First Period Signs And Symptoms
- Period Education Hub
In the second instalment of our First Period series, we find out what to expect and what is considered normal when it comes to first period signs and symptoms.
Getting your first period can take many young people by surprise, especially if you dont know what to expect. You might have lots of questions What does your first period look like? How long does your first period last? Everyones experience is different, however, there are some common first period signs and symptoms that will help you understand what to look out for. Our series expert, period educator Demi Spaccavento, explains some of the emotional and physical changes you might notice before and during your first period as well as whats normal and whats not.
Further Reading For Girls
- “Susan’s Growing Up” is a picture book about periods that has been specially developed for people with learning disabilities. It’s from the Books Beyond Words series from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
- “The Period Book: Everything You Don’t Want to Ask “ by Karen Gravelle, and published by Piatkus, is a well-known book for any girl approaching puberty. It explains what to expect and how to cope with periods.
Page last reviewed: 05 August 2019 Next review due: 05 August 2022
But There Are Also Cons
Sarah said: The problem with situationships is because theres no commitment from those navigating them, they often dont feel they need to be accountable or responsible for the other persons feelings, so they can end abruptly, without rhyme or reason or knowing by one or both.
I hear a lot of ghosting and emotional turmoil from situationships when they dont turn into a relationship with people that have caught feelings.
They sometimes dont feel good enough to commit to or where ghosting has taken plac,e self-esteem can be damaged as the interpretation can sometimes be that the ghost wasnt worthy of a response or pseudo-breakup.
Also Check: Can You Still Have A Period While Pregnant
When Will I Get My First Period
Our first periods generally arrive around the age of 11 or 12, but can begin earlier or later. In fact your period could start as early as 8 years old. Puberty can be quite a long process it might be a few years between when your breasts and pubic hair starts growing, and when your period arrives. The most important thing to remember is that your body is unique. Each person has their own internal clock, based on so many different biological and environmental factors. So if your period doesnt arrive at the same time as other people around you, dont worry too much!
There are some things that you can look out for, which might give you a clue on when youre starting your period:
Your Breasts Feel Sore Or Heavy
Don’t Miss: What To Do To Relieve Period Cramps
A Different Discharge And Then No Discharge At All
A few days before your period, you might notice a white discharge that has a gluey sort of consistency.
Thats a sign that your progesterone levels are peaking.
And then, as your period nears, your discharge might disappear entirely.
So a lack of discharge could be one of the signs your period is coming tomorrow.
Right before we get our periods, cervical mucus can disappear or drastically lessen.
As your body begins moving toward ovulation again and estrogen builds, cervical mucus returns.
What discharge comes before period?
Is white discharge a sign of period coming?
Maybe.
You may notice some leukorrhea in the days before your period.
It may be white, pink, or even brown in color.
So if you see more discharge than usual, your period may well be starting in a few days.
However, after seeing more discharge than usual, you may also notice that it suddenly dries up.
Is discharge dry before period?
If your discharge gets a bit drier after being more, well more than usual, then make sure you have your preferred period products to hand.
Theres a chance your period could be making her appearance tomorrow or even in a matter of hours!
When Do Most Girls Get Their Period
Most girls get their first period when they’re around 12. But getting it any time between age 10 and 15 is OK. Every girl’s body has its own schedule.
There isn’t one right age for a girl to get her period. But there are some clues that it will start soon:
- Most of the time, a girl gets her period about 2 years after her breasts start to develop.
- Another sign is vaginal discharge fluid that a girl might see or feel on her underwear. This discharge usually begins about 6 months to a year before a girl gets her first period.
You May Like: Can I Get Pregnant During My Period
You Have A Hard Time Falling Asleep
If Pain Relievers Arent Helping
ACOG recommends taking pain relievers like ibuprofen to ease cramps. Start taking it one to two days before you start bleeding and continue through the first two to three days of your period. You can also try exercising regularly throughout the month, taking a warm bath, using a heating pad on your abdomen or lower back, and getting more sleep right before and during your period.
If these dont work, see a doctor.
Related: This TikTok perfectly sums up the controversy over menstrual leave in the workplace
If you have to rely on pain medication, skip work/school, or lay in the bed all day due to pain, that should prompt medical evaluation, says Dr. Murphy.
Your doctor may prescribe hormone treatment, such as birth control pills or a hormonal intrauterine device to lessen pain.
Read Also: Periodic Table With Real Elements Inside
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.
Signs Your Period Is Coming Tomorrow
Menstrual cramps are a widespread symptom before periods start. It’s the first and one of the most noticeable signs your period is coming tomorrow. Menstrual cramps typically occur in the lower part of the abdomen. They can also occur closer to your back and upper thighs.
Contents
Have you been feeling moody, sensitive, and have a slight throbbing pain in your abdomen? Women are no newbies to these symptoms as theyre some of the common signs your period is coming tomorrow. But just like anything else, even periods can be unpredictable.
Don’t Miss: Does Lo Loestrin Fe Stop Periods
How Will I Know When My Periods Are Going To Start
Signs that your period is on its way are if you’ve grown underarm and pubic hair. Typically, you’ll start your periods about 2 years after your breasts start growing and about a year after getting a white vaginal discharge. The average girl will get her first period around 12 years old, but it varies from person to person.
What Causes Menstrual Period To Come Out
Period occurs due to cyclical change of your hormones during your menstrual cycle.
What is the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is the number of days between 2 periods. For example, if your last menstrual period started on the 27th of April and your next period starts on the 26th of May, then you have a 30-day menstrual cycle.
Some women may have an erratic menstrual cycle, short menstrual cycle or long menstrual cycle.
