trail of blood in your wake. Ugh.

If you’ve never used tampons before, talk to your mom or other parental figure about it. If you decide tampons are right for you, lock yourself in the bathroom next time you’re having a period and follow the directions that come in the box until you’re comfortable with it. Then, grab your bathing suit, jump into the pool and make a splash!

You might not think you’re so pretty, but you’re wrong! In fact, all girls are beautiful. But if you’re going around feeling and acting all negative, well, few people will be able to actually see the awesome bag of gorgeous you’re packing. It’s like having a foggy downer cloud hovering all around you that obscures your true beauty.

Luckily, if you know how to feel good in your own skin, you’ll put off an amazing energy that is incredibly attractive. Give these beauty tips a try:

Bare Your Teeth
As in, smile! Nothing radiates your inner beauty like a big, genuine grin on your face. Even if you have a mouth full of braces, spread your happy vibes all over the place. (Hey, that rhymes!)

Not feeling it so much? Smile anyway: Studies show that smiling releases your body’s feel-good chemicals, called endorphins and serotonin, which will in turn make you happy. So even if you’re feeling down, don’t frown (on a rhyming roll!). Um, can you say “Cheese”?

Stand up Straight
When you slouch, you send a message that warns, “Back off -- I don’t feel so great about myself.” But when you pull your shoulders back and straighten out your stance, you command a whole lotta positive attention. Simply strut some non-arrogant but rock-solid confidence, and you will turn heads.

Be Healthy
A healthy body is fit and well-nourished. So do not -- we repeat, do not -- cut out any meals or work out like crazy to be ridiculously thin. Instead, eat lots of good-for-you foods, such as fruits, veggies, whole grains and low-fat proteins. And do fun things for exercise, like sports and roller skating. Your body will be in its best form ... and as an added bonus, your skin will emit a very radiant glow. You go!

Love Yourself
Here’s the thing -- if you don’t think you’re fabulous, the world will reflect that right back at you. So first thing every morning when you’re getting ready for school, look in the mirror, give yourself a big smile, and say, “Hello, gorgeous!”

This does not mean that you can act like you’re all better than everyone else. You’re not -- but remember, every girl is pretty in her own unique way. And that goes for you, too! Don’t ever forget it, OK?

@iStockphoto.com/damircudic