Periods are not the first sign of puberty.
In fact, you’ll experience a lot of different bodily changes like breast development and a growth spurt in the months, and years, before your first period arrives.
But, if you’d like to know if your first period will likely arrive in the next few weeks, there is a physical sign your body gives that you can notice, monitor, and track. You will start to experience vaginal discharge in the months before you get your period, but approximately two weeks prior to the arrival of your first period this will feel and look a specific way.
What is vaginal discharge and is it healthy?
Vaginal discharge is something you might notice when you wipe after using the bathroom or that you might see in your underwear. The vaginal discharge that is a sign your first period or next period will arrive in about two weeks is white-ish, cloudy-colored, or transparent.
This discharge is also called cervical fluid or cervical mucus. Your cervix (the donut-shaped ring between your uterus opening and your vagina) has glands that produce cervical fluid.
Cervical fluid protects the uterus from bacteria from the outside. It also plays an important role in helping sperm get to the egg for conception. When we plan for a family, we can know when we’re able to get pregnant by looking at our cervical fluid.
If you notice other kinds of fluid from your vagina that is yellow or green or looks like cottage cheese, especially if you also feel itching or burning, that can be a sign of infection. If you’re concerned about this, talk to your doctor or a trusted adult.
Vaginal discharge before your first period and before your next period
Before your first period, you will start to notice cervical fluid in your underwear or when you wipe after using the toilet. It can feel wet, gloopy, or like paste - these changes in look and feel are linked to where you are in your menstrual cycle.
You will usually see the most cervical fluid around ovulation. Your first ovulation happens before your first menstruation, and that’s when you might notice a lot of cervical fluid.
First ovulation is usually around two weeks before your first period arrives. So once you start seeing a lot of cervical fluid in your underwear, it is likely your period is just around the corner.
When you see cervical fluid it is time to start making preparations for your period, like buying some period care products like pads or period panties, putting together a period kit for school, and letting your parent know so they can support you.
Keep track of your cervical fluid to learn more about your menstrual cycle
Once you start getting your periods, you will notice cervical fluid every menstrual cycle around the middle. You can keep track and notice this to help you figure out where you are in your cycle and count down the days to your next period.
You can track your cervical fluid using the Teena app.
It is not unusual during puberty to see and feel cervical fluid at other times when you’re not ovulating, like after your period or right before your period. As your reproductive system matures and your hormones balance out, cervical fluid can appear a lot. It will change in consistency - sometimes more watery, sometimes thicker, sometimes tacky to feel, sometimes stretchy. You can touch it in your underwear, or (with clean, washed fingers) in your vulva and vagina). Don’t worry if there’s a lot, or not much, as this will change depending on what you eat and drink, if you take allergy meds, and due to other things.
What you need to know about vaginal discharge
As long the discharge is white-ish, clear, or cloudy, and looks like paste, lotion, or egg whites - you can be sure it is cervical fluid. Any other color fluid or any fluid that goes along with itchiness or discomfort, be sure you let your doctor or a trusted adult know.
Cervical fluid rarely leaks or shows on your clothes. It is not the same consistency as urine, but much thicker. But, if you feel more comfortable, you can choose to wear a liner pad during those days when you notice the most cervical fluid.
