Girls Talk

Top Question Girls Ask

"How Can I Tell When I'm About To Start My First Period?

Are there any signs that will let you know you're about to start your first period?  First of all, you may want to talk to your mother, sisters or grandmothers (on both your mothers and fathers side). Ask them how old they were when they started their first period. You can't be sure you will start at the same age, but knowing something about the history of your female family members may give you an idea about what age you might start your period. In the first phase of puberty, you may notice fine hair (like the fuzz on a peach) growing in the area of your genitals (around your vagina). During this phase, your period may still be a year or two away from starting. As your body changes and you enter the next phase of puberty, the fine body hair will become darker, coarser, and curly. At that same time, your breasts will begin to grow and may feel a bit tender or sore. Your body will also need more fat, so you may notice that you are gaining weight and are growing taller. You may also notice a little moisture in your panties that is light tan in color. This is called a vaginal discharge. These physical changes are signs that your first period is fairly close to starting (a few weeks to a few months). I started my first period when I was 12 years old, about two weeks after I noticed that I was having a slight discharge.

Please keep in mind that everyone and their bodies are different. These are some general signs you can watch for. Remember, your body knows what time is right for you.

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“Thanks for the advice, that helped me a lot. I just told my friend that you send advice. You are really good at it."

Rachel, Age ?

07-18-07

“I was kind of scared at first because I didn't know what to do, but then I found this website and it helped me tell my mom.”

Isis, Age ?

07-08-07

“When I got my box, my mom put my sister in the kitchen and me in my room. She put a candle in my room and she got my box. I was anxious when I first saw it. My Mom talked about periods with me and it got interesting. I opened my box and the first thing I saw was my journal and book. It had questions in it. I am almost done with my book. My favorite things are my journal and coupons, they are awesome. I am glad my grama gave us the opportunity to talk to our parents about our periods. If we didn't have our box we would be shy and not talk to our parents about it. Thank you Grama.”

Anastacia, Age 9
Woodland, Washington

“I am very worried about my period. I do not know if I should wear pads or tampons. I am getting a lot of the signs that it is coming and I do not want it to come.”

Alexa
McLean, Virginia