Period FAQs

when does your period start

by Dr. Ethelyn Ledner Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Periods usually begin at around the age of 12, although some girls will start them earlier or later. A delay in starting periods isn't usually a cause for concern. Most girls will be having regular periods by age 16 to 18. Read more about girls and puberty.

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. ...

When should I expect to start my period?

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).

When will you get your very first period?

Your first menstrual period is called menarche. It usually happens around age 12. But it is normal to start as early as age 9 or as late as age 15. Starting your period is a sign that you are growing up and becoming a woman.

When do I Start Counting for my period?

To figure out how long your cycle is, start at cycle day 1 of your last menstrual cycle and begin counting (Cycle day 1,2,3,4 and so forth). The length= the last cycle day before you started bleeding again. For example – According to the January and February calendars, the cycle length would be 30 days, meaning your period comes on average, every 30 days. However, keep in mind that your cycle may vary in length. Tags: menstrual cycle

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How do periods begin?

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.

How can you tell if your period is coming soon?

Common signs that your period is approaching are:You're breaking out. Acne is a common problem at this time of the month. ... Your breasts are sore or heavy. ... You're tired but you can't sleep. ... You have cramps. ... You're constipated or have diarrhea. ... You're bloated and gassy. ... You have a headache. ... You're having mood swings.More items...•

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.

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 can make period late?

The most common reasons are:pregnancy.stress.sudden weight loss.being overweight.doing too much exercise.taking the contraceptive pill.the menopause.polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

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.

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 is the youngest age a girl got her period?

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.

What discharge comes before period?

The white discharge you may see before your period is known as leukorrhea. It's filled with fluid and cells that are being shed from the vagina and may even look slightly yellow at times. This part of your menstrual cycle is called the luteal phase. It's when the hormone progesterone peaks in your body.

What is your discharge like before period?

Discharge before a period tends to be cloudy or white, due to the increased presence of progesterone, a hormone involved in both the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. In other phases of the cycle, when the body has higher levels of estrogen, vaginal discharge tends to be clear and watery.

What happens to your body a week before your period?

A week or two before your period starts, you may notice bloating, headaches, mood swings, or other physical and emotional changes. These monthly symptoms are known as premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. About 85% of women experience some degree of PMS.

What's The Menstrual Cycle?

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 o...

How Can I Track My Menstrual Cycle?

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...

What Causes Menstrual Cycle Irregularities?

Menstrual cycle irregularities can have many different causes, including: 1. Pregnancy or breast-feeding. A missed period can be an early sign of p...

What Can I Do to Prevent Menstrual Irregularities?

For some women, use of birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles. Treatment for any underlying problems, such as an eating disorder, a...

When does a girl usually get her first period?

The average age for a girl in the United States to get her first period is 12. 6 This does not mean that all girls start at the same age.

How long does a woman usually have periods?

On average, women get a period for about 40 years of their life. 6, 7 Most women have regular periods until perimenopause, the time when your body begins the change to menopause. Perimenopause, or transition to menopause, may take a few years. During this time, your period may not come regularly. Menopause happens when you have not had a period for 12 months in a row. For most women, this happens between the ages of 45 and 55. The average age of menopause in the United States is 52.

What is the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is the monthly hormonal cycle a female’s body goes through to prepare for pregnancy. Your menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of your period up to the first day of your next period. Your hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) usually change throughout the menstrual cycle and can cause menstrual symptoms.

How long is a typical menstrual cycle?

The typical menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but each woman is different. 2 Also, a woman’s menstrual cycle length might be different from month-to-month. Your periods are still “regular” if they usually come every 24 to 38 days. 3 This means that the time from the first day of your last period up to the start of your next period is at least 24 days but not more than 38 days.

How does my menstrual cycle change as I get older?

Often, periods are heavier when you are younger (in your teens) and usually get lighter in your 20s and 30s. This is normal.

How often should I change my pad, tampon, menstrual cup, sponge, or period panties?

Follow the instructions that came with your period product. Try to change or rinse your feminine hygiene product before it becomes soaked through or full.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is when the ovary releases an egg so it can be fertilized by a sperm in order to make a baby. A woman is most likely to get pregnant if she has sex without birth control in the three days before and up to the day of ovulation (since the sperm are already in place and ready to fertilize the egg as soon as it is released). A man’s sperm can live for 3 to 5 days in a woman’s reproductive organs, but a woman’s egg lives for just 12 to 24 hours after ovulation.

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 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.

How long does it take for your period to stop?

In addition, consult your health care provider if: Your periods suddenly stop for more than 90 days — and you're not pregnant. Your periods become erratic after having been regular. You bleed for more than seven days. You bleed more heavily than usual or soak through more than one pad or tampon every hour or two.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

Can you use a tampon on your period?

You can use pads, tampons, period underwear, or a menstrual cup to collect the blood, so it doesn’t get on your clothes. Learn more about using tampons, period underwear, pads, and cups. Some people get cramps or other symptoms before and/or during their period — this is called PMS.

Can you track your period?

You can also track your period using our app, to help get a better idea of when your period is coming and what side effects to expect. Getting your period is a healthy part of growing up. Periods don’t have to stop you from going to school, doing sports, swimming, or hanging out with your friends — you can do all your normal activities ...

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.

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 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.

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 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 .

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.

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.

What hormones cause contractions?

The production of hormone-like lipids called prostaglandins trigger these contractions. Although these lipids cause inflammation, they also help regulate ovulation and menstruation.

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.

What is the first day of the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle begins with the first day of bleeding and ends the day before the next menstrual bleeding . There are essentially two halves of the menstrual cycle: The follicular phase aka pre-ovulatory phase, when the follicle develops inside the ovary. The follicular phase can be further divided into the first couple ...

How many days before your period should you count?

Count forward however many days your menstrual cycle normally is before you start. If you don't know, then just count 28 days. Put your initials or some other identifying mark on the last day. This is when your next period should start. That's it!

What causes pain to occur 7-10 days before your period?

Any abdominal or pelvic pain occurring monthly should be examined to see what changes in anatomy and physiology may be responsible for causing the pain.

What gland is located on the ovaries during the period?

In the week or two prior to a menstrual period, a corpus luteum cystic gland forms on one of the ovaries at the site where an egg was released from that ovary. This is a hormonally functional gland that produces progesterone primarily. The gland causes the ovary to become larger and heavier for a while until the cystic area goes away when your period starts.

Why does my ovulation pain alternate sides?

One would expect the pain to alternate sides if it were due to a corpus luteum gland because ovulation usually alters one month from one ovary and one month from the other. However, we have seen ovulation occur pretty regularly from only one ovary even though there appears to be no disease in the other one.

Why does my ovary get bigger during my period?

The gland causes the ovary to become larger and heavier for a while until the cystic area goes away when your period starts. The other main pelvic change during this time is that the veins of the pelvis often swell (dilate) under the influence of progesterone.

How to know when you can get pregnant?

If you are trying to get pregnant and you have regular spotting before your real period begins, we suggest that in addition to using the ovulation calendar, you also use the BBT (basal body temperature) and an ovulation detection tool in order to find out when you can get pregnant. If you have a lot of spotting, you might want to talk to your Ob-Gyn and assess your progesterone level shortly after presumed ovulation.

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