What causes period to come out?
At birth and during puberty, the ovaries contain a fixed number of follicles that are released in each cycle. Weeks before you are born, your body stops producing follicle that develops to release an egg.
It is estimated that throughout the lifetime of women, about 500 eggs are released from the ovaries. These release of the egg is called ovulation.
Before ovulation occurs, your body increases the secretion of estrogen. This hormone works to help grow the endometrium covering the inner part of the uterus.
If you get pregnant, you will have no period because the endometrium helps provide nutrition for your baby.
Now its your turn. Do you have a headache or pains before your period starts? Are your menstrual period symptoms affecting your daily activities?
Recommended Reading: Signs Of A Little Girl Starting Her Period
When Do Periods Start
Most young people will have their first periods when theyre between 11 and 14½, but anywhere from 9-16 years is considered normal.
Periods are likely to start soon if your child has:
- had a major growth spurt
- grown some underarm and pubic hair
- developed breasts.
If your child hasnt started their period by the time they turn 16, its a good idea to talk with your childs GP. There can be many reasons why periods havent started by then, and the GP can help to rule out any serious problems.
If Its Meant To Grow Into Something More It Will
Sarah said: Situationships can turn into relationships, especially when someone is engaging in a situationship to take things slow and test the waters with how they feel about each other.
They may also be dating other people and want to sexually explore, liberate or emotionally connect.
Whatever is meant for you in life will never pass you by and so trust the process of situationships because if its meant to grow into something more significant it will, if thats what both of you want.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing .
Also Check: How To End Your Period Faster
Youre Getting A Pimple Or Two
Have you noticed a link between your skin and hormones? If you regularly notice a change in your complexion, it may be one of the signs your period is coming. High progesterone is responsible for making our skin oilier in the days leading up to menstruation, and you might notice your hair is a little bit greasier too.
Sticking to a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water can help reduce breakouts when your period is about to arrive. Everyone’s skin is different and has different needs, so our best advice is to listen to your body and build a routine that works for you.
Breast Pain Or Tender Breasts
Tender breasts or breast pain are common period or pre-period symptoms. Tenderness or pain due to menstruation can:
- Feel like a dull, heavy or aching pain that can range from mild to severe.
- Begin up to two weeks before the period, get worse with time and then go away once the period is over.
- Affect both breasts and can even spread to the area around the armpit.
Recommended Reading: Due Date Calculator For Irregular Periods
Your Vaginal Discharge Gets Thicker
You Start To Grow More Pubic Hair
You May Like: Spotting A Few Days After Period
Should I Take Vitamins Or Minerals To Treat Pms Symptoms
Maybe. Studies show that certain vitamins and minerals may help relieve some PMS symptoms. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate vitamins or mineral and herbal supplements in the same way they regulate medicines. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.
Studies have found benefits for:
- Calcium. Studies show that calcium can help reduce some PMS symptoms, such as fatigue, cravings, and depression.24,25 Calcium is found in foods such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Some foods, such as orange juice, cereal, and bread, have calcium added . You can also take a calcium supplement.
- Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 may help with PMS symptoms, including moodiness, irritability, forgetfulness, bloating, and anxiety. Vitamin B6 can be found in foods such as fish, poultry, potatoes, fruit , and fortified cereals. You can also take it as a dietary supplement.
Studies have found mixed results for:
- Magnesium.24 Magnesium may help relieve some PMS symptoms, including migraines. If you get menstrual migraines, talk to your doctor about whether you need more magnesium.26 Magnesium is found in green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, as well as in nuts, whole grains, and fortified cereals. You can also take a supplement.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids . Studies show that taking a supplement with 1 to 2 grams of polyunsaturated fatty acids may help reduce cramps and other PMS symptoms.27 Good sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids include flaxseed, nuts, fish, and green leafy vegetables.
When Does Pms Start
PMS symptoms usually start about five days before your period starts and end about four days after the period has started. PMS may happen around this time because estrogen and progesterone levels drop after ovulation.
Its also possible that these hormonal changes cause chemical changes in the brain, affecting serotonin, a neurotransmittera brain chemicalthat affects mood, fatigue, cravings, and sleep.
Also Check: Does Having Sex On Your Period Make You Bleed More
What Causes A Period
A period happens because of changes in in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers. The ovaries release the female hormones and . These hormones cause the lining of the uterus to build up. The built-up lining is ready for a fertilized egg to attach to and start developing. If there is no fertilized egg, the lining breaks down and bleeds. Then the same process happens all over again.
It usually takes about a month for the lining to build up, then break down. That is why most girls and women get their periods around once a month.
Mood Swings And Disorders
Mood swings, anxiety, depression and irritability are common signs your period is on its way. Mood changes are one of those classic PMS symptoms. Some women also experience whats known as enhanced mood disorders or premenstrual dysphoric disorder . This is essentially an extreme form of PMS.
With PMDD, emotions are heightened and mood swings are more severe. Both PMS and PMDD tend to hit around 7 to 10 days before your period starts, lasting until the first days of your period.
Also Check: Does The Copper Iud Stop Periods
Causes Of Breast Pain During Or Around Your Period
The most likely cause of breast pain or breast swelling around your period are hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. As the start of your period approaches, increased levels of progesterone are the most likely to cause tenderness or pain.
Progesterone levels increase after and peak around day 21 of a 28-day cycle before falling as the period approaches. Breast pain around this time could be due to growth of the breasts milk glands due to high levels of progesterone However, if you notice breast pain that persists or you have it other times of your menstrual cycle, talk to your doctor to rule out anything more serious.