How can you tell when a period is about to start for the first time? Bodies have their own programming \u2014 if you started your period at age 13, that doesn\u2019t mean that your child will, too. <\/p>
And the age of onset can vary wildly. Most people assigned female at birth will start their period between the ages of 9 and 14, but it can start in kids as young as 8, and the average age to start a period is 12. <\/p>
If your teen hasn\u2019t had their first period by their 15th birthday, it\u2019s a good idea to speak with a doctor. <\/p>
HEADS UP > Though we at BLOOM use the term \u201cdaughter\u201d above, we will use they\/them pronouns going forward. This guide helps you navigate your preteen or teen\u2019s first period, regardless of their gender identity.<\/p>
Signs of a First Period<\/h2>![\"Signs](\"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/03\/signs_of_first_period-1160x1303.jpg\")
<\/figure>There are some signs that a period is about to begin \u2014 and once you know those, you\u2019ll be better equipped to support your preteen. Some signs to be on the lookout for:<\/p>
- Breast Buds Develop:<\/strong> Breast development starts 2-3 years<\/strong> before their first period begins<\/li>\n\n
- Pubic Hair and Underarm Hair Start to Grow:<\/strong> Pubic hair starts to grow around their genitals & underarms around 1 year<\/strong> before their first menstrual cycle.<\/li>\n\n
- Vaginal Discharge and Other Signs: <\/strong>Around 6-12 months<\/strong> before, they might experience a growth spurt in height and weight. They might also see or feel vaginal discharge \u2014 clear or stringy muscus-like fluid \u2014 in their underwear. (As a caregiver, you might notice it while doing laundry.)<\/li>\n\n
- PMS Symptoms:<\/strong> Around 1-2 weeks <\/strong>before,<\/strong> they might experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.<\/li><\/ul>
What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?<\/h2>
While PMS carries some negative stereotypes, many people report positive effects, too. Sharing both the symptoms and potential upsides with your preteen or teen might help manage any anxiety they have around experiencing PMS.<\/p>![\"PMS](\"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/03\/PMS_Symptoms-1160x915.jpg\")
<\/figure>Common PMS symptoms:<\/h3>- Sore or tender breasts and nipples<\/li>\n\n
- Cloudy or white vaginal discharge<\/li>\n\n
- Stomach or back cramps<\/li>\n\n
- Headaches<\/li>\n\n
- Bloating<\/li>\n\n
- Facial or back acne <\/li>\n\n
- Increased emotion or moodiness (like crying, anger, or difficulty concentrating)<\/li>\n\n
- Fatigue<\/li>\n\n
- Increased appetite and cravings<\/li><\/ul><\/span>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/03\/Caregiver_Teen_Talking_screen.jpg\")
Ready to elevate your parenting? Become a member of the BLOOM family today! <\/h2>\n\nGain access to workshops, coaching, and a network of supportive parents. Don\u2019t navigate this journey alone –<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n\nJOIN TODAY<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Some empowering effects of PMS:<\/h3>- Increased creativity<\/li>\n\n
- Heightened sensitivity to others\u2019 needs <\/li>\n\n
- Increased assertiveness, productivity, and determination<\/li>\n\n
- Deeper emotional connections<\/li>\n\n
- Increased spiritual awareness<\/li>\n\n
- Enhanced perception of surroundings<\/li>\n\n
- Increased resilience<\/li>\n\n
- Expressing more affection, patience, and forgiveness<\/li>\n\n
- More energetic and\/or increased athletic performance. (This is mainly in the late follicular phase, leading up to ovulation and is due to higher estrogen levels.)<\/li>\n\n
- Sharpened senses (a heightened sense of taste and smell)<\/li><\/ul>
PRO TIP ><\/strong> Encourage your teen to explore the BLOOM TEEN HUB<\/a> to learn all about their skin and skin care, written just for them!<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"Black](\"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/08\/skincare_teen-1160x406.webp\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Talking About Periods<\/h2>
Talking with your preteen or teen about what they can expect with their first period doesn\u2019t need to be daunting or a mystery. The more you talk with your child about what\u2019s going on in their body, the more prepared they will be for their first period. <\/p>
Remember to: <\/p>
- Know Your Period Basics:<\/strong> Educate yourself on the basics of periods and the changes they will go through during puberty.<\/li>\n\n
- Talk Early and Often: <\/strong>Look for teachable moments to talk about puberty and periods.<\/li>\n\n
- Answer their Questions:<\/strong> And, ask what they already know about periods. If they ask you questions, answer simply and honestly.<\/li>\n\n
