Period FAQs

how do i know if i started my period

by Amy Considine Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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A good sign you're getting close to the time when your first period will arrive is if you notice a discharge coming from your vagina. It might be thin and slightly sticky or thick and gooey, and can be clear to white or off-white in color. Usually, this happens about 6 months before you get your first period.

There's no way to know exactly when you'll get your first period. One day, you'll see blood in your underwear or on your sheets, and boom — there it is! There may be signs of your first period (like cramps, bloating, or pimples), but this doesn't happen for everyone.

Full Answer

What are the signs of getting your first period?

#1: Look for puberty signs and symptoms.

  • Height growth. If you experience faster bone growth, you might be closer to your initial bleeding.
  • Pubic hair. Thicker hair around your genitals and armpits is another symptom of a reaching period age. ...
  • Boddy odor. Puberty causes your sweat and body scent to be more pungent. ...
  • Breast growth. This one is usually a women-specific symptom. ...

What are signs that you are getting your period soon?

What are the symptoms and signs of period coming soon?

  1. Abdominal cramps. Abdomen cramps, which is experienced by a lot of women before their period starts, is a sign your period is coming soon.
  2. Change of mood. Are you experiencing a change in your behavior before your period? ...
  3. Acne on face. ...
  4. Breast pain and swelling. ...
  5. Abdominal bloating, gas and pain. ...
  6. Headache. ...
  7. Sleepless nights before period. ...
  8. Fatigue
  9. Food cravings

More items...

What are the signs of a first period?

Your period usually arrives around one to two years after. Discharge: Vaginal discharge (white or yellowish fluid) is usually a sure sign that your first period is on its way. You may want to start using ALWAYS pantiliners to protect your underwear.

What is the sign of a period?

Women typically get a few signs that their period is about to start. Those include things like abdominal cramps, headache, tender breasts, and changes in bowel movements.

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How long before your period do you know if you have a period?

Share on Pinterest. Somewhere between five days and two weeks before your period starts, you may experience symptoms that let you know it’s coming. These symptoms are known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). More than 90 percent of people experience PMS to some degree.

Where do you feel cramps during your period?

Menstrual cramps are felt in the lower abdomen. The achy, cramping feeling may also radiate out toward your lower back and upper thighs. Uterine contractions cause menstrual cramps. These contractions help shed the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) when a pregnancy doesn’t take place.

How many days before menstruation do migraines occur?

found that migraines were 1.7 times more likely to occur one to two days before menstruation and 2.5 times more likely to occur during the first three days of menstruation in this population. 8. Mood swings. The emotional symptoms of PMS can be more severe than the physical ones for some people.

What happens if you don't ovulate?

If no pregnancy takes place when you ovulate, estrogen and progesterone levels decline and androgens, such as testosterone, increase slightly. The androgens in your system stimulate production of sebum, an oil produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands. When too much sebum is produced, acne breakouts can result.

Why does my lower back hurt during my period?

Lower back pain. The uterine and abdominal contractions triggered by the release of prostaglandins may also cause muscle contractions to occur in the lower back. An aching or pulling feeling may result. Some may have significant lower back pain during their period.

How long does it take for PMS to dissipate?

PMS usually dissipates within a few days of menstruation. Here are the 10 most common signs that let you know your period is about to start.

How many people have PMS?

More than 90 percent of people experience PMS to some degree. For most, PMS symptoms are mild, but others have symptoms severe enough to disrupt daily activities. If you have PMS symptoms that interfere with your ability to work, go to school, or enjoy your day, talk to your doctor.

How do I deal with PMS and cramps?

PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome. It’s when the hormones that control your menstrual cycle cause changes in your body and emotions around the time of your period.

How to calm cramps before period?

You can calm cramps by taking pain medicine (like ibuprofen ). Putting a heating pad where it hurts, taking a hot bath, exercising, or stretching your body can also help.

What is the purpose of the menstrual cycle?

It’s controlled by hormones in your body. The purpose of the menstrual cycle is to help your body get ready for pregnancy. Your menstrual cycle = the time from the 1st day of your period to the 1st day of your next period. Learn more about how your menstrual cycle works.

What to do if PMS is bad?

If your PMS is so bad that it’s hard to do normal activities during your period, talk to an adult you trust or your family doctor. You can also call your local Planned Parenthood health center. You shouldn’t have to suffer every month, and they can help you find the cause and get treatment. YouTube. Planned Parenthood.

When do you start your period?

Menstruation (also known as having your period) is when blood from your uterus drips out of your vagina for a few days every month. You start getting your period during puberty, usually when you’re around 12-15 years old. Your menstrual cycle is what makes your period come every month. It’s controlled by hormones in your body.

Do you get PMS every time you have your period?

Some people get PMS every time they have their periods. Others only get PMS every once in awhile. You may have all or just some PMS symptoms. And some people don't get PMS at all. Learn more about PMS. Cramps are one of the most common symptoms to have before/during your period.

How often do you get your period?

