Period FAQs

when do girls start their period

by Brianne Spinka Sr. Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Most girls start their periods when they're about 12, but they can start as early as 8, so it's important to talk to girls from an early age to make sure they're prepared. Respond to questions or opportunities as they arise and do not be embarrassed. Periods are natural.

Full Answer

What age should a girl start their period?

Most girls get their first period when they're between 10 and 15 years old. The average age is 12, but every girl's body has its own schedule. 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.

When is the latest a girl should get her period?

When Do Most Girls Get Their Period? Most girls get their first period when they're around 12. But getting it any time between age 10 and 15 is OK. Every girl's body has its own schedule. There isn't one right age for a girl to get her period. But there are some clues that it will start soon: Most of the time, a girl gets her period about 2 years after her breasts start to develop.

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.

What is the average age girls start their period?

The average American girl will experience her first menstrual period, known as menarche, between the ages of 12 and 13 years old according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. However, some girls can experience this life event much sooner.

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?

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Is 9 years old too early for 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. Periods are likely to start soon if your child has: had a major growth spurt. grown some underarm and pubic hair.

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.

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 do you explain a period to a 9 year old?

You can say, “Most women have a period every month, meaning they bleed from their vagina a little. It's how the body gets ready for a baby one day, and the tampon catches the blood so it doesn't go into the underwear.” Kids should know what's going to happen to their bodies before reaching puberty.

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.

What is a 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.

How long after pubic hair is period?

For most people, these changes become noticeable around ages 8–10, but can happen earlier or later than that (1,2). Getting your period happens between one and three years later (2–2.5 years for most people) (3,4).

How long after armpit hair does period start?

Armpit hair is self-explanatory. Any amount will do. At this point, a girl will probably start her periods within 3-6 months, if she hasn't already.

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.

Do boys have periods?

Guys don't have periods because they don't have a uterus, but their bodies develop and change too – the changes are just different. For example: their voice changes and they develop hair on their face and other parts of their bodies. So, although guys don't get periods, their bodies do go through changes too.

At what age period stops?

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.

Do periods hurt?

Period pain is common and a normal part of your menstrual cycle. Most women get it at some point in their lives. It's usually felt as painful muscle cramps in the tummy, which can spread to the back and thighs. The pain sometimes comes in intense spasms, while at other times it may be dull but more constant.

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 happens before your period?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of symptoms that many women get about a week or two before their period. Most women, over 90%, say they get some premenstrual symptoms, such as bloating, headaches, and moodiness.

What does your first period feel like?

0:472:14What does the first period feel like? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor five to seven days the flow of blood is the heaviest on the first three days of the period. AndMoreFor five to seven days the flow of blood is the heaviest on the first three days of the period. And then it gradually lessens at the start of your period the blood would be bright red in color but

What are the symptoms of periods?

PMS (premenstrual syndrome)feeling bloated.breast tenderness.mood swings.feeling irritable.spotty skin or greasy hair.loss of interest in sex.

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.

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 Do Most Girls Get Their Period?

Most girls get their first period when they're around 12. But getting it any time between age 10 and 15 is OK. Every girl's body has its own schedule.

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

Most of the time, 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. This discharge usually begins about 6 months to a year before a girl gets her first period.

What Causes a Period?

A period happens because of changes in hormones in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers. The ovaries release the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones cause the lining of the uterus (or womb) to build up. The built-up lining is ready for a fertilized egg to attach to and start developing. If there is no fertilized egg, the lining breaks down and bleeds. Then the same process happens all over again.

How Does Ovulation Relate to Periods?

Ovulation (pronounced: ov-yoo-LAY-shun) 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.

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 ovulation and the building of the uterine wall. If a girl has sex, she can get pregnant, even though she has never had a period.

How Long Do Periods Last?

Periods usually last about 5 days. But a period can be shorter or last longer.

Should I Use a Pad, Tampon, or Menstrual Cup?

You have many choices about how to deal with period blood. You may need to experiment a bit to find which works best for you. Some girls use only one method and others switch between different methods.

Why do girls have periods at a young age?

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. In most cases, there is no obvious or abnormal reason for why the body has started producing these hormones early, although body weight, heredity, ethnicity and activity can be important factors, according to Dr. Kreckman. However, if a child develops breast buds before age 8 or periods before age 9, Dr. Kreckman advises a visit to your provider.

How old is the average woman when she has her first period?

The average American girl will experience her first menstrual period, known as menarche, between the ages of 12 and 13 years old according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. However, some girls can experience this life event much sooner.

What is the best website for girls to be strong?

Dr. Millin also recommends amightygirl.com, a website which encourages girls to be strong and embrace themselves. It has links to both fiction and nonfiction books addressing puberty in girls. Parents can also buy a fun Dot Girl: First Period Kit, which has all the supplies a girl will need during her period.

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.

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 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 old do you have to be to get your period?

Periods. While timelines can vary, most girls get their first period within 2 – 3 years after the development of breast buds. The average age for girls to get their first period in the United States is around age 12. It's important to emphasize that periods are a normal part of growing up.

Why is puberty so early?

Obesity is also a risk factor for earlier puberty, in part because body fat is involved in how the body processes hormones like estrogen.

What is the best medicine for period cramps?

Abdominal cramping or pain with periods is also common. For most people, ibuprofen or naproxen used as needed are the best medicines to help with period cramps. If menstrual cramps are severe or causing your child to miss school, talk to your pediatrician about other options.

Why do girls get acne?

Sweating under the armpits and increased body odor are also normal changes―and why most girls begin using deodorants and /or antiperspirants at the start of puberty. With more oil and sweat being made by the skin, girls this age may start wanting to shower or shampoo their hair more often.

Where does pubic hair grow?

Body Hair. Coarser hair will begin to grow in the genital area, under the arms, and on the legs. In some girls (about 15%), pubic hair may be the first sign of puberty―showing up before breast budding starts.

When does discharge start?

Vaginal Discharge. Some girls experience a small to moderate amount of clear or white vaginal discharge that starts about 6-12 months before their first period. This is a normal response to growing amounts of the hormone estrogen in the body.

Should girls shave their legs?

Around the time they reach middle school, many girls begin to show interest in shaving their legs and armpits. This is a personal choice; there is no medical reason to shave armpit or leg hair. Before giving them a razor, show them how to use it properly and avoid skin irritation and cuts, which can become infected.

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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