When did your daughter start her period?

Abcd - posted on 04/11/2013

at what age it is safe to use tampoons..I thought one cant use until hymen pierced i.e. after sex (most likely)

Heather - posted on 12/07/2012

My daughter was/ is 12 when she started. Make sure she keeps a fresh pair of panties and a pantiliner in pack and school and in her purse when she is out. You never know where you are going to be when it happens. Good Luck :-)

Acacia - posted on 12/04/2012

I can understand, I went through the same thing. My daughter was 11, and your right it could be literally any moment. If you have already given her the talk, all you can do is send her to school with some maxi pads, a change of underware, maybe an extra pair of pants just in case. Luckily, my daughter was with me and it happened for her on the weekend not at school!!! Good luck.

Danette - posted on 12/03/2012

I had just turned 9 when I started mine, but my oldest daughter started hers at 13. I also have an 11 year old and 8 year old who haven't started, but I did notice that my 8 year old is getting BO after she plays hard. It scares me to think about her starting early because she is only in the second grade.

Marjorie - posted on 11/27/2012

so what is the best mini pad for my 11 year old niece. she hasn't started her period, but her friend started with a milky white discharge, and then a month later, her period started, my sister is thinking it's best to wait until her period starts, but my niece is uncomfortable with the discharge. What is the best mini pad on the market for a pre-teen. I just want to send them my sister so if my niece comes to her again she just her something :-)

Edeee - posted on 11/09/2012

this isn't really relevant but my 13 year old daughter started her period about 9mths ago and it has has all ways been quite irregular but nownits 63 days late , I was allways bang on time , is this normal ??

Brooke - posted on 02/03/2012

I am 15 years old and still havent started my period. I am starting to get a bit concerd. I have all the signs of hair and boobs. I dont know if I should go to the doctors for this or not. I spotted a few months back and nothing has happen cents then. My family also has a history of ovary problems my grandma and my aunt have both had problems. Thats why I am starting to get more worried about me not starting. All though they both have or had periods. I have looked on sevral websites and nothing has helped me. Some websites have said that you can start as late as 17 but those are tiny and petite girls who barley weigh a 100 pounds. I am not super skinny nor short. I am 6ft tall. So why havent I started? I need some adivise some please help anwser my questions. Thank you so much!

Brooke - posted on 02/03/2012

I am 15 years old and still havent started my period. I am starting to get a bit concerd. I have all the signs of hair and boobs. I dont know if I should go to the doctors for this or not. I spotted a few months back and nothing has happen cents then. My family also has a history of ovary problems my grandma and my aunt have both had problems. Thats why I am starting to get more worried about me not starting. All though they both have or had periods. I have looked on sevral websites and nothing has helped me. Some websites have said that you can start as late as 17 but those are tiny and petite girls who barley weigh a 100 pounds. I am not super skinny nor short. I am 6ft tall. So why havent I started? I need some adivise some please help anwser my questions. Thank you so much!

Opal - posted on 10/11/2011

that is exactky how my twins are! they have everything, from the pubic hair to the past bud stage, mood swings, sometimes cramping, hair in the arm bits and body odor! Im honestly just waiting for the day to come! I started when I was in 3rd grade and they are in 4th grade now! The older twins is further developed then her twin sisterm but there following right behind each other! Any day I tell myself! I have all girls and I have 4 of them, knowing my luck when they all are having thier period, it will be all at the same time or one every week of the month! I think every one girl is different so its hard to say when their bodies are ready i think! but I think you have her covered, just the "waiting" i guess

Lisa - posted on 10/11/2011

my daughter was 8 when her period started. she was so proud
she told her brother and dad about it.

