Did I get my first period? Signs that you have your first period
Are you worried about when you will get your first period? Maybe you think it might be happening right now or it happened already? It can feel confusing because you might be expecting a period to look or feel a certain way that isn’t the same as what you are seeing or feeling yourself. Here are some tips for spotting when you have your first period.
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Before your first period you will have already had a growth spurt and developed breasts. You may have had some acne or noticed cervical fluid (a whitish liquid or glue-like goop) in your underwear. There are a few puberty changes that happen before your first period arrives.
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The first time you experience a period it might not be bright red, the blood might instead be darker red or brown. It might just be brown stains that you notice later and not really flow. You can use a pad anyway, but it might not feel like you really need one. It’s unlikely you’ll need to use a tampon in this case. Brown blood is just blood that has taken a longer time to come out of the uterus and through the vagina.
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Your first period may only last two or three days and then go again. Generally periods can last up to seven days, but first periods are often shorter.
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The first period will usually happen somewhere between the ages of 11 and 12, but this is just the average and you may start earlier or later. Between 10 and 14 is often the age range. This depends on family history like when your mom got her period but also your own unique body.
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Your first period may start with some cramping, bloating, or make you feel very tired. Everyone has different symptoms and if none of these things happen, that’s okay, but they can be signs that you are about to get your period.
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You may not realize you’ve had your first period until you’ve had your second and third. That’s okay, and not something to worry about. Once you realize you can start tracking with Teena, this will help you to know when your next period will arrive. You can create a period kit for school so you are always prepared.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24139-menarche
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/puberty/what-can-i-expect-when-i-get-my-period#:~:text=One%20day%2C%20you'll%20see,earlier%20or%20later%20than%20that.
https://www.becarefree.com.au/your-questions-answered/discharge/brown-discharge-or-my-first-period
