Period FAQs

what age do girls start their period

by Shanny Stracke Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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about 12

Full Answer

When do girls usually get their first 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.

How old are girls when they have their first period?

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 average age in which girls start to menstruate?

Girls are 12-13 years old, on average, when they get their first menstrual period (menarche), the committees note. That average age hasn't changed much in 30 years, though black girls go through menarche five months earlier than they did 30 years ago, according to the committees.

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.”

When do girls get their period?

How to prepare for a first period?

What hormones do you release during your period?

Why is it important to talk about your first period?

What factors determine the time of a period?

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

See 3 more

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What are the first signs of a girl starting her period?

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is when a girl has emotional and physical symptoms that happen before or during her period. These symptoms can include moodiness, sadness, anxiety, bloating, and acne. The symptoms go away after the first few days of a period.

Is it normal for a 9 year old to have a period?

Most young people will have their first periods when they're between 11 and 14½, but anywhere from 9-16 years is considered normal.

How do you know if your daughter is about to start her period?

Although there's no one right age for a girl to get her period, there are some clues that it will start soon. Typically, a girl gets her period about 2 years after her breasts start to develop. Another sign is vaginal discharge fluid (sort of like mucus) that a girl might see or feel on her underwear.

How soon after pubic hair does period start?

Pubic hair – Once her pubic hair starts growing, you can expect her period to develop in one to two years. It may begin soft and thin but it will become courser and thicker towards the end of puberty.

What's the youngest child to get pregnant?

1939: Lina Medina becomes the youngest confirmed mother in recorded medical history, delivering a son at the age of 5. The Peruvian child delivered a 5-pound, 8-ounce boy via caesarean section; her small pelvis made it impossible for the baby to pass through the birth canal. In a detailed report of the case, Dr.

What makes a period come early?

Early periods often result from hormonal changes, especially during puberty and perimenopause. Many underlying medical conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, can also cause menstrual irregularities.

What is the early period called?

Menarche is defined as the first menstrual period in a female adolescent. Menarche typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 16, with the average age of onset being 12.4 years.

What pads to buy for first period?

The 8 best pads to use for your first period1Always Radiant Teen Regular Pads with Wings. ... 2U by Kotex Fitness Ultra Thin. ... 3Playtex Sport Ultra-Thin Pad. ... 4Always Ultra Thin Unscented with Wings. ... 5U by Kotex Tween. ... 6Seventh Generation Free & Clear. ... 7Always Maxi Extra Heavy Overnight with Wings. ... 8Carefree Acti-Fresh Long.

What are the signs of puberty in girl?

These hormones cause the first signs of puberty, which are breast development, body odor, underarm hair, pubic hair and acne (pimples). Over time, girls will develop later signs of puberty, such as a growth spurt followed by starting their menstrual periods.

What are the 5 stages of puberty?

Tanner stages summaryTanner stages in malesAge at the startNoticeable changesStage 2Around age 11Pubic hair starts to formStage 3Around age 13Voice begins to change or “crack”; muscles get largerStage 4Around age 14Acne may appear; armpit hair formsStage 5Around age 15Facial hair comes in1 more row

Why is my daughter developing so early?

For most children, early puberty starts for no known reason. It can run in families. Sometimes there is a problem in the brain, such as an injury, a tumor or an infection. Early puberty can also be caused by a problem in the sex glands (testes or ovaries), the thyroid gland or the adrenal glands.

What are the five stages of female puberty?

The Stages of Puberty For GirlsStage One – ages 8-11. You can't see the first signs of puberty yet but the ovaries enlarge and hormone production begins.Stage Two – ages 8-14. Breast buds usually develop first. ... Stage Three – ages 9-15. ... Stage Four – ages 10-16. ... Stage Five – ages 12-19.

What would cause a girl to start her period at eight years old?

Most commonly, especially in girls, precocious puberty is due to the brain sending signals earlier than it should. There is no other underlying medical problem or trigger. This also can often run in families. Less often, precocious puberty stems from a more serious problem, such as a tumor or trauma.

Can a 9 year old have menstrual cramps?

Any girl who has her period can get cramps. Some are more likely to get them, such as girls who: are younger when their periods start. have longer periods or heavier blood flow.

What does an early period mean?

What does an early period mean? Getting your period early usually means your hormones are a slightly off-balance. Fluctuations in your hormones from month to month are common and are typically nothing to worry about, especially if you've only just started menstruating.

