At what age do girls get their first period?
Most girls get their first period around age 12, and anywhere from about 8 to 16 is considered normal. It usually comes about 2 to 3 years after breasts start to develop. In the US the median age is about 11.9. See a doctor if periods haven't started by 15, or by 13 with no other signs of puberty.
The normal age range
The first period, called menarche, is one of the later steps of puberty. The NHS puts the average at around 12, with a usual range of 8 to 17 depending on the person. ACOG says most girls start between 12 and 13, and that starting as late as 16 can be normal. A US national survey found the median age was 11.9 years in 2013 to 2017, a little younger than in 1995.
| Age | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Under 8 | Early: see a doctor |
| 8 to 10 | Earlier than average, but within normal for many |
| 11 to 13 | The most common ages |
| 14 to 15 | Later than average, often normal, especially if puberty started later |
| No period by 15 | See a doctor |
Signs a first period is coming
- Breasts started growing about 2 to 3 years ago
- Pubic and underarm hair has grown in
- A growth spurt has happened recently
- White or yellowish discharge in underwear, often 6 to 12 months before
- Skin changes like spots, and new mood swings
More detail in signs your first period is coming and our full guide to the first period. A first period kit in a school bag makes it much less stressful.
What early periods are like
First periods are often light and brownish, and cycles are usually irregular at first. ACOG notes that cycles from 21 to 45 days are normal for teens and that it can take six years or more to become regular. A first period usually lasts 2 to 7 days. See how long does your first period last.
Mood can change too. Rising and falling hormones can bring new feelings of irritability or sadness before a period. Knowing that's normal, and that it passes, helps a lot.
Talking about periods before the first one arrives makes it far less scary. Simple, matter-of-fact facts, a kit, and knowing who to ask at school go a long way.
See a doctor if periods start before age 8, haven't started by 15 (or by 13 with no other signs of puberty), stop for more than 3 months after starting, come more often than every 21 days or less often than every 45 days, last more than 7 days, or need a pad or tampon change every 1 to 2 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get your period at 9?
Yes. Starting at 9 is earlier than average but within the normal range.
Is 15 too late to get your first period?
It's later than average. ACOG and the NHS suggest seeing a doctor if periods haven't started by 15.
Why are girls getting periods earlier?
Researchers link earlier menarche partly to higher childhood body weight and other factors still being studied.
Will my first period be heavy?
Usually not. First periods are often light, though they vary.
Sources
- NHS: Starting periods
- ACOG: Your First Period
- Cleveland Clinic: Menarche (first period)
- CDC NCHS: Trends and Patterns in Menarche in the United States, 1995 through 2013 to 2017
This page is for information only and isn鈥檛 medical advice. If something worries you, please talk to a doctor.
Keep reading
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