Signs That Indicate Your First Period Is Coming
Except the quizzes above, you may rely on the following signs to understand if your period is coming or not.
1. Breast Development
Breast development is the first sign of a girl’s period. It starts as breast buds grow from raised nipples as a result of developing fat, tissue and milk glands in the body. It usually takes 4 years to have fully developed breast. Once the development starts, period generally occurs 1 to 3 years later.
2. Hair Growth
Excessive body hair begins to develop either before or after the appearance of breast buds. Pubic hair will start to grow in the area below the lower abdomen and between the legs. Initially, the hair is soft and thin, which gradually become coarse and curly. A period generally starts 1 or 2 years after the development of pubic hair.
3. Vaginal Discharge
Doing the “when will I get my first period quiz” and informed of the signs of an impending period, you can calculate when your period is going to occur. Then the next step is to get yourself well-prepared.
When To Go To The Doctor
Some Medical Terms
A girl’s first menstruation is called menarche. This is pronounced MEN-arc or MEN-arc-y. When a girl passes certain milestones in her development, but does not start having periods, this is called Primary Amenorrhea. This is pronounced A-men-or-rea or Ah-men-or-rea. The word primary is the part that means the girl has never had a period. The amenorrhea part means lack of periods . This is to distinguish it from Secondary Amenorrhea, which is when a woman has had periods and then stops.
The Standards For Going To The Doctor
These standards were developed long ago. Meanwhile the average age of puberty and menarche has dropped. So, Estronaut’s opinion is that checking with a doctor a year or so earlier is not a bad idea. Also, girls of African descent mature sooner than Europeans, by about a year. So, these girls should substract another year.
On age alone: Age 15 1/2 to 16 1/2 for whites, age 14 1/2 to 15 1/2 for blacks.
If no breast or hair development: Age 13 to 14 for whites, age 12 to 13 for blacks.
If there is breast development or hair two years after either of these started.
When Will I Have Another One
After your first period, your second one can be pretty unpredictable, too. Most people expect it one month after the first period, but in reality, it’s pretty normal for it to happen anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months after your first period.
Once youâve had a few periods, the best way to predict future ones, is to write down the dates of every period you have and count how many days there are from the start of one period to the start of the next. That tells you your cycle length. Obviously youâll need to have a few periods before you can do this, but it is super helpful for staying aware and prepared!
When you keep track of your periods like that, itâs called âperiod trackingâ . There are lots of ways to track your periods. You can write them on a calendar, in a journal or notebook, or use a period tracker. Make sure you record the day you start and every day you have your flow. You might also want to note when your flow is heavy and when it is light. This is the best way to know your flow so you can be aware and prepared!
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When Will I Get My First Period Quiz
As a girl waits for her first period, her mind is filled with queries and questions. Generally, a girl has her first period by the time she reaches 12 or 13 years of age. Though, few may start it as early as 8 or 9 years, while others may not have it until 15 or 16 years of age. Following are 3 quizzes which can help you know how far you period is.
Jillian Michaels: 5 Ways To Control Pms
Open the Lines of Communication
Instead of having a formal menstruation “talk” with your daughter, try opening up the dialogue and, openly and honestly, asking your daughter about her questions.
Here are some suggestions for answering your daughter’s questions about menstruation:
The more information that you share with your daughter about periods and PMS symptoms, the more comfortable and prepared she will feel as her body grows and changes.
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How Long Does A Period Last
About 3 to 7 days. There is a small amount of blood at first and getting heavier for the first few days and then less blood until it stops. Sometimes the blood is a rusty colour and quite watery and sometimes it can be dark red and thicker. Only a small amount of blood, barely an eggcup full, is lost and the rest is tissue cells from the lining of the uterus totalling between one half and one whole cupful of liquid over the whole period.
First Period Symptoms Learn How To Read And Understand These Signs Here Are Three Helpful Tips To Get Ready For This Special Time
Watch for these signs of a girls’ first period.
