Period FAQs

what age are you supposed to get your period

by Alan Schmidt DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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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 age are you most likely to start your periods?

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 is the youngest age to start a period?

“It is not uncommon for girls to start their period as young as 8 or 9,” says Dr. Sara Kreckman, UnityPoint Health pediatrician. “This can be both emotionally and mentally challenging for girls this young, as well as their parents.”

How will you know when your period is going to start?

Abdominal cramps. Abdominal, or menstrual, cramps are also called primary dysmenorrhea. They're a common PMS symptom. Breakouts. Around half of all women notice an increase in acne about a week before their period starts. Tender breasts. During the first half of the menstrual cycle (which starts on the first day of your... More ...

What is the average age to start your period at?

Your periods will start when your body is ready. That's usually between the ages of 10 and 16. See a GP if your periods haven't started by age 16 (or 14 if there are no other signs of puberty either). Possible reasons include being underweight, doing lots of exercise (including dance, gymnastics and athletics) and a hormone imbalance.

What hormones do you release during your period?

What is it called when you have a period without an egg?

How to prepare for a first period?

Why is it important to talk about your first period?

What factors determine the time of a period?

When do girls get their period?

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Is it normal to get your period at age 11?

When do periods start? Most young people will have their first periods when they're 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.

What is the youngest age to get the period?

Most girls will get their first period sometime between the ages of 10 and 15. However, a first period can occur as young as 8, so it's a good idea to be prepared. The age of a first period can be impacted by genetics, diet, environment, weight, and other factors.

What age period stops?

Overview. Menopause is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It's diagnosed after you've gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s, but the average age is 51 in the United States.

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.

Who is the oldest person to get their period?

The median age at natural menopause was 50.9 yr. The oldest menstruating women were 57 yr old.

Why do periods hurt?

Period pain happens when the muscular wall of the womb tightens (contracts). Mild contractions continually occur in your womb, but they're usually so mild that most women cannot feel them. During your period, the wall of the womb starts to contract more vigorously to help the womb lining shed as part of your period.

Can you have a period at 60?

Any woman still experiencing a menstrual cycle in her late 50s and 60s should see a doctor. However, it's important to note that each woman's reproductive system is different. Just as each young woman starts menstruating at a different age, menopause comes at a different age for each woman.

Will my period ever end?

In menopause (say: MEH-nuh-pawz), which occurs in older women, periods stop forever! During the menstrual cycle, the body is preparing the uterus just in case an egg is fertilized. If that happens, the woman will not get her period because that buildup of tissue and blood will be needed as the baby develops.

Do periods get worse with age?

Periods can get heavier and more painful for some women after the age of 40. Sometimes it is a nuisance and sometimes it is a cause for concern.

Do men have periods?

According to one study, around 26 % of men experience these regular “man periods.” Men have hormonal cycles. While they may not be the same type of “monthly” cycles that women have, men have hormonal cycles. Typically, testosterone levels are higher in the morning and lower at night.

How can I make my period start?

Can I Make My Period Come? 6 Ways To Jumpstart Your Menstrual CycleTake Your Birth Control. If you're on the pill, you can manipulate when you'll get your period and when you won't. ... Try Parsley Tea. ... Have Sex. ... Reduce Your Stress. ... Exercise. ... Drink Tropical Juices.

Can you have a period but not bleed?

Very rarely a girl can have periods and not see blood come out of the vagina because the hymen isn't open. If it's been more than two and a half years since breast development started and you are having symptoms of a period but seeing no blood, it's time to head to your healthcare provider for assessment.

When was the first period recorded?

The Early Middle Ages (5th Century-12th Century) There's not a ton of historical records about the age of first menstruation before the Middle Ages. In his book, Women's Bodies, Edward Shorter estimates that most ancient Roman women got their periods between the ages of 13 or 14.

What does a girl's first period look 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.

Why did my 9 year old start her period?

If a girl starts menstruation at a young age, it's usually because the hormones in her body responsible for puberty are being produced earlier.

What causes early period?

An early period may be due to lifestyle changes like periods of stress, strenuous exercise, or drastic weight changes that alter your hormone production. But early periods can also be caused by underlying conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.

No Period by Age 15? 10 Possible Reasons for the Delay - WebMD

Girls usually get their first menstrual period when they’re 12 or 13. It’s a sign that your body is maturing, so that one day, if you want to, you should be able to have a baby.. By age 15, 98 ...

Is it Normal for Girls to Have Periods at Age 9? - US News & World Report

With every milestone or biologic happening, there is a range of normal. Think about height. Plenty of people are 5'6" and are normal, but so are the folks who are 6'2 and those who are 5'3".

I Started My Period At Age 10. My Mom Made It The Best Day Ever. - HuffPost

A stranger would probably have remarked on her surprising strength, but by the time I could form memories, I was already used to it. When my mom put her mind to something, from chopping wood to surviving poverty to becoming one of the first women on the local sheriff’s department, she didn’t care what people assumed she was capable of.

First Menstruation: Average Age and Physical Signs - Contemporary OB/GYN

Physical Signs That Precede First Menstruation. While girls vary in the ages that they are when they start their periods and when the other signs of puberty occur, the order is fairly consistent.

How long before your period do you have to be ready?