What can a 9 year old take for menstrual cramps?

If cramps bother your daughter, she can try: a warm heating pad on her belly. taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or store brand) or naproxen (Aleve or store brand); this works best if the medicine is started at the first sign of cramps.

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 ...

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.

Menstruation: What's Normal for Girls - WebMD

Nov. 7, 2006 -- New guidelines explain what to expect -- and when to see a doctor -- during a girl's first years of menstruation. The guidelines come from the American Academy of Pediatrics ...

When do girls start their periods?

Any amount will do. At this point, a girl will probably start her periods within 3-6 months, if she hasn't already. It also occurs right after the growth spurt of adolescence. So, if a girl grew, grew, grew, last year and has slowed down (no more than 2.5 inches a year) then periods are right around the corner.

What is the first period of a girl called?

A girl's first menstruation is called menarche. This is pronounced MEN-arc or MEN-arc-y. When a girl passes certain milestones in her development, but does not start having periods, this is called Primary Amenorrhea. This is pronounced A-men-or-rea or Ah-men-or-rea. The word primary is the part that means the girl has never had a period. The amenorrhea part means lack (a is Latin for none) of periods (menorrhea is Latin for "monthly flow"). This is to distinguish it from Secondary Amenorrhea, which is when a woman has had periods and then stops.

What are the two things that are most closely tied to the age when a girl starts her period?

The two things that are most closely tied to the age when a girl starts her periods, that she can readily assess herself are: first real bra and armpit hair . A "real" bra means one with a cup size attached to it, as opposed to small, medium, large distinctions. Armpit hair is self-explanatory. Any amount will do.

How long does it take to grow pubic hair?

Here is the sequence and time frame of events for an average girl. The girl will also begin her growth spurt about this time. She will notice pubic hair about 6 months later.

What is the average age for a black woman to have her period?

The average age for periods in the U.S. is 12.16 for black girls and 12.88 for whites. By age 11, 28% of black girls and 13.5% of whites menstruate. By age 12, 62% of blacks, and 35% of whites.

How old do you have to be to be a black?

On age alone: Age 15 1/2 to 16 1/2 for whites, age 14 1/2 to 15 1/2 for blacks.

When does your period follow a pattern?

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

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.

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 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.

Is your period a part of your period?

Your period is a part of your menstrual cycle. This means that, with time, your period will usually be on a predictable pattern.

Can you use period underwear on a lighter period?

Different types have different levels of absorbency. If you have a lighter period, you may be able to rely on only these. If you have a heavier period, you may enjoy using period underwear as a backup to prevent accidental leakage. There are a ton of different brands out there, but they all work in a similar way.

What is the average age to get your period?

In the 1950s and 60s, this number dropped to 13.5, then to 12.8 in the 1970s. Today, the average age to get your period sits at around 12.5 years old.

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

Today, the average age to get your period sits at around 12.5 years old. This might not seem like a huge jump, but it’s still a steady decline that should be noted, especially when there are girls getting their period as young as 7 or 8 – known as precocious puberty.

What makes your period thicker?

Now, you might be wondering how exactly this relates to the onset of your period, so let me explain. Fat cells make estrogen, so the more fat cells you have, the more estrogen you have in your body. If you’ve been checking out our previous blog posts or our Instagram (I hope you have been!), you know that estrogen is what makes your uterine lining thicken. When the lining of your uterus thickens and isn’t fertilized with an egg, it will begin to shed and voila: period.

Why do girls have their first period?

There’s an extensive amount of research that relates chronic stress to the onset of early puberty in girls, leading to their first period. The idea is that chronic stress is perceived by the brain as a low-grade threat, which triggers the brain to start reproduction. Wild, right?!

How do you know if your daughter is going through her period?

When a young girl hits puberty, some of the classic signs include body hair, a bigger/fuller chest and an increase in sweat. For signs your daughter’s period may be starting, read the last bit of our most recent blog post, here.

Is it bad to get your period at 7?

So basically - no, there isn’t a definitive reason why someone would get their period at 7 years old. I would like to stress that it’s not unhealthy to get your period at a young age, it’s more inconvenient, sucky and annoying. However, it does draw some attention to some bigger issues, like obesity, sexual and domestic violence and the environment. The moral of the story here is we need to take care of ourselves, our loved ones, and the planet we call home!

