Signs your daughter is about to start her period: If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of discussing periods with your daughter, rest assured that you’re not alone. In this article, two experts share insight on the signs that your child may be approaching their first period and offer guidance on how you can support them through this important milestone.
Also Read: How To Explain Period Cramps To A Man?
If you’re a father of a female child going into the tween years, you’re likely to have a lot on your mind. Social media. Middle school. And, of course, puberty.
For girls one of the biggest adolescence milestones is their first period, or as doctors say it, “menarche.” Even if you haven’t heard the word “menarche” since your school days, you can still help fortify your child for her first period. Keep reading to learn the most crucial things you need to know about menarche.
At What Age Do Girls Start Their Period?
Girls usually get their first period between ages ten and sixteen. Most kids(98%) get their first period before they turn fifteen.
Asma Chattha, M.B.B.S., chair of the Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Reproductive Health, and a Mayo Clinic pediatrician says, “Each girl child has a ‘set point’ based on both environmental and genetic factors that ascertain when they will have their first menstrual blood. While genetic history is important, athletic activity, body build, or chronic illnesses all can alter the part of the brain that acts on when puberty begins and ultimately brings about a period.”
Is It Normal For Girls get their period before the age of 13?
The average age of a menarche is 12.4 years old. So, almost half of the young ones get their period before the age of 13. But some people get their menarche at age 9 or 10.
Studies show that there are components that may lead to earlier periods, counting:
- Stressful family atmosphere.
- Being obese.
- Being raised in a non-rural environment.
- Consuming more than 1.5 units of sugar-sweetened drinks per day.
Can a Girl’s Periods Start And Then Stop?
Menstrual cycles can be volatile during the first one or two years of menstruation. There is often a void between the first and second menstrual cycles. After that, periods will likely be irregular, varying between twenty and forty-five days. Also, girls may experience alterations in how many days their menstrual cycles last and the amount of menstrual liquid — commonly referred to as “blood” — they have.
Menstrual cycles usually settle down around 3 years after the first period. By that time, 60% to 80% of girls have a reliable cycle between twenty-one and thirty-four days long.
Note that nourishment, physical liveliness, and nervous tension all can affect your child’s monthlies. Eating disorders and vigorous exercise can lead to hormonal alterations that stop periods and impact bone density. This can lead to grave issues, such as broken osseous matter or osteoporosis in young athletes.
How Can I Tell If My Daughter’s Menarche May Be Coming Soon?
Luckily, you will have a couple of years of forewarning before your child’s first menstrual. There are major indications, called “pubertal symptoms” which happen before menstrual starts. Two of the most perceptible signs are:
- Thelarche (Breast development) starts two to three years before the first menstrual, often around age eight.
- Pubarche (pubic hair development) typically happens one to two years before the menarche. 11.6 years old is the average age for pubarche.
There are other indications to look for as you get closer to the extraordinary event. Some girls will have yellow or white vaginal flow and others can also have lower abdominal pain.
When Should I Call a Doctor?
Most girls don’t have any issues with their menstrual cycles. But consult a doctor if your daughter
- is fifteen or above and does not have her period started
- began developing her bust more than three years ago and does not have her menstrual
- has passed more than two years since her first menstrual period and she still doesn’t have a regular menstrual cycle occurring every 3-6 weeks, especially if she has missed three or more periods consecutively, it may indicate an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed
- It is important to seek medical attention if your daughter is experiencing severe cramps that are not relieved by ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or store brand) or naproxen (Aleve, Midol, or store brand). Please do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment and care.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
It’s important to establish a relationship with a gynecologist during menarche. They can offer guidance on any questions you may have regarding the changes your daughter’s experiencing, such as what amount of bleeding is considered typical and when your periods should become more predictable. Additionally, they can advise you on which symptoms can be managed at home and which require a doctor’s visit. Your provider can also assist you with any inquiries you may have regarding pregnancy, birth control, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
It Is Difficult For Me To Talk About Periods With My Daughter
If discussing periods with your children makes you uneasy, consider providing them with an alternative source of information. Watching an informative video or reading a book together would be more comfortable. Alternatively, you may wish to enlist the assistance of a doctor, nurse, school counselor, or trusted family member to have the conversation with your child
Can A Girl conceive as soon as her period starts?
It is possible for a girl to conceive as soon as her menstrual cycle commences, and even before her initial period. This is due to the activation of hormones in a girl’s body, which can lead to ovulation and the thickening of the uterine lining. Engaging in sexual activity can result in pregnancy, even if a girl has yet to experience a menstrual cycle.
Conclusion to Signs your daughter is about to start her period
If you’re feeling apprehensive about your child’s first period, take comfort in knowing that many parents share your concerns. The key is to let your child know that you’re there to provide gentle support. While the experience can be overwhelming, your daughter will be better equipped to handle this new phase of her life with the reassurance that you’re by her side.
I am Vivek Singh owner and publisher of newsofx.com. I am a journalist by profession. I did my Bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University Jharkhand and my Master’s in the same from Central University of Jharkhand grabbing the gold medal.
I am a Men’s Rights Activist, International Men’s Day and World Day of the Boy Child India coordinator, and Global Media coordinator for both of these days.
Discover more from NEWSOFX
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.