Most people get their period every 21-35 days — around once a month (that’s why periods are sometimes called “that time of the month”). The bleeding lasts for 2-7 days — it’s different for everyone. Your period might not always come at the same time each month, especially when you first start getting it.

How long does it take for a period to end?

Period signs and symptoms usually end about 3-4 days after bleeding begins. Common signs that your period is approaching are: . You’re breaking out. Acneis a common problem at this time of the month. Adult women get acnemuch more than men do, and it’s all because of hormones.

Why do my breasts feel sore after my period?

Your breastsare sore or heavy. Breast pain linked to periods is called cyclical breast pain. Your breasts may feel tender or swollen right after ovulation until a few days after period bleeding starts. Changes in the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin, the breastfeedinghormone, may play a role.

What percentage of women have PMS?

Ninety percent of women have premenstrual syndrome(PMS) symptoms at some point in their reproductive life. Some women have more severe PMS signs and symptoms than others. Changing hormones are to blame for many uncomfortable or unpleasant period signs and symptoms like cramps and tender breasts.

What are cramps in the lower belly?

Cramps in your lower belly are the most frequent menstrual complaint. Cramps that occur before or during your period are called primary dysmenorrhea. Unlike many other symptoms, which begin 1-2 weeks before your period and end when bleeding starts, cramps usually show up right before your period and last for 2-3 days.

How to stop bloating during premenstrual period?

Water retention is another major complaint. It’s also hormonal, but you can curb premenstrual bloat by cutting out salt, eating more fruits and vegetables, and exercisingregularly.

Why does my lower back hurt during my period?

Your lower back hurts. Period cramps don’t just affect the belly. Changes in natural chemicals called prostaglandins that line the uterus cause contractions that you could also feel in your back or thighs.

Can anxiety make your period worse?

You’re anxious and depressed. Depressionand anxietyare commonly linked to PMS. About half the women who seek help for period signs have some type of depression or anxiety disorder. A history of either condition could make your premenstrual symptoms worse.

When Should I Expect My First Period

Most girls get their first period somewhere between the ages of 10 and 14, with an average of just over 12 years old. Its hard to tell when your first period will arrive. It usually happens about two years after the first signs of puberty , and about a year after you begin growing pubic hair.

Will I Have Periods Forever

You wont have a period for the rest of your life, but youll probably have it for quite some time.

How Do I Test My Cervical Mucus

Watching the changes in the amount and consistency of your cervical mucus can help you understand your cycle. Heres how it works: check your secretions before and after urinating by wiping with toilet paper. Alternatively you can insert a clean finger into your vagina to obtain a sample of mucus.

Can A Girl Get Pregnant As Soon As Her Period Starts

Yes, a girl can get pregnant as soon as her period starts. A girl can even get pregnant right before her very first period. This is because a girl’s hormones might already be active. The hormones may have led to and the building of the uterine wall. If a girl has sex, she can get pregnant, even though she has never had a period.

Signs Of Period Coming But No Period

If you experience signs of period coming but no period, then it may be due to pregnancy.

What Causes Menstrual Period To Come Out

Period occurs due to cyclical change of your hormones during your menstrual cycle.

What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but sometimes deadly condition caused by bacteria that make toxins or poisons. In 1980, 63 women died from TSS. A certain brand of super absorbency tampons was said to be the cause. These tampons were taken off the market.

Where do cramps occur?

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.

Does estrogen cause bloating?

Do you also feel bloated or have a heavy tummy sometimes? If yes, then your period might be on its way. The alternating estrogen and progesterone levels cause the body to retain more salt and water than it usually would. This results in bloating. It's a temporary feeling, and it dissipates after your period ends.

Is period pain as bad as heart attack?

Study says that Period pain is almost as bad as having a heart attack? Use our Period Pain Relief Patch, which has already helped thousands of women forget all about period cramps & pain.

Can you have bowel issues before your period?

Some women also experience bowel issues before their periods. Our digestive system is sensitive to hormonal changes which occur during menstruation. You may experience diarrhoea, constipation and nausea.

Is it normal to have cramps a week before your period?

Lower abdominal cramps a week before period are usually common and are experienced by most. However, severe pain followed by other symptoms is not normal and needs a doctor's consultation.

When do girls start to wonder when they have their period?

As they approach their teenage years, most girls start to wonder when their periods might start. Some look forward to this moment as a sign that they are really growing up. Others are a little nervous about how they will feel, or how they might manage their period.

How old do you have to be to get your first period?

With periods usually starting between the ages of 10-16 years, it can be hard to predict when your first period will arrive. However, your body will probably start to show some tell-tale signs when your first period is on its way. "Puberty has a predictable pattern," explains GP Dr Jeff Foster. "Understanding the significance of different signs such as breast development, vaginal discharge, pubic hair and underarm hair can give us an indication about whether a first period is likely to occur soon."

Can you predict when periods will begin?

Whilst the quiz will give you an idea about whether your periods might start soon, the result is only an indication of this, based on the answers you have given. If you are at all worried about changes to your body, or about periods in general, talk with a parent or with your GP about your concerns.

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