First Period: Common Symptoms & FAQs

A first period usually happens between ages 10 and 14. It marks the transition from childhood to adolescence and the beginning of reproductive capability (ability to get pregnant).

Also called menarche, a first period is often accompanied by other symptoms. These can include pain in the lower abdomen, back, or legs, breast tenderness, acne, and mood changes.

This experience differs from person to person and can be influenced by factors like lifestyle, diet, and hormonal changes. For that reason, it’s a good idea to visit a gynecologist or another healthcare provider after the first period to get personalized guidance and have any questions answered.

Common symptoms

Common symptoms of the first period include:

• Pain or a heavy feeling in the lower abdomen, back, or legs.

• Bloating.

• Breasts that are sore or tender to the touch.

• Acne that may appear or get worse.

• Fatigue or low energy.

• Mood changes due to hormonal changes.

Bleeding during the first period may appear bright red or brown. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), menstrual cycles often remain irregular for the first few years after menarche, and occasional missed periods or light spotting can be normal during early adolescence.

Before the first period, the body typically undergoes several changes, including breast development (which usually begins two to three years earlier), a growth spurt, the appearance of pubic and underarm hair, and widening of the hips.

What to do

After the first period, it can be helpful to visit a gynecologist or other healthcare provider for guidance on menstruation, symptoms, and how to manage the menstrual cycle.

During the cycle, using sanitary pads is recommended to manage menstrual flow. Overnight pads can offer extra protection during the first few days, and pads should be changed every three hours or sooner if needed. It is also a good idea to keep extra pads on hand, especially near the expected start of the period. The external genital area should be washed daily with mild soap and water to maintain hygiene.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), tracking periods in a calendar or app can help monitor whether the cycle is developing a typical pattern during adolescence.

To relieve cramps or other discomfort, warm baths, a heating pad, stretching, light exercise, or over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can be effective.

Getting a first period is a natural part of growing up and should not be a source of worry or embarrassment.

Frequently asked questions

Some commonly asked questions about menarche include:

1. What color is the first period?

The blood during a first period is often dark brown at first, but it may also appear as light pink spots or bright red bleeding.

Blood that looks darker than usual happens because of hormonal changes. It does not mean there is a health problem.

2. How heavy is the first period?

The first period may begin with small, occasional spots of blood. The flow often starts light, becomes heavier over the next few days, and then gradually lightens again toward the end.

3. How many days does it last?

A first period usually lasts 3 to 7 days. However, the length can vary from person to person.

4. After the first period, when does the second one come?

In general, the next period typically arrives about 28 days after the first day of the previous period. However, it is normal for cycles to be longer or irregular in the years after menarche as the body adjusts to hormonal changes.

5. Is it possible to delay the first period?

It is possible to delay the first period when a girl is younger than 9 and already has signs that it may be starting soon. This situation is also known as precocious menarche.

In these cases, a pediatric endocrinologist may recommend measures to help delay menarche and allow for more bone growth.

Usually, in these situations, the doctor may recommend monthly hormone injections until the girl reaches an age when delaying menstruation no longer offers any benefit.