Jessica - posted on 04/11/2010

it seems like girls are starting ealier now. My grandmother was 16, and in that time that was uper young, my mom when she was 14, my sister when she was 12 and I was 11 one month before I turned 12. I think it has to do with the food you eat- growth hormons, weight and over all health. I would personally at around 11 or 12, or earlier if you notice the symptoms of being close to start, a pad just incase. I remember a lot of girls starting at school and us having to go to the nurse to get a pad because she was never given one. That was super embarassing for her! Dont do that to your daughter! :)

Julie - posted on 04/04/2010

my daughter recently started, and she is 17! i started at 13 and was a little worried, but she is barely 95 pounds and i figured that was why. i am glad she didn't start young but i know a lot of girls now-a-days do. as long as your girl always has something to be prepared she will be fine... i gave my daughter pads when she was about 14 just in case

Jamie - posted on 03/30/2010

This is a tuffie! I thought attitude came with an 11 year old girl, now I have to worry about that? I dont remember how old I was when I got mine, but i sincerely hope she holds off for a couple more years.

Diana - posted on 03/26/2010

I have 2 small girls 4 and 7 and I am not looking forward to that time either. I was 10 when I started my period and I was at my aunt's house. She helped me get myself cleaned up and explained how to use the sanitary napkins and she gave me a book; I will never forget it. I actually bought a copy already and have it put away for my girls. It is called "Are You There God, It's Me Margaret" by Judy Blume. It really helped me see that part of my growth through the eyes of someone my age. It might help your daughter too.

Elizabeth - posted on 03/26/2010

my daughter is 13 in july and just got hers i had her well prepared and they started when she was at a sleepover and rang to tell me wow... there is no embarassment about it now not like when i ws younger thank god all we can do is let them know its normal and we are always there for them xx

Lori - posted on 03/26/2010

10 is not too young with all the growth hormones they put in the meat and the milk unless you buy organic or alta dena brand that do not use growth hormones. think about how old you were when you started. I remember with me I was in middle school and about 12 or so, but i was also a competitive swimmer and very little body fat. just make sure she is prepared with a pad or tampon what ever the 2 of you chose for her to use. Put it in a pretty hard sided eyeglass case in her book bag so all she has to do is go to the bathroom. Have her practice how to use a pad and show her with a book or something how to use a tampon. hugs to you and good luck. PS dont sweat it,

Amber - posted on 03/25/2010

Thank goodness I am not the only one. My daughter is almost 10 (April 7) and she has everything going on too. I talked to her last year about her period because she has older relatives and hears us talking about it. I think it is good for you to talk to her about it already because some girls freak out when it does happen because no one told them. I think you are right on track and just let her know you are there for her and maybe tell her teacher (even though my daughter already told her teacher it may be soon).

Ricki - posted on 03/25/2010

Wow...10 years old seems so young for that. So unfair. My oldest is only 5 so I've still got quite some time but still...I didn't start mine till I was almost 17. Of course, I didn't really start growing till then either. I was always way behind schedule on all that stuff, so much so that my parents took me to several doctors when I was about 14 to make sure I was ok (I had the bone structure of a 10 year old at that time).
Is it wrong that I hope my daughters (I have one 15 months old also) are like me in that way??

Debbie - posted on 03/25/2010

I've also read that when the girl reaches around the 100 pound mark that's when it starts. I didn't start until I was 14 ... oh and I was at the beach in water up to my chest when I started for the first time. Didn't notice it until I walked out of the water.

My daughter is almost 9 right now and weighs almost 70 pounds. I was hoping to have a few more years before having to worry about it although I did give a condensed version of a talk about it with her a few months ago about changes the body goes though and bleeding and all. I told her that I would tell her more about it when she gets a bit older, but I thought I should mention it as a just in case in case she's one that begins early on. I haven't noticed in body odor to her though but I think she's starting to develop a bit. I was just wondering when I would have to buy a bra for her. I actually didn't have one until I was around 14 since I was a late bloomer.

Terri - posted on 03/25/2010

My daughter was 12 when she started. We did the same thing as you, talked to her about everything. I also gave her an emergency pad to keep in her backpack and explained to her how to use it if she needed to. She got it overnight though and woke up with it in the morning so she never had to worry about it, but it was nice to know that she wasn't on her own so to speak just in case she had needed it.

