When Do Most Girls Get Their First Period
Every girls body has its own schedule, and periods can start at different ages. Most girls get their first period when they are between 10 and 15 years old. The average age is 12. However, there is not one right age to get a period.
There are some physical changes that can symbolize a period starting soon. Usually, a girl gets her period about two years after her breasts begin to develop. Another sign to look for is vaginal discharge fluid that typically begins six months to a year before the first period.
What To Expect With Your Child’s First Period
Some kids may experience typical premenstrual symptoms like bloating, cramping, fatigue, breast soreness, back pain, or constipation or diarrhea in the days leading up to their first period. Others may not have any PMS symptoms at all. First periods and menstrual cycles can also vary wildly from person to person. Your child may have moderate amounts of bright red blood with their first period, or they may have light spotting that more closely resembles reddish-brown discharge. It may last for several days, or only last for 1-2 days and then return a week or two later. Their periods may also be very irregular for the first year or two after they start their period, before their cycle regulates and is easier to track.
If your child experiences severe premenstrual symptoms or heavy sustained bleeding with their first few menstrual cycles, talk to your pediatrician or schedule an appointment with a gynecologist to talk about some options and solutions that may be available to them.
What Will It Be Like
Every females period is different. Periods can vary in duration, frequency, and heaviness. Some females have very light periods, while others have heavy periods.
For some, the first period is light, with a small amount of blood. It may begin gradually, starting with some spotting or brown discharge before becoming red.
For others, periods begin suddenly, with bright red blood appearing straight away. In either case, this is normal. Period blood can range in color from brown to dark red. Some people may also pass small blood clots.
Having a period can feel similar to having vaginal discharge, but some females do not feel much at all.
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Am I Old Enough For Tampons
If you are having your menstrual period, your body is mature enough for using tampons. While many girls get their first periods between age 12 and 14, you may have your first period at a younger or older age. Whether to use tampons or not is a personal decision, there is no age restriction. You will need to learn how to insert a tampon, which can be tricky when you are new to using one.
You must be sure to change it every four to six hours to lessen the risk of toxic shock syndrome. Use the lowest absorbency available and start with those that have a smooth plastic applicator with a rounded tip . You may want to also use a pantyliner in case there is a leak. If you’re active or want to be able to swim during your period, then tampons may be a good choice. You can also consider different kinds of underwear for that time of the month.
What If My Period Doesnt Come Or If It Starts When I Am Very Young
If you have not had a first period by the age of 15, or its been more than two to three years since your breasts started developing and you have not had a period, its best to talk to your doctor. If you get your period very young, at nine or ten it is usually just simply that you developed early. However, its a good idea to see your doctor to rule out other underlying medical conditions.
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What Is A Period
A period typically happens about every month and is the process by which the uterus sheds its lining. This is in response to changes in the hormones throughout the body. Hormones from the pituitary gland in the brain communicate to the ovaries and the body. This causes the ovaries to release the hormones estrogen and progesterone into this body. Estrogen and progesterone cause the ovaries to mature and release an egg by process called ovulation. Estrogen and progesterone also cause the lining of the uterus to build up in preparation for possible pregnancy.
Once the egg is released from the ovary, it travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. If the egg meets a sperm as it travels, it can attach to the lining and will develop into a fetus/pregnancy. If the egg does not meet a sperm, it will travel into the uterus and with more changes in hormone levels, eventually be shed with the lining of the uterus as a period.
This process happens repeatedly and usually takes about a month for the lining to build up again and break down.
Menstruation can be scary and unknown for many girls, but it symbolizes that they are growing up. Make sure to explain very clearly what a period is so your child feels prepared.
The Chat Talking About Your Daughters First Period
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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When Will Your Daughter Get Her First Period 3 Signs To Look Out For
Before her first period arrives, your daughters body will experience some changes. Here are the signs that suggest your daughters first period is on its way, so you can prepare her in advance
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When will I get my first period? Its a common question from pre-teen and teen daughters. Wouldnt it be lovely it you knew exactly when your daughter was going to get her first period? That way both of you could be 100% prepared. Unfortunately, no-one can give you an exact date . However, what we can tell you about the signs of first period to look out for.
What Complementary Or Alternative Medicines May Help Relieve Pms Symptoms
Some women report relief from their PMS symptoms with yoga or meditation. Others say herbal supplements help relieve symptoms. Talk with your doctor or nurse before taking any of these supplements. They may interact with other medicines you take, making your other medicine not work or cause dangerous side effects. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate herbal supplements at the same level that it regulates medicines.
