Period FAQs

how long is your first period

by Ayla Lemke Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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When you first start having your period, it may last only a few days. Your first few periods may be very light. You may only see a few spots of reddish brown blood. Anywhere from 2 to 7 days is normal.

How much longer until I get my first period?

First Period Symptoms Puberty in itself is a big sign that your first period’s on its way. Here are a few to look out for, too: Here are a few to look out for, too: Developing breast "buds": It can take three to four years for your breasts to then fully develop, but you can expect your period about two years after your breasts start developing.

How many days should your first period last?

Your first period should last anywhere from 2 to 7 days. It may be very light, with just a few spots of brownish blood. Or it may start and end more brownish, but be brighter red on heavier flow days.

How long does it usually take to start a period?

How long after pubic hair does menstruation 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.

How long will vaginal discharge last before my first period?

Vaginal discharge normally begins anywhere from a year to six months before the start of the first period and will continue until menopause. The amount of vaginal discharge will vary between women, and each woman also has a different idea of what a normal amount is for her.

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Is your first period usually long?

Your first period might not last very long, as it can take your body some months to get into a regular pattern. As a general rule, once they're settled, you'll have a period every 28 to 30 days and it will last 3 to 7 days.

How long is a period for a 11 year old?

Periods usually last about 5 days.

How long does a period last for a 12 year old first time?

Typically, your first period will last from two to seven days and it may be very light, perhaps just spots of blood.

Is a girls first period heavy?

The first period often is very heavy and painful. Ovulation, or the process of making an egg, helps make a “normal” period. Unfortunately, many girls do not ovulate in the beginning, resulting in heavy bleeding. Some girls also may have a bleeding problem that shows up when they start having periods.

Which age periods will stop?

Naturally declining reproductive hormones. In your 40s, your menstrual periods may become longer or shorter, heavier or lighter, and more or less frequent, until eventually — on average, by age 51 — your ovaries stop releasing eggs, and you have no more periods.

What will a girl's first period be like?

Your first period should last anywhere from 2 to 7 days. It may be very light, with just a few spots of brownish blood. Or it may start and end more brownish, but be brighter red on heavier flow days.

Is it normal to miss a period at 13?

It's common, especially in the first 2 years after a girl starts getting her period, to skip periods or to have irregular periods. Illness, rapid weight change, or stress can also make things more unpredictable.

Will a girl grow after her period?

For most girls, puberty occurs between 8 and 13 years old and the growth spurt occurs between 10 and 14 years old. They grow just 1 to 2 additional inches in the year or two after getting their first period. This is when they reach their adult height.

Is your first period Brown?

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.

Is first period painful?

Girls commonly experience pain and tightness in their lower abdomen and back around the start of their period. These cramps are usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, but you should talk to your daughter's doctor if her cramps are severe.

What is a girl's first period called?

Your first menstrual period is called menarche. It usually happens around age 12. But it may start earlier or later. Your period is a part of your menstrual cycle.

What color is your first period?

Your first few periods may be very light. You may only see a few spots of reddish brown blood. Anywhere from 2 to 7 days is normal.

How many days is a normal period last?

A period is made up of blood and the womb lining. The first day of a woman's period is day 1 of the menstrual cycle. "Periods last around 2 to 7 days, and women lose about 3 to 5 tablespoons of blood in a period," says Belfield.

What age girls get pubic hair?

Between the ages of 8 and 13, girls typically experience: Their breasts begin to bud, and their areolas (pigmented area around the nipple) enlarge. Scant pubic hair appears. Height increases by about 2¾ inches per year.

Can you still grow after 2 years of having your period?

On average, girls grow about 3 inches (8 cm) per year during the growth spurt. Girls usually stop growing taller about 2 years after starting their menstrual period.

What are signs of no period?

Depending on the cause of amenorrhea, you might experience other signs or symptoms along with the absence of periods, such as:Milky nipple discharge.Hair loss.Headache.Vision changes.Excess facial hair.Pelvic pain.Acne.

What is period pad?

Sanitary pads are a popular form of period protection. They line the underwear with absorbent material, which soaks up the blood.

What does it mean when you have your first period?

