I think that it is important to promote how NORMAL it all is. If half the population of the world (6,800,000,000 are women (about 3,400,000,000), and 70% of those are over 13 (2,380,000,000) then about 20% of them are having periods at any one time (ie lasts about 5-6 days) ie about 396,666,666 (is my maths correct?) Young women (and that is what they are) starting their periods should be encouraged to feel happy that their bodies are functioning just as they are supposed to and they are joining a large group of women in the world that are doing just the same. It is a cause for celebration in some cultures and I fully support that! Oh yes, I have forgotten to take off the number of women over 60+ who have reached menopause and also those that are pregnant or breastfeeding... anyway, it is still a sizable number of women all experiencing what you/she are/is experiencing all on the same day (maths and me - what am I like?). I really hate the term "the curse" and all those other silly words for menstruation. I prefer to stick to the ones in the biology book. For gymnasts I would recommend: a pair of shorts worn over the leotard for all over 12's (this stops the "I've just started" embarrassment a thin, absorbent pad and the odd dose of ibuprofen when the pain is detracting from day to day activities and a special 'Mom and daughter meal out and shopping expedition to celebrate' would not hurt.