I have some period questions?

heya, i felt like you before i had started my period, a lot of my friends had already started and i didn't want to be the odd one out. I will say though that i wish i'd started a lot later. If you are getting these symptoms then you are probably in the middle of puberty. periods usually start around 2 years after your breasts start forming. If I were you I would start with pads to begin with as it's unlikely but tampons can cause toxic shock syndrome if not used properly and getting used to them may take a while. However, as you go swimming you would need to use tampons if you are on your period. Periods hurt a lot for some people and not at all for others, mine were really bad but not i'm on the contraceptive pill and they don't hurt at all. Also, to begin with your periods may be irregular, so may come more or less than once a month for the first year or so. there are so many brands and different types of tampons and pads you should try some and use the right ones for you :) when you start your periods just tell your mum about it, i was worried about telling mine but she was really understanding and helpful, after all we are all women :) hope this helps and good luck :D