Usually, this happens about 6 months before you get your first period. If you think you're getting close to your first period, it might make you more comfortable to be ready. Put a pad and change of underwear in your backpack or purse in case your period comes when you aren't at home.

How do you know if you're getting your first period?

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.

When do you start your period?

This means a lot of growing and changing — both inside and out. Some girls start puberty at age 8, and others may start as late as 13 or 14.

When does hair grow under arms?

For most girls this is around age 12. But it can be as early as age 8 or as late as 15.

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.

Why is early menarche bad?

According to a huge UK study done in 2010 of 80,000 women, early menarche is also associated with low birth weight, exposure to smoking, lack of exercise as a kid, and childhood obesity. So basically, if things are a bit rubbish or unhealthy when you're a kid, your body tries to make you an adult ASAP.

What are the effects of early puberty on girls?

Unfortunately — but also obviously, alas — girls who'd experienced radically early puberty also reported higher levels of bullying, ostracism, depression, and socially aggressive behavior, according to the University of Michigan. They're also more likely to develop substance abuse problems later in life.

What is the average age of menarche?

The difference isn't great — in the U.S., the average age of menarche is 12.88 for white girls and 12.16 for African American girls. And statistics place the average for Hispanic girls somewhere between those two.

Does a pre-menarche increase the chances of breast cancer?

Statistics show that, nastily enough, a pre-12 menarche has been linked to a 20 percent higher likelihood of a breast cancer diagnosis at some point in later life. The general rule is that for every extra year a woman menstruates before the average, you can add five percent to her chances of developing breast cancer.

Does menarche affect menopause?

Interestingly, though, the age of menarche has no influence on when you'll hit menopause; the two things are completely independent.

Why do African American girls have higher IGF-1 levels?

African American girls have higher levels of IGF-1 ( insulin-like growth factor 1 ), a protein that has a huge influence on how fast we age and mature. A bigger IGF-1 dose may just mean that one's body grows up faster.

Why is the average age of first period getting lower?

That may be partially due to better nutrition, which means that we weigh more at a younger age, and thus our bodies can cope with childbearing earlier.

How much does a 5'6 person weigh?

Plenty of people are 5'6" and are normal, but so are the folks who are 6'2 and those who are 5'3". Same with weight. Weighing 105 lbs is normal, so is weighing 140 lbs. It does matter, though, how old you are, what racial or ethnic group you come from, and what your parents' height and weight were.

Do girls start menarche on the early side?

It also matters if—all of a sudden—your weight or height changed or if you attained it at an appropriate pace. The same is true of menarche. Because this biologic occurrence has a range, some girls will start menarche on the early side, and some on the later end.

When do girls start their menstrual cycle?

Most girls begin their menstrual cycles just before reaching their teens, when their bodies are growing into early womanhood. The average age of menarche (or the beginning of menstruation) in the United States is 12.5 years.

Is Health Advice Disclaimer a substitute for professional medical advice?

It does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship, and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating… Read more >>

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.

Why does my uterus shed?

This causes your uterine lining to thicken in preparation for implantation and pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, your progesterone levels will drop. This causes your uterine lining to shed, signaling day one of your new menstrual cycle.

What causes lateness in men?

significant weight changes. hormonal birth control. perimenopause. Chronic lateness may be caused by an underlying condition. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), for example, can cause: irregular periods. excess hair growth on the body. unexpected weight gain.

How long does it take for an egg to ovulate?

Ovulation usually occurs between days 10 and 14 of your cycle. The increase in estrogen prompts your body to produce luteinizing hormone. It triggers the release of a mature egg for potential fertilization. This egg is released into your fallopian tube. It’ll stay there for about 24 hours.

How long does an egg stay in the fallopian tube?

This egg is released into your fallopian tube. It’ll stay there for about 24 hours. If the egg isn’t fertilized, it’ll be shed in your menstrual flow.

How long after a period can you see a doctor?

If you’re still experiencing shorter cycles (having more than one period in a single month), see a doctor after six weeks of irregularity. They can determine what’s causing your irregularity and advise you on any next steps.

What to do if you suspect pregnancy?

If you suspect pregnancy or another underlying condition is to blame, make an appointment with a doctor. They can assess your symptoms and advise you on any next steps.

What is the first day of your flow?

The first day of your flow is day one of your cycle.

What hormones do you release during your period?

A period happens when your brain sends a signal to your ovaries to release hormones called estrogen and progesterone.

What is it called when you have a period without an egg?

This blood is what is seen during a period. This cycle repeats every month and is called a menstrual cycle .

How to prepare for a first period?

You can help your child prepare for a first period by having an open and direct conversation about periods and what to expect. It’s also a good idea for your child to begin keeping menstrual supplies and an extra pair of pants in their bag or at school.

Why is it important to talk about your first period?

However, a first period is part of overall health and development, and having an honest conversation about it is an important way to help your child as they grow up.

What factors determine the time of a period?

Factors such as family history, race, diet, environment, and weight can all determine the time a first period occurs. Children who participate in intense athletics or are underweight might get their periods later.

When do girls get their period?

Most girls will get their first period sometime between the ages of 10 and 15. However, a first period can occur as young as 8, so it’s a good idea to be prepared. The age of a first period can be impacted by genetics, diet, environment, weight, and other factors.

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