- Be Period Positive: <\/strong>Avoid being negative, instead opting for a positive outlook on their first menstrual cycle.<\/li><\/ul>
Want more? Learn more on how to talk to your preteen or teen about their first period<\/a>.<\/p>![\"Menstruation](\"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/PeriodProducts_content-1160x387.jpg\")
<\/figure>Menstrual Supplies You Should Have in Preparation for Their First Period:<\/h2>
At home:<\/strong> Keep a period kit with a selection of period products including pads, liners, and light tampons, along with a change of underwear. (Check out BLOOM\u2019s First Period Box<\/a> for everything they\u2019d need.) Make sure the pads range in absorbency level so that they\u2019ll have one to match their flow.<\/p>Pads, liners, tampons, menstrual cups? Don\u2019t know where to start? Here are <\/em>6 period products<\/em><\/a> to help your preteen or teen feel the most comfortable.<\/em><\/p>On the go:<\/strong> Pack a small pouch or makeup bag with a smaller version of the period kit for their backpack or locker. They might also want to keep an extra pair of pants or leggings in their locker.
What\u2019s next? <\/em>How to Talk to Your Child About Their Period<\/em><\/a><\/p>If you are still feeling overwhelmed, don\u2019t worry! BLOOM is here to help. With our library of\u00a0 On-Demand Workshops<\/a> with our trusted educators, to our Ask the Expert Forum & Live Events<\/a> \u00a0where you can get answers to your burning questions from our qualified professionals, to Supportive Community<\/a>, where you can find strength in a community of other parents and caregivers, to Direct 1-on-1 Parent Coaching Support<\/a>, we\u2019ve got you. Raising tweens or teens is hard enough. BLOOM is here to make it a little easier.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Our experts tell us the top signs of your child\u2019s first period and how to talk about menstruation with them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":204,"featured_media":21636,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[379,380],"tags":[],"powerkit_post_featured":[],"coauthors":[341,343],"class_list":{"0":"post-453","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-healthy-body","8":"category-menstruation"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/453","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/204"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=453"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/453\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21636"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=453"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=453"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=453"},{"taxonomy":"powerkit_post_featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/powerkit_post_featured?post=453"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=453"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/figure>There are some signs that a period is about to begin \u2014 and once you know those, you\u2019ll be better equipped to support your preteen. Some signs to be on the lookout for:<\/p>
- Breast Buds Develop:<\/strong> Breast development starts 2-3 years<\/strong> before their first period begins<\/li>\n\n
- Pubic Hair and Underarm Hair Start to Grow:<\/strong> Pubic hair starts to grow around their genitals & underarms around 1 year<\/strong> before their first menstrual cycle.<\/li>\n\n
- Vaginal Discharge and Other Signs: <\/strong>Around 6-12 months<\/strong> before, they might experience a growth spurt in height and weight. They might also see or feel vaginal discharge \u2014 clear or stringy muscus-like fluid \u2014 in their underwear. (As a caregiver, you might notice it while doing laundry.)<\/li>\n\n
- PMS Symptoms:<\/strong> Around 1-2 weeks <\/strong>before,<\/strong> they might experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.<\/li><\/ul>
What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?<\/h2>
While PMS carries some negative stereotypes, many people report positive effects, too. Sharing both the symptoms and potential upsides with your preteen or teen might help manage any anxiety they have around experiencing PMS.<\/p>
<\/figure>Common PMS symptoms:<\/h3>
- Sore or tender breasts and nipples<\/li>\n\n
- Cloudy or white vaginal discharge<\/li>\n\n
- Stomach or back cramps<\/li>\n\n
- Headaches<\/li>\n\n
- Bloating<\/li>\n\n
- Facial or back acne <\/li>\n\n
- Increased emotion or moodiness (like crying, anger, or difficulty concentrating)<\/li>\n\n
- Fatigue<\/li>\n\n
- Increased appetite and cravings<\/li><\/ul><\/span>
Ready to elevate your parenting? Become a member of the BLOOM family today! <\/h2>\n\n
Gain access to workshops, coaching, and a network of supportive parents. Don\u2019t navigate this journey alone –<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n\n
