No one can say accurately when you’ll get your first menstrual period, but it will be sometime during puberty. Some girls start puberty at age 8, and others may start as late as 14 or 15. Each girl goes at her own pace. Thus, there is no accurate answer to when my first period will come. Many girls take a when will my first period come quiz; this quiz works on various factors that we will discuss further.
Factors that impact the age of the first period
Numerous factors influence the age of the first period; these include nutrition, exercise, genetics, ethnicity, body size, geography, illness, stress, etc. Underweight children might get their periods later; children who are majorly participating in athletics and other sports may get their periods later than others.
How can you predict the timing of your first period?
It is difficult to predict the exact timing of getting the first period, but there are a few ways you might be able to estimate the same. A first period will usually take place about two years after breasts development. Also, a mucus-like vaginal discharge can often start six months or a year before the first period.
Your body also gives many other signs before your first period; let us look at a few.
You may notice a change in your nipple and breast. Most people first get their first period 2–3 years after their breasts begin to grow. If your breast buds are starting to grow around the age of eight or nine, then it may take around two to three years for your period to start from then. However, if your breast buds develop later than most people within the same age group as you, when you’re 13, it may take less than a year for your period to start.
After breasts are developed, you may notice the first signs of pubic hair. There is a possibility that you see some pubic hair before your breasts start to grow. However, most teenagers see it the other way around. You won’t see any hair under your arms until just when your period begins.
If you’re keeping track of your height, and if there’s a trend where your height is quickly changing, and the change is suddenly slowing down, this may be a sign for you getting your first-ever period.
Along with changes to your height and weight, it’s also normal for your hips to widen. Parts of your body will become rounder. You might notice this begins when your breast buds start to grow. The exact timing of your body’s growth will be exclusive to you.
How should one prepare for their first period?
A few steps can be taken to make sure you’re ready when your first period occurs. Some steps to take include:
- Frequently talking and asking questions to a reliable adult in your family circle
- Carrying sanitary pads, tampons in your backpack, gym bag, or purse (basically whenever you step out of the house)
- Keeping an extra pair of pants in case needed
- If you find yourself at school without a pad or tampon, ask a teacher or the school nurse for some
What are the reasons for a delay in the start of periods?
Possible reasons for delayed periods include being underweight, doing many exercises (including dance, gymnastics, and athletics), hormone imbalance, and stress.
See a healthcare provider if your periods have not started by age 16. Also, try not to stress out about it too much. Everyone’s body is different. You may be referred to a gynecologist to discover what’s causing your delayed periods and discuss any treatments that might help.
Being ready and educated about the first period is a great way to approach this growing-up milestone.