Know That Your First Period Is Coming

Getting your first period can be exciting and scary! Your first period means that you are becoming a grown woman, and this happens at a different time for every girl. While there's no way to know exactly when you will get your first period, there are a few signs that you can start looking out for.

Steps

Recognizing Signs of Puberty

  1. Look for breast development. Your breasts may take several years to fully develop, but when they first start to grow, you will know that you have started puberty. Most girls get their first periods about two to two-and-a-half years after their breasts first begin to develop.[1]
  2. Watch for pubic hair. Most girls start growing hair in the pubic area (between the legs) shortly after their breasts begin developing. This is another sign that your first period will probably come within the next year or two.[1]
    • You will probably notice underarm hair developing around this same time.
  3. Notice vaginal discharge. Many girls will notice small amounts of white or off-white discharge in their panties during puberty. This is usually a sign that your period will start within the next few months.[1]
  4. Pay attention to growth spurts. Your first period usually comes shortly after the growth spurt in puberty, or when you are growing rapidly in height. So if you recently shot up a few inches, your period might not be far behind. And your hips will get wider but don't worry. This might be an awkward phase.[2]

Recognizing Premenstrual Symptoms

  1. Understand premenstrual symptoms. Premenstrual symptoms are caused by hormonal changes in your body, and they typically occur in the days immediately before your period starts. Some girls experience severe premenstrual symptoms, while other girls do not notice any symptoms at all. The severity of your premenstrual symptoms might also change as you get older. There is no guarantee that you will experience any of these symptoms before your first period, but if you do experience them, there is a good chance that your period is coming![3]
  2. Be aware of breast tenderness. Many girls experience a soreness, tenderness, or swollen feeling in their breasts right before their periods. If you notice this, you should expect your period to come soon.[3]
  3. Watch out for moodiness. Some girls also experience emotional changes in the days leading up to their periods. It is different for everyone, but you might feel unusually sad, angry, or irritable. These feelings will typically go away in a few days.[3]
  4. Look for acne. Acne can occur at any time, so it is not necessarily a sign that your period is coming. However, if you notice a sudden increase in the amount of acne you have over a short period of time, it may mean that you will get your period in the next few days.[3]
  5. Notice cramps. You may experience cramping in your stomach or back or a bloated feeling in your stomach right before and/or during your period. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they may not be the same every month.[4]
    • If you experience severe cramps that interfere with your daily activities, you may want to treat them with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Exercise and heating pads can also help reduce your cramps.
    • Talk to your doctor if the cramps are severe and not improved by taking over-the-counter medications.

Predicting By Age

  1. Understand the average age range. The average age for a girl to get her first period is about 12 to 14 years old, but some start much earlier or later. It is perfectly normal for a girl to get her first period anywhere between the ages of nine and 15.[5]
    • Most girls do not start their periods until they weigh at least 100 pounds. If you are a bit behind your friends with growth spurts, your period may start a bit later, too. It's nothing to worry about, so just be patient.[4]
    • If you haven't had your first period by the time you are 15, or within three years of when your breasts first started to develop, you should consult a doctor.
  2. Don't compare yourself to others. If you get your period much earlier or much later than your friends, you might feel different than everyone else. You might get your period when you are nine or 10, or not until you are in your mid-teens, and both are perfectly normal! It's important to understand that all girls get their periods at different ages.[1]
  3. Ask female relatives. Genetics play a huge role in determining when you will get your first period. Try asking your mom and sisters when they got their first periods. While you're not guaranteed to get yours at the same age they did, there's a good chance that you will be around the same age they were.[6]


Tips

  • Don't freak out. It's natural. Billions of other women have gone through the same thing, and they are still enduring it over and over!
  • If you think your first period is coming, it's a good idea to have an emergency kit. You will probably want to have a stash of pads or tampons in your purse or backpack, so you will have them with you no matter where you are. It's also a good idea to have extra underwear and pants and a long-sleeved shirt to tie around you waist. Store them in your backpack or in your locker at school, just in case of a leak. Be Prepared for Your Period will make it much easier to deal with.
  • Be aware that your period might be irregular at first. After you get your first period, you may not get another period for a few months, and this is perfectly fine. As you get older, your period should become more predictable.[4] The average time between periods is 21 to 35 days.
  • Don't feel that you are missing out on something if your friends have already gotten their period but you haven't yet. It will happen sooner or later.
  • Don't be shy about talking to your mom or other adult women about your first period! They will understand what you are going through and will be able to help you deal with your period.
  • Wearing a tampon for the first time can be tricky. Ask your mom or a close female friend to help you.
  • Everyone's period is different. Most girls' periods last between three and seven days. When you get your first period, it may be just a few drops of blood or it might be heavier. It also may appear bright red or brownish in color. These variations are all perfectly normal.[3]

Warnings

  • If you choose to use tampons, make sure to read the directions and change them every few hours to avoid developing a serious infection called Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/when_period.html#
  2. ↑ http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/growth/growth_13_to_18.html
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 https://www.plannedparenthood.org/teens/my-body/your-period
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 http://www.chla.org/blog/rn-remedies/discussing-menstruation-your-daughter-whats-period
  5. ↑ http://girlshealth.gov/body/period/index.html
  6. ↑ http://www.beinggirl.com/article/signs-of-your-first-period/
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