A little introduction to the body you've been living in.
You've had it your whole life. But how much do you actually know about what it's doing? Turns out, there's quite a lot going on in there.
0 of 5 levels completeYou probably know the names. But what do they actually DO? Tap each part for the real science, translated into girl talk.
Ovaries: where everything gets prepped.
- The outside bits (the vulva) and the inside bits (the vagina) are not the same thing.
- A lot of what gets labelled "too much information" is really just basic body knowledge.
- If nobody explained it properly the first time, this is your do-over.
Collect all five parts, or carry on whenever you're ready.
Three brain regions, three very different jobs. From remembering where you left your phone to reacting to a text that says “we need to talk”.
Hippocampus: your memory helper.
Meet all three, or carry on whenever you're ready.
A period is what happens when the lining of your uterus sheds and leaves your body through the vagina. Your hormones help organise the whole process. There is quite a lot happening behind the scenes, so here is the girl talk version.
- Hormones act like chemical messages between parts of your body (including your brain and ovaries).
- Your mood, energy and appetite might change across your cycle (and everyone experiences that differently).
- Those changes can be worth noticing, especially if they start affecting your everyday life.
Your cycle, in four little chapters 🩷
Fancy seeing what stuck?
Look at you, knowing your body! 🩷
You’ve explored the body bits, met your brain and made sense of your cycle. Come back whenever you fancy another look (or send it to someone who’d love a little body discovery).
The questions worth asking
What's the difference between the vulva and the vagina?
The vulva is everything on the outside: the labia, the clitoris and the openings. The vagina is the muscular canal on the inside that connects to the uterus. People often say "vagina" when they mean the vulva.
Why does my mood change before my period?
Hormone levels change before a period, and some people notice shifts in mood, energy or sleep. If the changes feel intense or affect everyday life, speak to a GP. You deserve support, not just an explanation of “hormones”.
Is it normal for my period to change month to month?
Cycles can vary, especially in the first few years after periods begin. Stress, illness and other factors can affect timing too. If bleeding is very heavy, pain is severe or periods stop unexpectedly, speak to a GP.
Why does my brain panic over small things?
Your amygdala is one part of the brain’s threat-detection network. Stress or poor sleep can make reactions feel bigger. Try slowing your breathing or talking to someone you trust if you feel overwhelmed.
This page is for general education and isn't medical advice. If something feels wrong, painful or worrying, speak to a GP, school nurse or a trusted adult.