Your First Period (2024)

FAQs

Your First 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.

When you first start having your period, it may last only a few days. Your first few periods may be very light. You may only see a few spots of reddish brown blood. Anywhere from 2 to 7 days is normal.

The first period typically occurs after a female first ovulates. This happens when the ovaries release an egg into the fallopian tube. When this happens, the womb lining thickens in preparation for the egg to be fertilized. If fertilization does not occur, the lining sheds, as the body no longer needs it.

When do most girls get 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.

Your first period might not last very long, as it can take your body some months to get into a regular pattern. As a general rule, once they're settled, you'll have a period every 23 to 35 days and it will last 2 to 7 days.

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.

Most of the time, a girl gets her period about 2 years after her breasts start to develop. Another sign is vagin*l 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.

By being informed, empathetic and creating a safe space, you can make these conversations a natural part of your relationship. With time, you'll find that talking about periods is another way to connect with your daughter. Let your daughter know you're there to provide support, answer questions, and offer guidance.

For most girls, their first menstrual period, or menarche (say: MEH-nar-kee), begins about 2 years after she first starts to get breasts. For most girls this is around age 12. But it can be as early as age 8 or as late as 15.

Sometimes it's hard to feel confident on your period.

Remind them how beautiful they are to boost their confidence and make them feel appreciated. Alternatively, try, "I hope you remember how beautiful you are!" or "Can't wait to see your gorgeous face tonight."

Are first periods heavy? ›

Although a person's first few periods are often light — bringing a few spots of red-brown blood throughout the week — you may have a heavier flow. Your monthly period will follow a more consistent pattern once your hormones stabilize.

'Period' comes from the Greek words peri' and 'hodos' (periodos) meaning 'around' and 'way/path'. This eventually turned into the Latin 'periodus' meaning 'recurring cycle'. The English term 'period' to describe menstruation began in the early 1800s.

Be straightforward and honest! Say something like, "I want you to know I'm not feeling very good because I just started my period," or, "It's my time of the month." Or, come up with a code-word to use in public, like, "I think there's a full moon tonight."

When you first start having your period, the bleeding may last only a few days or be really light (meaning not that much blood comes out). During your period, it's normal to bleed anywhere from 2 to 7 days.

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 will my first period last? 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.

Will my daughter grow taller after she starts her period? A girl's largest growth spurt is typically just before she starts her period. A girl may grow slightly after she starts her period, but her major growth spurt is finished before the first period.