aged 8, was best thing to happen to me, finally i was left alone for a week each month, i actually looked forward to it coming! once i sussed out i was safe during period time i used it to my advantage every other week i would tell both my step father and brother that i could not play their games because i was on! it worked for a while until they got wise that i couldn't possibly be on so much! i even saved used pads to show them to 'prove' i was really on!!! gross but when needs must one does whatever one can! I hated pads, the blood on them frieked me out, so as i used to do the weekly shopping i ventured into tampons three months after my first one, they are the best thing since sliced bread! now i have no choice, can't wear tampons as i am incontinent, and it is a waste of time putting a pad in to the 'adult nappy' style things i have to contain my ablutions! i now hate my periods, the blood, the smell, yuuuukkkkkk! roll on the menapause!