Being a girl isn’t always easy. When it comes to feminine hygiene, there’s lots of room for major embarrassment! Here, real girls dish on their most mortifying moments. (All you can do is laugh about it, right?)

Mood Monitor
My little sister had this kid over to play Wii with her, and he had to use the toilet. I had a box of pads on the bathroom sink, and the boy asked my sister what was in the box. She said, “Oh, those? They’re just those things Claudia puts in her underpants when she’s in a bad mood.” Nice. -- Claudia, 14

Pray Tell!
This is the most embarrassing thing ever! I got my period while I was at church, but I didn’t have anything with me. It hadn’t gotten on my dress, so I folded up some toilet paper and placed it in the crotch of my underwear. I walked (pretty fast) back to the pew to tell my mom we had to leave. As she and I were heading up the aisle toward the exit, I saw it. ... The bloody tissue had fallen out of my undies and onto the floor! My mother nonchalantly knelt down, scooped it up and slipped it into her purse. Bless her! -- Kara, 13

Landing Pad
When I was at the skating rink when I was about 6 years old, I noticed the dispenser in the ladies room and put some coins in to find out what it was. Two maxi pads came out, but I thought they were kneepads! I stuck them to my knees, and went onto the rink. I was skating like that for a while before my aunt pulled me aside and took them off. Later that night, my mom had “the period talk” with me. -- Sandy, 15

Stick Figure
I was ready to try tampons, so my mom bought me some. Everybody had told me that it doesn’t hurt, that I wouldn’t even feel it. But it felt really awkward! I decided to wait and see if I got used to it. I was walking around the house looking all stiff when my big sister was like, “What is wrong with you?” I told her about the tampon, and she said, “Something is not right.” She showed me the directions on the tampon box, and it turned out I had left in part of the cardboard applicator. Stupid, but now I’m a pro! -- Camryn, 13

Wondering what’s up with that hair growing … where!?! Ew, are those (gulp) stretch marks? And why is your period so darn unpredictable? Stop scratching your head and keep reading as we clear up some of the confusion.

“I got my first period (finally) and then … nothing. It’s been about three months, and I haven’t gotten it again. Is this normal?”
It’s not unusual at all for your period to “sputter” after making its first appearance. For some girls, it just takes time for their bodies to adjust and get into a rhythm. If you don’t menstruate again at the one-year mark, ask a parent to make you an appointment with a gynecologist. Your body gave you a little preview of what’s to come, but your menstrual cycle should fall into a regular pattern as puberty progresses. If you’re an older teen, around 16 or 17, see your doc now to make sure something isn’t delaying your development. But many girls are simply late-bloomers, and that’s not a bad thing.

“Some hairs have suddenly sprouted, um, around my nipples. I haven’t told anyone about this. Help, please!”
Surprise! During puberty, you will begin to grow hair in places you’ve never had it before, particularly under the arms and in the pubic area. And, yes, some girls sprout a few around their boobs, so don’t be freaked. This might go away as your hormones settle down, but it could be ongoing. Still, it’s no biggie, especially if the hair is fine in texture and light in color. But if it’s dark and coarse -- and really bothers you -- talk to your mom or other mature female relative about bleaching or using an over-the-counter depilatory. If “some hair” means a whole bunch, show your doctor so he can check for a hormonal imbalance.

“I’ve noticed some red lines around my hips. I think they might be stretch marks -- and they’re ugly! What should I do?”
Yep, those sound like stretch marks -- but don’t distress. Lots of girls (and guys) develop stretch marks during spurts when the skin just can’t keep up with the rest of the body’s growth. First, the bad news: There’s absolutely nothing you can do about them. But the good news is this: They will naturally fade over time from that standout purplish-red color to a much less noticeable translucent hue that’s closer to your skin tone. Stretch marks, just like irregular periods and unwanted hair growth, are a fact of life for many girls. Don’t dwell on slight imperfections -- instead, embrace all your beautiful attributes!

Puberty brings physical changes that might temporarily affect your game. But don’t go from player to spectator! Just change your strategy.

“I have a killer volleyball serve, but I also have killer cramps. Ugh.”
Cramps can really cramp your style. But did you know that exercise can help alleviate cramps? Before hitting the court, talk to your mom or doctor about over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, which are known to take the edge off the pain. A heating pad or hot water bottle can help too. If your cramps are unbearable, be honest with yourself and your coach -- you won’t be much of an asset if you’re in excruciating pain.

“Help! My boobs seem to be running their own race during track and field.”
It’s hard to focus on mastering your 100-meter sprint when your boobs are bouncing. A good sports bra is crucial, as breast tissue is sensitive -- especially during puberty. A sports bra not only keeps breasts contained, but it also provides coverage to shake self-consciousness. Enlist the help of your mom or big sis, and get measured at a professional fitting. A wrong-size bra can be more distracting than going braless.

