About 98% of girls begin their periods by age 15.
Knowing when to expect your child’s firstperiodmay make the transition easier for both of you.
Some signs of puberty and menstruation include physical changes like breast development and a growth spurt.
Georgijevic / Getty Images.
Other signs include mood changes, headaches, acne, and increased sweating.
Growth Spurt
A female child or adolescent will get her first period once she has gone throughpuberty.
Puberty is a time of natural development when a childs body becomes sexually mature.
One of the first signs of puberty is usually a growth spurt.
You may notice that your child is quickly getting taller.
She may experience other physical changes like widening hips or thighs.
She may also tell you that she has developed hair on her genitals.
Hair on the legs may appear thicker as well.
Emotional Changes
Many people of all ages experience emotional changes before getting their periods.
This is a common symptom ofpremenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Your child may seem more emotional and experience quick mood changes in a week or so before her period.
Headaches
Headachesare a common symptom of PMS.Your child may port headaches in the week before her first period.
Right before a period, the level of estrogen in the body drops.
The low estrogen level often causes headaches and other PMS symptoms like cramps and mood changes.
Acne
Many children and adolescents going through puberty experienceacne.
The skin is very sensitive to the hormonal changes taking place during puberty.
At this time, the skin produces more oil (sebum).
When this extra oil clogs the skin’s pores, acne develops.
Some people experience acne each month before their period.
This is also a time when the glands in the armpits start to produce body odor.
Breast Development
One of the first signs of puberty in females is breast development.
She may choose to start wearing a sports bra or other bra during the day.
Bloating, Cramps, and Back Pain
Common signs of PMS includebloating, cramping, and back pain.
Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels before menstruation may cause water retention, which leads to bloating.
Low levels of estrogen may cause discomfort from headaches, back pain, or cramping in the lower abdomen.
These symptoms usually occur in the week or a couple of days before a person gets their period.
Vaginal Discharge
Many people develop vaginal discharge before they get their first period.
The discharge may be slightly sticky or gooey.
It should not have a foul odor.
Discharge that is green or has a strong smell may indicate an infection that requires treatment.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is common before a person gets their period.
This is because hormonal changes affect the digestive tract too.
Before a period, the body releases chemicals calledprostaglandinsto cause the uterus to contract and start shedding its lining.
Prostaglandins may also cause the intestines to contract, leading to diarrhea or more frequent bowel movements.
Symptoms and Ages Vary
The symptoms and ages when girls get their first period vary greatly.
Everyones period is different.
Some people have very light periods or spotting at first, while others experience a heavy flow.
Several factors influence a persons age at menarche.
Genetics and environmental factors may impact when your daughter begins her periods.
Your child may feel excited, embarrassed, or uncertain.
It is important to tell your child that you are there for her and are comfortable with her questions.
Place the items in a small bag or pouch that she can keep in her backpack.
This article refers to your daughter but applies to parents or guardians of any child beginning to menstruate.
Verywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same.
Summary
Most females experience their first period (menarche) between the ages of 8 and 15.
The average age is 11 to 12.
Menstruation is the result of puberty.
Common signs of puberty include a growth spurt, breast development, acne, and increased sweating.
Before getting her period, your daughter may experience mood changes, headaches, cramps, or backache.
Talk with your child about what to expect.
Once your child gets her first period, provide her with period products and emotional support.
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American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Menstruation in girls and adolescents: using the menstrual cycle as a vital sign.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National Health Statistics Reports, Number 146, September 10, 2020.
Nemours KidsHealth.All about periods (for teens).
Office on Womens Health.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Nemours KidsHealth.When will I get my period?.
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MedlinePlus.Period pain.
