What Are the Symptoms of a Girl’s First Period?
Symptoms of a girl’s first period include red or dark brown bloody vaginal discharge, breast tenderness, stomach cramps and moodiness, explains KidsHealth. Six months before a girl gets her first period, she may notice clear, odorless vaginal discharge.
Other signs that a girl’s first period is approaching include breast buds up to two years prior to the first period and changes in the body such as underarm and pubic hair approximately six months prior to menstruation, explains KidsHealth. A girl’s first period commonly occurs around the age of 12, but some girls may begin to menstruate as early as 9 or 10, or as late as 14.
The length and intensity of a girl’s first period varies, according to KidsHealth. Menstrual flow can last from two to seven days, with a varying amount of blood flow. Young adolescent girls discharge approximately 2 tablespoons of blood during menstrual periods, prompting pad changes three to six times each day.
Menstrual cramps are common during a girl’s first period and can include sharp and intense pains or dull aches, explains KidsHealth. Cramps are typically more intense during the first few days of the period. Some girls also notice mood changes before and during their menstrual cycle.