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.

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 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 To Prepare For Your First Period

Its difficult to predict when your first period will happen, so its a great idea to be prepared. You can take steps now to make sure youre ready when your first period occurs. Some steps to take include:

How Do I Deal With Pms And Cramps

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

How Does Puberty Affect Growth

Girls typically have a growth spurt in the one to two years before menstruation starts.

Causes & Risk Factors

Once a month, hormones cause the lining of the uterus to grow and thicken with extra blood and tissue in preparation for nourishing a fetus. When an egg is released by the ovaries but doesnt get fertilized by a sperm cell, the uterus sheds this extra lining it had prepared for a baby.

When Should I Talk To My Kids About Periods

Talking about periods shouldn’t be one big talk at a particular age. Instead, start the conversation early and slowly build on your child’s understanding. Girls and boys need reliable information about periods. So make sure you talk to your sons too!

Menstruation And The First Period: What Girls Should Know

âWhat are these, Mommy?â asked the 7-year-old girl, reaching into their motherâs vanity drawer and pulling out a box of tampons. Caught unprepared to talk about puberty and menstruation, their mother improvised. âUmâ¦theyâre windshield wiper cleaners, honey.â

What Should I Use

You can use Always Dailies pantyliners to help absorb daily discharge, and Always pads for your period.

Whats The Connection Between Puberty And Breast Development

Breast development is often the first sign of puberty. Breasts may start developing 2 to 2 1/2 years before a girl gets her period.

Periods And Additional Needs

Periods can be especially challenging for young people with additional needs and their parents. If your child has moderate to severe intellectual disability, they might not understand why theyre experiencing changes to their body and mood.

Research Suggests Certain Parenting Styles May Trigger Early Menstruation

The following is a guest post by my good friend, fellow Tar Heel and researcher Patty Kuo. She is currently a developmental psychology Ph.D. student at the University of Michigan, where her research interests include hormonal and neural correlates of parental care, and how the interrelationships in families affect parent-child relationships.

What Age Do Girls Start Their Period And Why Is It Getting Earlier

When do most girls get their period? The average age for girls to get their first menstrual cycle has been steadily dropping over the years. In 1928, the average age for American girls to get their period was 13.9. In the 1950s and 60s, this number dropped to 13.5, then to 12.8 in the 1970s.

Period Symptoms And Pain

When your childs period is coming, they might have a range of physical symptoms, including sore breasts, pimples and greasy hair. Your child might also have a sore tummy, feel sick or have diarrhoea.

Signs Your Daughter Is About To Start Her Period

When a young girl hits puberty, some of the classic signs include body hair, a bigger/fuller chest and an increase in sweat. For signs your daughters period may be starting, read the last bit of our most recent blog post, here.

What Age Is Considered Early For Menopause

If you reach menopause before age 40, that is considered premature menopause, says Faubion. This occurs in about 1 to 2 percent of women, she says.

When do girls start their period?

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.

How long does it take for a girl to get her period?

Girls tend to get their periods 2-3 years after their breasts start to develop and 6-12 months after they notice a mucus -like vaginal discharge in their underwear. All these milestones can happen later than average in some families, including yours. Still, your doctor may want to rule out other health problems.

Why does my period come late?

Too Much Exercise. Pushing your body too hard physically also can make your first period come late. This can happen with ballet dancers, runners, or other athletes. Intense workouts burn lots of calories and can leave very little body fat.

What happens if your mom doesn't get her period?

If your mom didn’t get their period until they were 15 or older, chances are that being a late bloomer runs in your family. That may especially be true if your aunts, grandmothers, and cousins also started menstruating only after they were well into high school.

Does weight affect your period?

If you weigh much less than normal, that can affect your hormone levels and prevent you from getting your period. If your weight is 10% less than what’s healthy for your height, it can keep your hormones from working right and actually stop your periods.

Can you take drugs to prevent your period?

Certain types of drugs can keep you from having a period, including those used to treat cancer, high blood pressure, allergies, and depression. If you’re taking any of them, your doctor may have explained that this could happen.

Can you have your first period if you are obese?

If you’re obese, you may not have your first period at the usual time, either. To set a monthly menstrual cycle, your body needs a normal range of fat levels. Too much or too little body fat can lead to delayed periods. Obesity for someone 5 feet, 2 inches tall starts at 155 pounds.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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