The age of a girl’s first menstrual period can vary, with some experiencing it as early as 8 or 9, while others may not until they are 13 or 14. The first period can be preceded by symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, and bloating, but there are no absolutes. After the first period, cycles may be irregular, and it’s important to track them every month.
Some girls feel no signs before their first menstrual period except when the actual bleeding or spotting begins, while others will experience PMS symptoms similar to those that will occur later in life. These can include mood swings or irritability, fatigue and bloating; some girls will also notice changes in their skin, or that they are more prone to developing spots before their first period. The age of a first menstrual period, known as a menarche, can vary depending on a number of factors. Some girls experience this as early as age 8 or 9, while others may not realize it until they are 13 or 14; the most common ages are 11 and 12.
The first menstrual period can usually be brought forward based on other signs in the body. This is because menstruation usually begins about two years after the onset of puberty, which is typically indicated by the first appearance of breasts. Many girls will also experience a growth spurt around this time. There are no rules or absolutes, however, and the first period really can appear at any time for girls once they hit puberty.
Due to the nature of the first menstrual period, there typically aren’t many other physical signs that precede it, and it’s often a surprise. However, some girls will experience stomach cramps or bloating, while others will notice mood changes. They may be feeling more emotional or more irritable than usual, which can be a good indication. Some may be particularly tired or notice changes in appetite. These signs typically appear a few days before menstruation begins and are usually quite similar to PMS symptoms that occur in adults with regular menstrual cycles.
A first menstrual period will usually be quite short. Many girls experience irregular periods for some time after their first one, sometimes even for a few years. This means that the time interval between cycles can be longer or shorter than the 28-day average, or even that a month is skipped here and there. Any girl who is sexually active at this point and misses a period should be aware that pregnancy is possible. Every girl matures differently, and some will experience regular menstrual cycles right away, while some women will experience irregular periods throughout their lives; it’s impossible to predict, so it’s important to track your period every month once it starts.
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