The first period usually means that ovulation has occurred. Ovulation means that pregnancy is possible. However, both periods and ovulation can be irregular during the first few years after the first period, making it difficult to predict fertility.

How long does a period last?

Most periods last for 3–7 days. However, first periods can be less predictable, so they may be slightly shorter or longer.

What to do if you don't have a pad for your period?

If it is not possible to use a pad or tampon, try to wrap something absorbent, such as toilet paper or a clean washcloth, around the crotch area of some underwear. This can absorb the blood and prevent leaks. It can be helpful to prepare a period kit before the first period arrives. This can help with feeling ready.

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

Around 98% of females begin their first period by the time they are 15 years of age, but the average age has decreased over time.

What happens when the ovaries release an egg into the fallopian tube?

This happens when the ovaries release an egg into the fallopian tube. When this happens, the womb lining thickens in preparation for the egg to be fertilized. If fertilization does not occur, the lining sheds, as the body no longer needs it. This is where period blood comes from.

Why do we keep period products in our bag?

keeping period products in one’s bag, in case it becomes necessary to use one at short notice

How long should a tampon stay in your vagina?

Tampons must be changed every eight hours at most. Leaving a tampon in for more than eight hours can increase your risk for irritation or infection as a result of the bacteria present.

What to do if you feel like you're losing blood?

Heavier bleeding isn’t necessarily cause for concern. But if you feel like you’re losing too much blood, tell your guardian or talk to the school nurse. You should also tell a trusted adult if you: have to change your pad, tampon, or menstrual cup every one to two hours. feel lightheaded.

What is period underwear?

Period underwear is a relatively new invention. It’s like regular underwear, except it’s created with a special fabric that absorbs menstrual tissue and traps it within the fabric.

Why does my period start bleeding?

The uterine lining thickens so it can support a fertilized egg and develop into a pregnancy. If there isn’t a fertilized egg, your body will break the lining down and push it out of your uterus. This results in bleeding — your menstrual period.

How long does a period last?

(2019). 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.

When does your period follow a pattern?

Your monthly period will follow a more consistent pattern once your hormones stabilize.

Do you need a pad for your period?

Generally speaking, the smaller the pad, the less blood it can hold. You’ll 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 don’t have to worry about leakage.

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. It’s hard to tell when your first period will arrive. It usually happens about two years after the first signs of puberty (usually breast development), and about a year after you begin growing pubic hair. You will also notice white or yellowish vaginal discharge in the few months leading up to your period.

What will my first period feel like?

You may find your first period comes and goes with very little in the way of symptoms, or you may find you experience quite a bit of discomfort. Common symptoms include:

How do I know when I will get my next period?

It’s impossible to predict when your next period will start. Most girls and women go about 28 days from the first day of one period to the first day of the next, but anywhere from 21-35 days is normal. Especially in the first few years of menstruating, your period may be very irregular. If you track your period on a calendar (start day, number of days of bleeding, any symptoms), you will begin to notice a pattern over time. You can use this ‘ menstrual diary ‘ to keep track of your periods.

What if my period doesn’t come – or if it starts when I am very young?

If you have not had a first period by the age of 15, or it’s been more than two to three years since your breasts started developing and you have not had a period, it’s 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, it’s a good idea to see your doctor to rule out other underlying medical conditions.

How do I use a pad?

Disposable pads have an adhesive backing. Peel off the paper that covers the sticky side, and adhere the pad to the inside of your underwear. Pads should be disposed of in the garbage, and not flushed down the toilet.

How do I use a tampon?

After a few tries, you will figure out what works best for you. It’s best to use ‘slender’ size tampons when you are learning. If you aren’t exactly sure where your vaginal opening is, use a mirror to have a look at your vulva (the exterior part of your genitals – see diagram ).

What are underwear tabs made of?

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.

How does a woman's body work during her period?

Overview. Menstruation typically works on a monthly cycle. It’s the process a woman’s body goes through as it prepares for possible pregnancy. During this process, an egg will be released from the ovaries. If that egg isn’t fertilized, the lining of the uterus is shed through the vagina during a woman’s menstrual period.

What causes irregular menstrual cycles?

Other factors that can make you irregular, or cause changes to your menstrual cycle, include: 1 extreme weight loss 2 excessive exercising 3 infections to the reproductive organs, like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) 4 conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) 5 increased stress 6 changes in diet

What is the follicular phase?