LaToya - posted on 03/24/2010

I was 12, but just make sure you make it special. You're going to get the call from school to come and get her or she will be at home and it will just happen, my mom got me flowers and teddy bear to just tell me that she loved me and that she understood it was a little scary but it was going to be ok.

Patty - posted on 03/24/2010

Probably she won't have it anytime soon. Usually after the breast buds start, it will be at least a year. I have twin 10 yr olds, one who started all those signs at 9 and now has developed breats, they have filled out, and my other 10 year old who has no signs at all!
What I learned is that they will also start to get mucous discharge in their underwear about a year before they start their period, as their body readies itself for their period, this is off an on, as the body starts to mimic a monthly cycle (like how women have this discharge when they ovulate mid cycle). When you are doing laundry you might notice this or ask your daughter.
Also what someone else posted about being at least 100 lbs is another indicator.

Laura - posted on 02/26/2010

I got all of the other signs of puberty starting around age 8, but did not start my period until 12.

Ruth - posted on 02/26/2010

I have 3 daughters, one started at 14 and one was only 8 (nightmare!!! she was the only one in junior school but her teachers were marvelous in supporting her) my other daughter is 12 and hasn't started yet, so guess it depends on the individual I guess. As long as you talk to them openly and without embarrassment then there shouldn't be a problem:) it's all part of growing up, so long as she knows it's perfectly normal and knows what to do, I'm sure your daughter will be fine:) xxxxxx btw I was 11 when I started:)

Rebecca - posted on 02/26/2010

one study showed that in 1860 the avg age of girls getting their period was 16.6years, and in 1920 was 14.6, in 1950 13.1 yrs, in 1980 12.5 years and in 1992, 12.2 years and the study predicted that by 2010 the avg age would be 10-11 years (norbert kluge). i was the last in my year at school to get my period; i was 15.

my girls are still young, but just reading this has me FREAKED out!

Leigh - posted on 02/24/2010

My best advice - send her prepared!
There is nothing more embarrassing than being caught unprepared for your first period (trust me!).
In a cute - discrete :) - pouch - I've packed a couple of little pads (the kind that come with wipes are great, or get a travel pack of wipes), and a couple of these little scented bags for discrete disposal called Scensibles (you can even pack the new product right in them).
Make it easy for her :)

Chrissy - posted on 09/23/2009

I have 4 daughters eldest 13...but when she was 10yr old i went to a seminar about "puberty" i brought 2 books...one "The puberty Book" which covers all areas of the female and male puberty issues. Its a great read and it is easy to read and understand...the other book i brought was "The Period Book" specially for the girls.....ask at your local school for these seminars as they are apart of the school criteria...at Primary school. All my girls have a small cosmetic bag with pads and a change of knickers....and i found the school to be very helpful...as alot of girls are developing earlier...

Tracee - posted on 09/22/2009

I had the same simptoms with my daughter and she had friends getting it. But she was 13. I heard the more active you are the longer it can be?

Aurora - posted on 09/22/2009

Reading this has been wonderful! My daughter will be ten in about a month. She has acne, body odor, and breast buds. Reading your posts gave me wonderful ideas to be prepared. I'm actually laughing because none of my friends have girls in that age group, so I was actually counting on my husband for support. When I saw he wasn't being very supportive, I almost freaked out. Then somebody explained to me how nervous he must feel . . . She's his only daughter, and not long ago he was changing her diapers, of course he's not prepared to talk about it! But now I can honestly say i'm prepapred. Thank you.

Sharon - posted on 09/22/2009

I have an 8 year old daughter who is starting to mature (breast buds, pubic hair, underarm hair, body odor). Any advice on how I should start "the talk" with her. She's already asked me questions about me having my period. Help!

Sherry - posted on 09/22/2009

check with your school.some schools don't allow them to carry pads.when i heard them(my daughters school) say that I flipped out.so i just told my daughter to put one pad in each of her pockets.its stupid on the schools part.young girls r already emberessed enough,why should they have to go to the front office to get a pad.I talked to her teacher this year and she said she'd keep some for her in her desk that way it would save her from going to the front office.We moved during the summer to a new school so I'm not sure what they do about that sort of thing.

