When to expect the First Period

Qamar - posted on 04/28/2013

my big daughter is the age of 14 she has no start menses

Kirsty - posted on 12/02/2009

I was told that it is about a year after a girl starts developing breasts. Also take into account what others have said....when you started is a rough guide

Pam - posted on 11/25/2009

Conversations are very interesting. My daughter is 12, is informed and we are just "waiting". I thought it was between 12-14. Just helps to know there are other moms out there wondering and looking out for signs and/or symptoms.

Sarah - posted on 11/25/2009

I was told when I took my daughter in for her yearly physical that normally once they start the puburty that the periods normally com within a year or two before or after when the mother started hers. And that work out with my daughter.

IKEA - posted on 11/18/2009

NO PROBLEM

Ticha - posted on 11/18/2009

Thanks Ladies, isn't was not my question but thanks for the responses. My daughter will probably start soon I started at 12 she just turned 12. We have talked about it. I had terrible cramps unfortunately she saw me in pain. She doesn't want to go through that. For her sake I hope she doesn't. I will definitley get American Girl also.

IKEA - posted on 11/17/2009

ACTUALLY MY DAUGHTER IS 10 AND SHE HAS NOT GOTTEN HERS YET EITHER MY GIRLFRIEND DAUGHTER IS 9 AND HAS HERS SO I WOULD SAY AROUND THE AGE OF 9 I HAVE TALKED TO MY DAUGHTER BUT NOTHING YET

Cristina - posted on 11/16/2009

When the least expect it its hard to deal with I have a 12 year old Help me Jesus

Heidi - posted on 11/13/2009

Quoting Karen:

When to expect the First Period

My daughter will be 11 in March and I wonder when I have to start worrying about her period..........any ages ranges?

As a 4th grade teacher, I can tell you that at least one girl in my class every year begins her period. I keep sanitary napkins in my bottom desk drawer especially for this purpose. These girls are only 10, so 11 is not too early to have "the talk". Last year, one of the 3rd grade girls, only 81/2 years old, started her period at the end of the school day. Her mother hadn't told her anything about it. The poor child was in the girl's bathroom, hysterically crying. She thought she was dying. Don't let anything like that happen to your daughter, because you think there is still time! Buy her some sanitary napkins and find a book  on the subject, (there are some good ones out there). You can read  it together, and share  with her about your "first time." What a great bonding experience to have with her!  .....Good Luck!

Elizabeth - posted on 11/12/2009

I would make sure she is well informed right now b/c it could come at anytime or it could be a few yrs. I was 11 when i started my period. Making sure she is informed and prepared will make it much easier on her.

Anjee - posted on 11/10/2009

I had the same question but I read somewhere it is approximately 2 years after her breast start to develop. Again remember all kids are different.

Cheryl - posted on 11/09/2009

My daughter just turned 9 in September and she is complaining about her boobies are hurting (Breasts) I'm shocked. We went training bra shopping because she insist there is something there.

Michelle - posted on 11/09/2009

I read just the other day in one of Dr. Spock's books, that a girl should start her period somewhere around 2 yrs after the onset of puberty. Breast development is usually first. Also the average age for girls to start is 12 1/2. But remember every girl is different!

Deanna - posted on 11/08/2009

The American Girl book is excellent for this issue.

Melissa - posted on 11/08/2009

Post a reply! Can start period between eight years old and up. I know this because of were I work. I have seen children have babies at age eight.

Nikki - posted on 11/08/2009

my daugter started at 10, at camp of all places. But we had the talk before then, and her school had a class about it. So when it happened she was scared of course. And darn it not with me, but she went to her camp couselur and got help and was cool. It sucks, but at least she knew something about it and went for help. But be aware that when they first start it is very irregualr, she came on in July, and her next period wasn't till 6 months later. And very irregular to this day, and she's 12 now. Good luck, and talkin and preparing now helps:):)

Dawn - posted on 11/07/2009

My daughter was 11 when she started, but unfornately I was 9. I think you should go ahead and have the talk with them, that way they will be prepared! Good Luck!

Shelly - posted on 11/07/2009

my daughter will be 11 next month and we just started ours this month but from what I have looked up it can start any time after 9 ?

Erin - posted on 11/07/2009

12 is the average. But anywhere from 11-14 is normal.

Kristel - posted on 11/07/2009

Hello! Don't worry about it! When her body is ready,the time will come! My now 15 year old started menses when she was 13.My other daughter just started her menses @summer camp, at 14 years old! At first, I thought something was wrong. I had talked to her about what to expect since she was 11 years old.Then, when you least expect it,BAM!!!I think the doctors will tell you it could begin anywhere from the age of 11-15 years old! But it's best to talk to her about it so you're both prepared and she knows what to expect! Also, that it's not a bad thing, that she is now becoming a WOMAN!Good luck!:)

ASHLEY - posted on 11/07/2009

my 12 yr old started at 11. we had talked to her about for a while and once she got to middle school we had her put a pad in her back pack just in case. I didnt want her to be embarassed asking for one in case she started at school. no big deal one day she came home and said "oh yeah i started my period today."

Shelley - posted on 11/06/2009

my daughter got hers at 10, kids are pretty informed these days and she handled it all with ease. Don't stress, just be prepared

Katrina - posted on 11/06/2009

As so many others have said, each individual is different. We to have read the book mentioned above and i think it's a great book to share with young girls. My daughter has had the early development, mood changes and spotting at about 8-1/2 and just really started right before her 10th Bday. I had been talking to her and preparing her for this, so when it did happen it wouldn't be so scary.

Amy - posted on 11/06/2009

My daughter started this summer but they are pretty irradic. She will be twelve tomorrow.