Although a lot of girls get their first period symptoms between 8 and 13 years old, the average age is 11 to 12. However, you could get yours anywhere between the ages of 9 and 16. Everyone has their own ‘biological clock’, and yours is different from anyone else’s. So even if you feel like you’ll never get your period, don’t worry, you will! How will you know itâs on its way? Watch out for these signs of a girlâs first period.
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How Long Are You Supposed To Have Discharge Before You Start Your Period
Girls usually start getting their menstruation a year or two after their breasts begin to develop.
They can experience white discharge for a couple of months before they actually start to bleed. You can also see some white discharge every month before periods that could be of varying consistency, colour, and odour.
I Think I Had My First Period How Can I Be Sure
I had my first period a couple of days ago. At least I think it was my period because I had a red-brown smudge that lasted for a day and a half. The problem is, it lasted for such a short time that I’m not sure if it was my period or not. I am really confused!
Lots of girls expect their blood to be bright red during their periods. But it’s completely normal for menstrual blood to be brownish. It’s also perfectly normal for some girls to have their first period for just 2 or 3 days. Many girls will have a very light flow the first few times they get their period, while others have more.
How long your period lasts and how often it comes might change during the first couple of years of menstruation. Thats because your body might make different amounts of hormones from one menstrual cycle to the next. Other things can affect periods too, such as nutrition, exercise, and medicines. If you have any concerns about your period, talk to your doctor.
*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.
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Treatment For Period Discomfort
During your period, you may experience discomfort, such as cramps or headaches. Getting regular exercise and staying well hydrated may help improve these symptoms. A heating pad can also be used to help with abdominal cramps, along with over-the-counter ibuprofen.
Talk to a parent or nurse if you dont feel good before, during or after your period so you can address any discomfort.
Some girls will experience heavy bleeding, painful and often times debilitating cramps and periods that last longer than one week. Treating cramps with hormone therapy can help alleviate painful periods. Hormone therapy can also help regulate your period if you are experiencing missed periods , long periods or unpredictable bleeding .
How To Know That Your First Period Is Coming
This article was co-authored by Laura Marusinec, MD. Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 64 testimonials and 91% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 659,289 times.
Getting your first period can be exciting and scary! Your first period means that you are becoming a 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.
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Signs Of Period Coming Late
Its easier to spot the signs of a period coming late, especially if you are used to having your periods on time.
You will quickly notice how your body communicates when you miss your usual period date. These include:
- Frequent urination
As we said earlier, every female body is unique, and the signs of late periods can differ slightly.
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How Does Ovulation Relate To Periods
Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovaries. The same hormones that cause the uterus lining to build up also cause an egg to leave one of the ovaries. The egg travels through a thin tube called a fallopian tube to the uterus.
If the egg is fertilized by a sperm cell, it attaches to the wall of the uterus, where over time it develops into a baby. If the egg is not fertilized, the uterus lining breaks down and bleeds, causing a period.
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What Do I Need To Do To Prepare For My First Period
There is nothing in particular you need to do to prepare for your first period, besides having feminine hygiene products and over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen on hand. If you happen to get your period with no access to menstrual products, toilet paper will work in an emergency. If you get your first period at school, your teacher or school nurse will have a pantiliner or pad on hand.
There are a variety of menstrual products available to you:
Disposable pads
These absorbent pads have an adhesive backing that sticks to the inside of your underwear. They are available in different lengths and absorbencies, and some have adhesive wings that wrap around the sides of your underwear. Disposable pads should be changed every 4-6 hours and are thrown out after a single use.
Pantiliners
These are small, thin, disposable absorbent pads that can be used on their own on days of light flow. They can also be used in combination with a tampon, in case of leaks or discharge.
Reusable pads
These are usually made of cotton, bamboo, or other natural absorbent fibres, and are often available at health food stores. They can be washed with detergent and reused. Some have velcro tabs to secure them around your underwear.
Tampons
Menstrual cup
Why Have My Periods Not Started Yet
Your periods will start when your body is ready. This is usually between age 10 and 16, or 2 years after your first signs of puberty.
Possible reasons for delayed periods include being underweight, doing lots of exercise , stress and a hormone imbalance.
