How to Make a Period Kit

Co-authored by Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO and Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: March 28, 2023 References Approved

Periods are a way of showing that you are growing up. They can sometimes pop up in unexpected moments, so make sure you're always prepared with a period kit.

Steps

1
Get a small bag or purse.^{[1]
X
Research source} You need something to serve as your kit! But make sure it is big enough to hold pads and, if you use them, tampons. It would be handy if it had compartments!
2
Get some sanitary products. Usually, your first period is very light and just spotting, so pantyliners are perfect. For a heavier flow, you'll want pads or tampons. Alternatives are menstrual/soft cups or reusable, cloth pads. You'll need about 3 liners and 3 pads or tampons to last you through a work or school day. Be sure to change your pad every 4-6 hours and your tampon every 6-8 hours.^{[2]
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- Try out different levels of absorbency for tampons to find out what works for you.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
  Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
  Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.}
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3
Add pain medications. There's a high possibility you'll get period cramps, which aren't pleasant. Ibuprofen works well to reduce the pain and it may reduce flow for some people.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.} If you're really hurting badly, you can take up to four at a time as long as you don't exceed the daily limit listed on the label.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
4
Add a small calendar and pen. If you're unsure of when exactly your period is, write down the date every month until you find your pattern.^{[6]
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5
Include extra underwear.^{[7]
X
Research source} Extra underwear can be helpful, especially if you stain your current pair of undies. In this case, you'll want a Ziploc bag to hold your stained panties.
6
If you have space in your bag, you can add in an extra pair of pants as well, in case your period is exceptionally heavy and your pad/tampon leaks. (If this is a regular problem, consider wearing both a pad and a tampon, changing your product to something that doesn't leak, or taking birth control for lighter periods.)
- Be aware of the hormonal changes that occur with the consumption of birth control pills. Only use it if you know the pros and cons.^{[8]
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  Research source}
- Talk to your doctor if you experience a lot of leakage and excessively heavy flow!^{[9]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
  Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
  Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.}
7
Get some hand sanitizer. It always helps when the bathroom's out of soap!
8
It can help to include some flushable wipes. Make sure that they are biodegradable and not scented.
9
Add in a plastic baggy to hold soiled underwear and/or pants. A plastic bag can also be useful if there is not a place to dispose of a used tampon or pad (on a hike, at the beach, etc.)
10
Also put in a dollar's worth of quarters, in case you forget to refill your kit and need to get some from a machine.
11
Put in some chocolate (optional), especially dark chocolate - make sure it's in a Ziploc bag as well. The chemicals in chocolate can help with your cramps and satisfy that craving you're probably having.^{[10]
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12
Finished!

Expert Q&A

Question

I'm nervous about losing a tampon up there. What happens if the string breaks?

Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Dr. Rebecca Levy-Gantt is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist running a private practice based in Napa, California. Dr. Levy-Gantt specializes in menopause, peri-menopause and hormonal management, including bio-Identical and compounded hormone treatments and alternative treatments. She is also a Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner and is on the national listing of physicians who specialize in menopausal management. She received a Masters of Physical Therapy from Boston University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO

Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Answer

Don't worry! Your tampon won't actually go anywhere or "get lost." If the string breaks, you can just reach up and pull it out. Wear a glove and use lubricant to be safe and make the process easier.