The follicular phase. The follicular phase starts on the first day of menstruation and ends when ovulation begins. During this stage, the ovaries produce follicles, which then house eggs. This stimulates the thickening of the uterus’s lining. There’s an increase in estrogen during this time.

How long does a woman's period last?

Your period, also known as menstruation, typically lasts anywhere from two to eight days. Many women experience symptoms during their period. Certain symptoms like cramping or mood changes can begin before the actual period.

What are the symptoms of a woman's period?

Many women experience symptoms during their period. Certain symptoms like cramping or mood changes can begin before the actual period. This is often called premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Most women’s menstrual symptoms resolve after the period is over.

How long does it take for a woman's period to stabilize?

Their periods will often shorten and stabilize between one and three years after menstruation begins. Irregular periods include periods that are lighter, heavier, arrive unpredictably, or last longer or shorter than the average.

How long does it take for your period to stop?

These symptoms include: Your period becomes irregular after it’s been steady and predictable for a long time. Your periods suddenly stop for 90 days or more and you aren’t pregnant. You think you may be pregnant. Your period lasts for more than eight days. You bleed much more heavily than usual.

Is It Normal to Skip a Period Sometimes?

Skipped or irregular periods are common during the first few years after you start menstruating. It will take at least that long for your newly fluctuating hormones to settle down.

Will Exercise Stop My Period?

Why this happens isn't clearly understood, but is likely a combination of extreme exercise, an increase in lean body mass, not eating enough or getting the proper nutrients, and stress related to competition.

Are Clots in Menstrual Blood Normal?

It can be scary to discover clumps of brown or black tissue in your menstrual flow, but it's rarely something to worry about.

Do Periods Sync?

Women who live together sometimes report that their menstrual cycles sync up. Some research states that this is a myth. 3

What to use for a leaky period?

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.

When do girls get their period?

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.

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What does it mean when you have a white discharge?

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. Your period should start in the next few months! You will find out more information about vaginal discharge in our article Vaginal discharge: Icky but Amazing .

What to put in a period emergency kit?

Here are some ideas: Prepare an emergency kit containing a pantiliner, pad and clean underwear in a discreet bag. Keep a pantiliner or pad in your book bag or purse.

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

Although a lot of girls get their first period between 11 and 13 years old, you could get yours anywhere between 9 and 16. Everyone has her 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 do you know it’s on its way? Watch for these signs.

When do you start growing pubic hair?

Growing pubic hair: Just after your breasts start to form, you'll probably start growing pubic hair. It will be soft and thin at first, but it’ll get coarser over time. Your period usually arrives around one to two years after.

Can toilet paper work in an emergency?

In an emergency, toilet paper can work until you can get a pantiliner or pad

What causes menstrual cycle irregularities?

Menstrual cycle irregularities can have many different causes, including:

What is the process of ovulation?

The menstrual cycle is the monthly series of changes a woman's body goes through in preparation for the possibility of pregnancy. Each month, one of the ovaries releases an egg — a process called ovulation. At the same time, hormonal changes prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If ovulation takes place and the egg isn't fertilized, ...

Why is it important to track your period?

Tracking your menstrual cycles can help you understand what's normal for you, time ovulation and identify important changes — such as a missed period or unpredictable menstrual bleeding. While menstrual cycle irregularities usually aren't serious, sometimes they can signal health problems.

What is premature ovarian failure?

Premature ovarian failure. Premature ovarian failure refers to the loss of normal ovarian function before age 40. Women who have premature ovarian failure — also known as primary ovarian insufficiency — might have irregular or occasional periods for years. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

What to do if you have questions about your menstrual cycle?

If you have questions or concerns about your menstrual cycle, talk to your health care provider.

How to find out what's normal for you?

To find out what's normal for you, start keeping a record of your menstrual cycle on a calendar. Begin by tracking your start date every month for several months in a row to identify the regularity of your periods. If you're concerned about your periods, then also make note of the following every month: End date.

How long does a woman's period last?

Menstrual flow might occur every 21 to 35 days and last two to seven days. For the first few years after menstruation begins, long cycles are common.

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