When will you get your first period? Tips and explanations included!

How old are you?

The average age of first periods happen is 12 and a half, but it can happen as young as 8 or as old as 18.

How long have your breasts been developing?

Your period usually comes after developing your breasts for 2 -
2 and a half years. But if you began developing breasts later than usual (12 or older), you might get your period 1 - 2 years after developing breasts. If you began developing breasts earlier than usual (9 or younger) you can expect your period to come 2 and a half - 3 years after. This isn’t always true though. Some females develop breasts after their first period, but there is usually some development beforehand.

When did you have a growth spurt?

Most females get their growth spurt 1-2 years before their first period. However, some females that have short stature in their genes don’t have growth spurts. Some females also have a condition that stunts their growth before their first period. Some females also have a growth spurt after their first period.

How long have you been developing pubic hair?

After developing breasts, girls start to notice pubic hair. Some girls get pubic hair before breasts which is totally fine, it happens to 1 in 5 females. After developing pubic hair, your period will most likely come in 1 to 2 years.

How long have you had secretions for (also known as discharge)?

You usually get your first period 6-12 months after getting secretions. It can be more, can be less. Some women don’t get secretions, so it is okay if you don’t.

Secretions can be white, cream, or a faint yellow. They can be watery, thick, stretchy, or dry. You can have a lot or a bit. You can get it every day or once a month. The point is, everyone’s secretions are different.

If your secretions are red or brown (also known as spotting), this is actually your period. No need to take this quiz anymore:)

If your secretions have a strong odor to them and/or your vagina persistently burns (occasional burning is normal) and/or are a strange colour (yellow or green), see a doctor as this could be something known as a yeast infection.

Do you feel you have enough body fat to have a period (NOT MEANT AS A HURTFUL QUESTION)?

A girl needs at least 17% of her body to be fat to have a period, and 22% by age 18 for them to happen continuously. This question isn’t meant to offend anyone! If you have more than 17% body fat (which you should), that is perfectly ok, and you can still be considered healthy! You are beautiful just the way you are ❤️

Have you experienced any of these PMS symptoms recently (within 3 months)?

1. Moodier than usual
2. Craving junk food
3. Hungrier than usual
4. Cramps
5. Increased tiredness and laziness even if you get enough sleep
6. Tender breasts (if your breasts are fully developed. Tender breasts that aren’t fully developed are usually just sore from growing not because of your period).
7. Frequent cramps in your back or abdominal area.

Usually, you get some of these symptoms about 0 - 6 months before your first period. You can get some other symptoms too.

At what age did your mum or a sister get her first period?

Most of the time, your first period occurs around the same age your mum or sister get it at. Not always the case, but sometimes.

Compare yourself with yourself from about 4 years ago. How different are you from then (physically and mentally/personality)

Do you have any issues that could affect you when you get your first period?