Amy - posted on 09/22/2009

my daughter is 12 and has had the pubic hair,breasts,etc..for over a year & still no period yet! She has been having cramping for the past 2 days...im still confused myself about wondering when she'll start!!

Sarah - posted on 09/22/2009

my sister in law who turned 9 in march and she just got her period in September... but it different for everyone...

Jennifer - posted on 09/22/2009

I agree with all the responses about having her keep some pantiliners or small pads in her bookbag or purse. But take it a step further, and if you are not a stay at home mom, have her keep a plastic bag with underwear and pants in it too, in her locker if she has one. Definetely tell her that if she feels like she might have peed a little, not to wait going to the restroom, and if her teacher is a woman, she should feel comfortable telling her why she needs to go the restroom... that way she doesn't have to worry about the teacher making her wait until a specific bathroom break time. My stepdaughter started at age 11, and luckily she was at home at the time, but she didn't know the signs, and it ruined her underwear and pants. Had she been at school without an extra set of clothes, she would have been mortified!

Jennifer - posted on 09/22/2009

You have no idea how happy I am to see these postings! I have a 7 year old who just started the 2nd grade in August. In July, a physician told me to watch for it any day now, so I had to have "the talk" with my baby! Did I say she is only 7? 8 in February! I started when I was 9 & my Mom wasn't much older than that. I was a competitive gymnast, so sports don't prolong it! You know, after doing research for about 2 weeks on this subject, well...I guess I felt as prepared as I ever would. I had 2 women pediatricians tell me to take her into the bathroom with me, explain what I was doing & actually show her! I thought WHAT!!! I decided to try it the Dr. way for she had a 70 pound 8 yr old w/a period at home! My daughter had been in the bathroom with me when I was using the bathroom, so she had asked about tampons, but I didn't think I'd get through this explaination without passing out, but Erica made it so great! She asked a few question, said yuck, asked if I can make sure she has pads cuz "I'm not wearing those stick things" and asked if she could go watch Hannah Montana! I'm telling you, I feel for the Dr. with a 7 yr old that already has her period!

Chrissy - posted on 09/22/2009

Girls all develop differently...my eldest was 11 and she suffered "false" period for a year before she actually 'shed' her lining...before hand it was always a brown discharge....but she was already developing hair, breast tissue and underarm hair. I took her to our family GP who took blood and found that she was a typical hormonal teenager....but normal. She is now 13 and has had regular periods for the last year. But she suffers from headaches before her period. Which she takes medication for as a precaution. good luck

Lola - posted on 09/21/2009

My daughter is 10 i bought her a starter kit...lol She takes some liners in her backpack just in case. This past summer i got her a book (Sorry so forgetful with the title) .It was great it had all kinds of pics, covered alot of topics but what i loved was that it had different scenarios of what to do when she gets her period. I think she is ready and im the scared one...lol My mother never talked to me about it i learned everything from my friends. I just hope i've talked enough about everything with her so that when she needs me she feels comfortable enough to come to me. Good luck

Estella - posted on 09/21/2009

my daughter got hers at 8 which is really early, and I got mine at age 12. If it were me I would send a few small panty liners with her, incase she does get it. I would have her carry them in the front pocket of her backpack, incase she gets it and is afraid to tell the teacher. Also maybe talk to her doctor.

RHONDA - posted on 09/21/2009

My daughter is 11 she will be 12 Oct 3rd she has had her period since about Jan of this year. I asked her doctor before she started when she would start and he said they normally start shortly after they start to develop in the chest area. It will not be long have you had the talk with her because I know for me that was very hard for me to do.

Tara - posted on 09/21/2009

Samantha wass 10. The only other thing I would do is have her keep a pad in her locker or backpack just incase.

Sherry - posted on 09/21/2009

my daughter is in a c cup but falling out and she was so ready to get it that she was happy,lol

Sherry - posted on 09/21/2009

My oldest daughter got boobs at 8,but buds at 7.She started her period at 11 years.I'm like you wondering when it was coming.Finaly one day she came into my room and woke me to tell me has it now.The best thing is to talk to her about it and get her ready as much as you can.Buy pads and that way you'll have them on hand.Hopefully she'll get it at home.Hope she gets it at home.My daughter had all the signs but got it a lil later.Ask your daughters doctor and see what they say.Hope I helped.Good luck!

