It is important to prepare and be supportive when your daughter reaches the age of 12-13 and goes through her first menstrual period, known as menarche. This event marks an important milestone in her life as she becomes a woman. It is important to be there for her and offer guidance and support during this time.

Menarche is the term for a girl's first menstrual period. It is considered an important milestone in a young woman's life and often marks the beginning of womanhood. Menstruation is the process during which the uterus sheds its inner lining made of blood and tissue. Hormones estrogen and progesterone are used to thicken the uterus lining and if fertilization does not occur, the lining is broken down and expelled through the vagina.

Average age of a girl’s first period

Menarche is the first menstrual period of a girl. It is an important milestone that marks her entry into womanhood. The average age of menarche is around 11-15 years old. However, some girls may experience early menarche before the age of 11 or delayed menarche after the age of 16. Early menarche can be caused by precocious puberty, which can result from ethnic background, central nervous system abnormalities, genetic syndromes, tumors of the brain, pituitary gland or ovaries, adrenal gland disorders, or severe hypothyroidism. Delayed menarche can be caused by a lack of body fat, which is common in athletes and those with eating disorders. Other causes of delayed menarche include genetics, health issues, radiation or chemotherapy treatment, autoimmune disorders, and tumors of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

Signs of a girl’s first period

When a girl is approaching her first menstrual period, also known as menarche, there are certain signs that can indicate it is coming. These signs include breast development, hair growth in the underarm and pubic area, and an increase in vaginal discharge which is usually white, clear, or yellowish in color. It is important to note that this discharge should not have a strong odor, as this could be a sign of a urinary tract infection.

It's important to have a conversation with your daughter about her first menstrual period, and to familiarize her with different menstrual products such as menstrual cups, tampons, and pads. It may be helpful for her to start with pads before trying tampons, and to remind her to change her pad every four to six hours to prevent infection. It's also important to teach her to keep track of the start and end date of her period, so she can be better prepared for the next one.

When to see a doctor

If your daughter is experiencing menarche before the age of 11 or delayed menarche (absence of menstruation by the age of 16) or lack of breast development by the age of 13 or a gap of four years or more between initial breast growth and menarche, it is wise to take her to the doctor as it may be a sign of other health concerns.