“My swim meet is next week, and my period is due. Will I be able to compete?”
In some sports, using a tampon versus a pad is a personal decision. Many maxi-pads now come in slender versions, and some have “wings” that secure them to undies. But swimmers have no choice: Fact is, if you’re not willing to use a tampon, you won’t be swimming in the meet. It’s also difficult for dancers, skaters and cheerleaders to wear pads -- hello, leotards! If you’ve never used a tampon, simple instructions are included in the box to get you started. Or run the issue by your mom, aunt, school nurse or gynecologist.

“My gymnastics floor routine has been tripping me up ever since a growth spurt.”
When you grow several inches in a short time, it can throw you off. And because your limbs grow faster than your trunk, it’s not unusual to feel like you’re losing a little coordination. Weight gain is also a very normal part of growing up, so don’t freak if you’re a bit thicker in your upper arms, thighs, hips and back. If this is you, embrace your new curviness!

What is menstruation in all its glory? Bloating, cramps, attitude … the list goes on. But instead of moping and moaning and groaning and grrrrrrr, celebrate your fabulous femininity by taking care of your sweet self! Hey, we’re betting you could get used to this every month.

Take a Soothing Bath
Nothing is more calming than soaking in a warm tub, so call dibs on the bathroom for at least 45 minutes. (Your little bro banging on the door can really kill a bathtime good vibe.) As you fill the tub with warm water, pour in 2 cups of Epsom salt and a couple of drops of essential oil or olive oil. Make yourself a cup of hot tea, then sit back in your bath and relax … aaahhhh.

Make a Movie Date
Have a low-key movie marathon night at home with the family or just by yourself. Rent a few DVDs, or turn on the movie channel. When you’re on your period, you tend to crave salty and sweet foods. So pop some popcorn and toss in a few handfuls of any of these extras to make a yummy snack mix: chocolate chips, peanuts, raisins, mini-pretzels, sunflower seeds. Now dim the lights, curl up with a soft blanket and chill out in front of the TV.

Dress up … or Way Down
Sometimes when you feel really icky, dressing up can be a real mood lifter. Pull your hair back with a pretty headband and pick out an outfit that’s dressy but comfortable. You’ll feel so good about yourself that you’ll forget you feel blah. Or on the flip side, wear your most baggy pants all day … even if it’s the sweats you usually only sleep in. Throw on a tank top, hoodie and pair of cute flats. To finish the look, put your hair in a messy pony and consider it comfy couture.

Stuff Your Face
Satisfy those food cravings we mentioned before. You already feel bloated, so what’s the big deal? Sure, the calories still count -- but a once-a-month treat isn’t going to make you or break you. Get dressed up or throw on those sweatpants, and head to your favorite casual diner or cafe with a friend. Order whatever your taste buds desire. Don’t forget dessert. (Chocolate seems to be the indulgence of choice for most girls on their periods.)

My period doesn’t come at the same time every month. What’s wrong with me?
For the first two years, an irregular cycle is totally normal. Think of it as your body “warming up.” Stress plays a part in regularity, too. School pressure, parental probs, guy issues -- all of it affects your cycle. Excessive exercisers or girls with eating disorders can also experience interruptions in menstruation, so if this is you, talk to your doc about it.

I’m bloated! Is there a way to reduce the puffiness in my paunch?
It's a total bummer of menstruation to retain fluid. It’s actually caused by hormones, not because of what you're drinking. Your best defense is to down six to eight glasses of water a day to flush out the fluids. And avoid food that's processed or made with tons of salt, which adds to water retention.

What's the best plan of attack for killer cramps?
Cramps happen because your uterus is contracting before and during menstruation. You could try taking a steamy bath or drinking hot tea to warm your insides. Heating pads feel really good, too. Exercise is a good remedy for some girls, so take a yoga class or go for a stroll. And ibuprofen is an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory med that works magic.

Do periods have an odor?
Once you get your period, there’s a lot going on…and a lot coming out of you. Menstruation does produce a slight smell, but it's natural, and it's not bad or offensive. If you wear a pad, the smell might be a little more noticeable because the blood is collecting outside your body -- so remember to change it often. Tampons are inserted inside your body, which reduces the smell.

Is using a tampon tricky at all?
Inserting tampons isn't as tricky as you might think. Inside the box of tampons, you’ll find step-by-step instructions with pictures -- give it a quick read. Then trust yourself. And take it slow. No need to rush, right? Gently insert the tampon, angling it toward the small of your back (your vagina is not straight up and down). If you feel like you can't get it in, take a breath, relax and try again. You’ll be a pro before you know it.