Stephanie - posted on 09/21/2009

My baby girl started when she was 10, for a couple of days, and then it didn't return. Although all the symptoms of having your period didn't. Then when she turned 11 it came back and it's here to stay! I packed a pad in my daughter's back pack up until the day she started. She was ok with that when I explained why. As long as you've had the talk I think you're ok. :)

Nessa - posted on 09/21/2009

I don't know, my daughter is the same. She's 10, we've talked, had anatomy type sessions (showing her the "cow" -vagina-utero-falopian tubes-.. you know.. the cow), "what you might feel" sessions, "what to expect" talks.. uh, PMS symptoms.. anything I can think of, I've talked to her, not to scare her, but because I didn't have a clue what was going on when it happened, and it happened at school.. so I don't want her to go through the same.

She's getting hormonal, some days.. are just.. well, interesting.. crying for no reason, or getting angry for no apparent reason (besides her brother bugging her, which is normal, they're 15 months apart)

Oh, I've showed her how to put pads on (pantiliners-type) ..I'm still deciding if she should start taking some to school... I don't know..

Sarah - posted on 09/21/2009

Hi Vonda, I have a 12 year old and like your 10year old all the signs were present at 10yrs but she only started her period last month. I think in some cases their body externally is ready long before their body internally. So don't worry it will happen when she's ready and to be honest I'm glad it didn't happen to my daughter until now, their periods will be with them for a long time as we all know!

AMANDA - posted on 09/21/2009

My daughter was 9. I was 10. You are right, with all of the signs that your daughter has, it will be any time! Heather developed all of the signs a couple of months before she actually "started". You may want to send some kind of pain meds with her, along with the pads. Heather cramps and bloats so bad that she has to wear stretchy pants during her time.

Vickie - posted on 09/21/2009

my daughter is also 10years old and has started her periods. it didnt come as a shock as i started mine at 11 and as my daughter started developing breasts at 5 my gp warned me well in advance!

Melissa - posted on 09/20/2009

My daughter started at age 11 1/2 and we were expecting it for about a year prior to that. It was actually a relief when it finally started, just because we didn't have to worry about it happening at any moment any more. Now we can keep track of it on a calander.
What I did to help her prepare (besides getting her supplies to carry with her) was i bought her an AWESOME book about her body and body functions.
It is called "The Care And Keeping Of You" and I got it at Target. It explains everything from proper tooothbrushing technique to wearing a bra and stages of breast development, underarm and pubic hair, body odor and wearing deodorant, bathing, it even shows them cartoonized pictures of their "private parts" and how to use pads and/or insert tampons.
It explained everything I didn't have the ability to discuss with her, and gave her a visual aid to look at and figure out the answers to some of the questions she was too embarassed to ask me.
She got the book at age 10 and she is 13 now, and I noticed yesterday she still keeps it in her dresser drawer ( so her little brother can't find it)
One of the best purchases I ever made. I highly recommend it.

Katie - posted on 09/20/2009

Wow, my oldest is just turning 8 this week and I was thinking I had another year or so before I had to even talk to her about it, reading this gets me a little nervous, seems like girls are starting very early. Gonna have to figure out how to approach the subject pretty soon. I was trying to wait until her sister, whose only 15 months younger, was old enough to understand as well. Like some other responses though, I'd have to say just make sure she has supplies with her or knows to go ask the school nurse.

Holly - posted on 09/20/2009

My daughter Naomi started when she was 11. I bought her a cute little bag for her backpack that she takes her supplies in. I told her that she is now in 'the club' and not to ever feel uncomfortable talking to any woman at school if she has an accident. Our biggest challenge is how often to change it and how to spot clean with Spray n' Wash so clothes don't get ruined. Otherwise, it has been pretty smooth!