Every girl, when she reaches the age of 8 or 9, already starts to notice some changes in women’s bodies, mainly by observing her mother. It is natural for girls in this age range to feel anxious while waiting for their first period, wondering what it will be like and how it will feel, but it is normal for it to happen between ages 9 and 16, being most common around age 12 due to development.
The first period, also known in medicine as menarche1, can occur early at age 8, due to some hormonal factors in the girl and, according to some specialists, diet and lifestyle can also make this happen sooner. The body will show some signs that the first period is getting close, but of course, it’s impossible to know the exact date as it simply happens. These signs show that your body is preparing, developing, and maturing sexually.
That’s why it’s essential for mothers to talk to their daughters and explain about this stage of a girl’s life and what will happen afterwards. After the first period, the girl can already get pregnant and also contract sexually transmitted infections, so greater care and advice are needed.
Signs That the First Period Is Coming
PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms also occur with girls who are about to have their first period, including irritability, heightened emotions, and a lot of anxiety, because their hormones are overflowing2.
Breast growth and sensitivity – One of the clearest signs of entering puberty is breast growth, causing a lot of sensitivity. It is normal for breasts to grow unevenly, with one being larger than the other for a while. It is recommended for girls to use padded bras at this stage, as they provide better support, protection, and comfort.
Body Hair Growth – Another clear sign is the growth of pubic and underarm hair, which usually happens after breast development starts. Initially, the hair is fine and soft, becoming thicker as the girl’s body develops.
Vaginal Discharge – A sign that should be monitored carefully is discharge, because it is natural to have whitish or yellowish vaginal discharge in the period leading up to the first period, usually beginning to appear about 6 months before it happens3. Discharge can increase significantly in the week when the first period will occur, so it’s worth keeping an eye out and preparing even more for this moment.
These are signs that are often accompanied by cramps and mood changes, and they can be relieved with some easily accessible medications that provide almost immediate relief. Besides breast growth and pubic hair development, the hips will widen, making the girl’s body look more and more like a woman’s.
When the first period happens, the cycle will last on average from 3 to 8 days and will be dark or brown in color, and it should return about every 30 days. It is not a rule for a girl to have a regular cycle, because in the first year of her menstrual cycle it’s normal to have cycle variations, which usually regulate naturally over time.
Ideally, you should be prepared and know how to prepare your daughter for this moment, without too much anxiety or making her feel exposed, since girls are more reserved about this subject. Take her to see the variety and options of pads and how to use them; more than ever, she will need you by her side to guide her.
Since it’s a whole new world, teaching how to use a pad and all hygiene care is also essential. No matter which pad is chosen, it should not be worn for more than 3 hours at a time. Also, remind her to always carry 2 or 3 spare pads in her purse or backpack, plus an extra pair of underwear in case she needs to change after any “accidents.”
If your daughter is still very young for her first period but the signs are clearly showing, you can talk to the pediatrician. It’s possible to delay menarche in order to allow for proper bone growth, with monthly hormone injections. The injections should be given until the right time for her period to start arrives!!
See also: What is menstruation? Questions and Changes
Photo: Esther Simpson, SCA Svenska Cellulosa