Some research studies show relief from PMS symptoms with these herbal supplements, but other studies do not. Many herbal supplements should not be used with other medicines. Some herbal supplements women use to ease PMS symptoms include:
- Black cohosh. The underground stems and root of black cohosh are used fresh or dried to make tea, capsules, pills, or liquid extracts. Black cohosh is most often used to help treat menopausal symptoms, and some women use it to help relieve PMS symptoms.
- Chasteberry. Dried ripe chasteberry is used to prepare liquid extracts or pills that some women take to relieve PMS symptoms. Women taking hormonal birth control or hormone therapy for menopause symptoms should not take chasteberry.
- Evening primrose oil. The oil is taken from the plants seeds and put into capsules. Some women report that the pill helps relieve PMS symptoms, but the research results are mixed.
Researchers continue to search for new ways to treat PMS. Learn more about current PMS treatment studies at clinicaltrials.gov.
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Pads Tampons Or Menstrual Cups Which Is Best
When deciding what menstrual hygiene products to use, its important that your child feels physically and emotionally comfortable. Many girls start with using pads and transition to tampons or menstrual cups when they are older however, they do not have to wait to use tampons or menstrual cups. Tampons might feel uncomfortable or unusual at first while the pelvis and vagina are growing.
If your child decides to use tampons, each box comes with instructions, and it can be helpful to read them together. At first, your child may become irritated with tampons, but explain that it gets easier with practice. Start with a slim tampon applicator, as it is easier to insert and can help with the first time.
Menstrual cups can be awkward at first, but as with tampons, they get easier to insert with practice. Your child may be uncomfortable with the process of using a menstrual cup, but once put in correctly, they are able to do everyday activities without any issues with the cup. Many brands of menstrual cups come with instructions in the box or can be found on the website. Going through the directions can help ease your child into using it.
Practical Preparation For Periods
Your child will need a supply of sanitary pads, period-proof underpants, tampons and/or a menstrual cup.
Before your child gets their first period, its a good idea to show your child:
- what pads, period-proof underpants, tampons and cups look like
- how to use pads, period-proof underpants, tampons and cups
- how to dispose of pads and tampons, or rinse period-proof underpants
- how to clean a menstrual cup.
You might want to suggest your child carries pads, underpants, tampons or a cup. For example, they could keep some in a small bag in their school bag and sports bag.
Pads, underpants, tampons or a menstrual cup? Its probably easier for your child to start with pads or period-proof underpants before they try tampons or a menstrual cup.
Your child can use tampons and cups at any age, but it can take some time and practice to get used to them.
When your child is first starting with tampons or a menstrual cup, it might help to practise between periods, to get used to inserting and removing them. For tampons it can help to put a bit of lubricant or petroleum jelly on the tip of a tampon so it slides in more easily, or use water as a lubricant for a menstrual cup. Looking at diagrams of the slope and shape of the vagina can also help, as can using a mirror while practising.
Being comfortable with using tampons or a menstrual cup can be a big help in these busy and active years.
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Why Do You Have A Period
During the month, blood builds up in the lining of your uterus, which will help a baby develop when you’re older and want to have a family. It’s a natural process, says Sharon Horesh Bergquist, MD, at the Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta.
Most of the time, a fertilized egg is not implanted in your uterus, and the blood sheds out of your body during your monthly period.
My Period Just Started What Should I Do
If youve started your period and dont have something to use for the blood, try not to worry. You can fashion a temporary pad out of toilet paper to hold things over until youre able to get a proper pad or tampon.
Heres how:
If youre at school, you may consider asking your teacher or nurse for a pad or tampon. Theyve been asked before trust us.
Your first period may only last a couple of days. Your first period . .
It may take a couple of months for your period to settle into a regular schedule and consistency.
Once it does, your period may last anywhere from two to seven days each month.
Although a persons first few periods are often light bringing a few spots of red-brown blood throughout the week you may have a heavier flow.
Your monthly period will follow a more consistent pattern once your hormones stabilize.
Heavier bleeding isnt necessarily cause for concern. But if you feel like youre losing too much blood, tell your guardian or talk to the school nurse.
You should also tell a trusted adult if you:
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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.
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. 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. Magnesium may help relieve some PMS symptoms, including migraines. If you get , talk to your doctor about whether you need more magnesium. 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. Good sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids include flaxseed, nuts, fish, and green leafy vegetables.
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