Gina - posted on 11/06/2009

hmmm....Never knew that about the 100 lbs. mark?? That's probably why I think my 9 yo will start BEFORE the soon to be 12 year old! Thanks!

Gina - posted on 11/06/2009

My mom started at 15. I started at 14. I have an aunt who started at 12. And my MIL started at 10....My daughter's are 11 and 9, (actually 11 yo will be 12 on the 22nd.) Still they haven't started. I would prefer that they start later than sooner...but that's just my opinion....If ONLY I could control this matter....LOL Yes, I know I can't!

Gina - posted on 11/06/2009

My grandmother didn't tell my mom about the changes a girl goes through. My mom thought she was bleeding to death. She told me when I was very young. Of course, my kids also walk into the bathroom when I am in there, so OF COURSE the same discussion was given to them at an earlier age than even I was told. I have 3 children, a 15 year old boy and 11 and 9 year old girls. I think my 9 year old will start BEFORE my 11 year old...Only because of the fatty tissues that someone had mentioned in a previous post. However, neither of my girls have started yet!

Christine - posted on 11/06/2009

I agree with the heredity post. My daughter is 13 and has not started. I was 14 when I started. My older sister was 13. We must have been late bloomers. They say it's also around the 100lb. mark also. My daughter is not quite there yet.

Margaret - posted on 11/05/2009

Loved the American Girl book which covered most issues relating to a girl's body and mind changing as they go through puberty.

Margaret - posted on 11/05/2009

Both of my girls started two to three months before they turned 11.

Cori - posted on 11/05/2009

the best thing i can say like most of the others here is start talking to her now so she understands and isn't embarrassed by it when it comes or like a lot of us think we are dieing.

Robin - posted on 11/05/2009

I second teh american girl book "the care and keeping of you". I read it with my daughter when she was eight. She has been reading it on and off since then and she is now 11. It has been great to keep the discussion going and for her to know that she has a place to ask questions and get real answers.

Stacy - posted on 11/05/2009

My oldest daughter who is now 16 started when she was 11. I think the average range is 11-13 though. Hope that helps.

Donna - posted on 11/05/2009

My oldest daughter just started this year and she is 10, my youngest daughter isn't very far behind her either,she 9 going on 10 next month, so be ready at anytime and make sure she is prepared with pads and the knowledge as to how to use them! My daughter started at school, but was ready for it. We had already discussed it and was well informed!

Linda - posted on 11/04/2009

My daughters will be 11 in March also, nothing happening with them yet thank goodness.

Barbara - posted on 11/04/2009

Mine were 10 and 11

Karen - posted on 11/04/2009

Thanks for all the advice! I will have to discuss this pretty quickly. Maybe over the holidays when we she is out of school and I am off of work. I will pick up the American Girl book, she loves those books too! My mom never talked with me about and didn't even know I started until about 3 to 6 months later. I did not want that to happen to my daughter! Thanks again!

Dawn - posted on 11/04/2009

I love the American Girl book that you mentioned. My daughter is 11 and can't wait to get her period(little does she know!). My neighbor has two girls and passed it on to us and my daughter loves it!!

Kerri - posted on 11/03/2009

sometimes it can depend on family history like my mother in law my mom my sis and my sis in law and my self all started early so i expect my daught who is 8 to start between 9 1/2 and 10 so it just all depends if she is starting to develop the i would think that it is safe to say at anytime

Evelyn - posted on 11/03/2009

It could come at any time. My daughter got her period 3 months after she turned 10 years old. Talk to her about it asap.

Cheryl - posted on 11/03/2009

My niece started when she was 7. My sister when she was 9. Me -15. go figure. I've been talking to my kids,boy included, since they were small. Mostly because they would always go to the bathroom with me and ask why i was bleeding and if i was hurt.lol. I would literally MAKE time to sit on my bed with my kids and explain it to them. Now that my 13 yr old has started, these talks are more stressful (embarrassing) for her, so even if we're in the same room, we text !!! She asks questions and I answer. No awkwardness. Before she got her phone, we would write notes back and forth. I am trying to give her the knowledge that NO ONE ever gave me. My mother said she always felt uncomfortable talking to us about such things, so when i started ( at girl's church camp- of course) i thought i was DYING !!! Early intervention is the key in my opinion. And starting now, by placing pads and liners in her bathroom will make the tranition easier for her too.

Maranda - posted on 11/03/2009

I was told by many people it is like a tradition in away when you, your mom, or other females in the family started. Is most likely when you will start. And yes have her prepared go to the store buy some supplies together make it a bonding time. Let her know she can come to you with anything and you shame her.

RebeccaAnne - posted on 11/02/2009

If it helps ... my daughter was 9 but I have known people who kids haven't started until they were 13 ... As long as your daughter is informed and knows what to expected I wouldn't worry, for awhile.

Nicole - posted on 11/02/2009

Umm, I personally started at 10 and my daughters friend started last year at 10. So I would be concerned, especially if she is showing the signs; breast tenderness, fuzzy, and iller (lol) temperment. If you are having a tough time talking to her about her "body changes" we used this book it is by American Girl "The Care and Keeping of You, The Body Book for Girls" (no it is not the dolls). It explains everything detailed, but age appropriate. The great thing about the book is that you can always reference back to it at any time and if your daughter is anything like mine, it is better to have the info in writing as opposed to me telling her. ( I am just the mommy and really don't know much, LOL) I hope this helps. BTW, it also depends on your child's fatty tissues, if she has a very low precentage she may not start until she is way older!

Maria - posted on 11/02/2009

Each individual is different... some start early, some are late bloomers. But, anytime soon! Usually, it's between 11-13 when they start. Nothing to worry, just try to remember how it was when you first had yours. These days, they come better equipped! The retail have a lot to choose from that best suits your daughter when the time comes. Just enjoy her in the meantime.