See a GP if your periods have not started by age 16 . Your GP may suggest a blood test to check your hormone levels.
You may be referred to a specialist to find out what’s causing your delayed periods and discuss any treatments that might help.
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When To Speak With A Doctor
People may wish to see a healthcare professional if they have PMS symptoms that affect their daily life, if the symptoms occur outside of their period, or if they experience any sudden or dramatic changes to PMS or period symptoms.
If a person expects to have a period, but it does not arrive, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional about the potential causes. They may recommend a pregnancy test if someone could be pregnant or other tests if pregnancy is not the cause.
Heavy bleeding and severe abdominal cramping can indicate pregnancy complications, such as pregnancy loss or ectopic pregnancy. Contact a provider immediately if a pregnant person experiences any of the following symptoms:
- heavy bleeding
8 sourcescollapsed
- Bai, G., et al. . Associations between nausea, vomiting, fatigue and health-related quality of life of women in early pregnancy: The generation R study.
Mood Changes Before And During Periods
Many people will experience mood changes just before or during the first few days of their periods. These changes can include being a bit irritable or more sensitive, or feeling angry, anxious or even depressed.
This can be hard for your child and the rest of the family to cope with. Giving your child a bit more privacy and space around this time can make it easier for everyone, without making a big deal about it.
If your childs mood changes are upsetting or disrupting their everyday life, they might like to see a health professional, like the GP.
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Pads And Panty Liners
Sanitary pads are rectangular pieces of absorbent material that you stick inside your underwear.
All pads have a sticky strip on the bottom. Thats what attaches the pad to your underwear.
Some have extra material on the sides, known as wings, that you fold over the edges of your underwear. This helps keep the pad in place.
Pads typically need to be changed every four to eight hours, but there isnt a set rule. Simply change it if the material feels sticky or wet.
They come in different sizes. Each size is made to accommodate a different level of bleeding.
Generally speaking, the smaller the pad, the less blood it can hold.
Youll probably use a more absorbent pad at the beginning of your period then switch to something lighter once the bleeding slows down.
You may also find it helpful to wear a heavier pad overnight so you dont have to worry about leakage.
Even the largest pads are still quite thin, so you shouldnt be able to see it through your clothes. If youre worried that people might be able to tell, stick to looser-fit bottoms.
Panty liners are smaller, thinner versions of a sanitary pad.
You may find it helpful to use them a couple of days before your period is supposed to start to prevent accidentally bleeding on your underwear.
You may also want to use panty liners toward the end of your period, as the bleeding may be spotty and unpredictable.
How To Talk To Daughter About First Period Symptoms
Bearing in mind that girls can start their periods as young as 8, it makes sense to start talking about the signs and symptoms of her first period sooner rather than later. Weve got lots of advice on how to prepare your daughter for her first period.
You can also help your daughter feel prepared for her first period by stocking up on some protection like Always.
Suggest that she keep some pantyliners in her bag in case she gets her first period while shes not at home. She may even want to keep an extra pair of underwear in her book bag or locker. Shell really appreciate these tips when her first period does arrive.
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How To Prepare For Your First Period
There are a few suggestions that can help in managing the first period effectively.
1. Know What It Is Like
2. Buy Necessary Supplies
There are a wide variety of feminine hygiene products available in the market. Start with pads that aren’t bulky and have light or medium absorbency. Practicing wearing a pad before the actual period starts helps in understanding its required middle position. Either one uses a tampon or a menstrual cup, it is more important to be comfortable with the protection that one chooses.
3. Bring Pads with You
If your “When will I get my first period quiz” tells you that you period is just around the corner, you should always bring pads with you. It is possible that one may get her period while away from home. In such situation, having a pad surely gives peace of mind. They can be stored in a makeup bag or pencil case to avoid falling or getting noticed. Cramps in period can be very well managed with over the counter medications.
4. Deal With Leak Outs
In case of leak out, several layers of toilet paper can be used till one gets a pad. They absorb the blood and can act as a temporary liner. Though rarely, but if sometimes blood seeps through pants, cover back with a shirt or a sweater tied around the waist.
5. Handle the Cramp