JOIN TODAY<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Some empowering effects of PMS:<\/h3>
- Increased creativity<\/li>\n\n
- Heightened sensitivity to others\u2019 needs <\/li>\n\n
- Increased assertiveness, productivity, and determination<\/li>\n\n
- Deeper emotional connections<\/li>\n\n
- Increased spiritual awareness<\/li>\n\n
- Enhanced perception of surroundings<\/li>\n\n
- Increased resilience<\/li>\n\n
- Expressing more affection, patience, and forgiveness<\/li>\n\n
- More energetic and\/or increased athletic performance. (This is mainly in the late follicular phase, leading up to ovulation and is due to higher estrogen levels.)<\/li>\n\n
- Sharpened senses (a heightened sense of taste and smell)<\/li><\/ul>
PRO TIP ><\/strong> Encourage your teen to explore the BLOOM TEEN HUB<\/a> to learn all about their skin and skin care, written just for them!<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Talking About Periods<\/h2>
Talking with your preteen or teen about what they can expect with their first period doesn\u2019t need to be daunting or a mystery. The more you talk with your child about what\u2019s going on in their body, the more prepared they will be for their first period. <\/p>
Remember to: <\/p>
- Know Your Period Basics:<\/strong> Educate yourself on the basics of periods and the changes they will go through during puberty.<\/li>\n\n
- Talk Early and Often: <\/strong>Look for teachable moments to talk about puberty and periods.<\/li>\n\n
- Answer their Questions:<\/strong> And, ask what they already know about periods. If they ask you questions, answer simply and honestly.<\/li>\n\n
- Be Period Positive: <\/strong>Avoid being negative, instead opting for a positive outlook on their first menstrual cycle.<\/li><\/ul>
Want more? Learn more on how to talk to your preteen or teen about their first period<\/a>.<\/p>
<\/figure>Menstrual Supplies You Should Have in Preparation for Their First Period:<\/h2>
At home:<\/strong> Keep a period kit with a selection of period products including pads, liners, and light tampons, along with a change of underwear. (Check out BLOOM\u2019s First Period Box<\/a> for everything they\u2019d need.) Make sure the pads range in absorbency level so that they\u2019ll have one to match their flow.<\/p>
Pads, liners, tampons, menstrual cups? Don\u2019t know where to start? Here are <\/em>6 period products<\/em><\/a> to help your preteen or teen feel the most comfortable.<\/em><\/p>
On the go:<\/strong> Pack a small pouch or makeup bag with a smaller version of the period kit for their backpack or locker. They might also want to keep an extra pair of pants or leggings in their locker.
What\u2019s next? <\/em>How to Talk to Your Child About Their Period<\/em><\/a><\/p>If you are still feeling overwhelmed, don\u2019t worry! BLOOM is here to help. With our library of\u00a0 On-Demand Workshops<\/a> with our trusted educators, to our Ask the Expert Forum & Live Events<\/a> \u00a0where you can get answers to your burning questions from our qualified professionals, to Supportive Community<\/a>, where you can find strength in a community of other parents and caregivers, to Direct 1-on-1 Parent Coaching Support<\/a>, we\u2019ve got you. Raising tweens or teens is hard enough. BLOOM is here to make it a little easier.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Our experts tell us the top signs of your child\u2019s first period and how to talk about menstruation with them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":204,"featured_media":21636,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[379,380],"tags":[],"powerkit_post_featured":[],"coauthors":[341,343],"class_list":{"0":"post-453","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-healthy-body","8":"category-menstruation"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/453","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/204"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=453"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/453\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21636"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=453"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=453"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=453"},{"taxonomy":"powerkit_post_featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/powerkit_post_featured?post=453"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=453"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- Talk Early and Often: <\/strong>Look for teachable moments to talk about puberty and periods.<\/li>\n\n
- Know Your Period Basics:<\/strong> Educate yourself on the basics of periods and the changes they will go through during puberty.<\/li>\n\n
- Pubic Hair and Underarm Hair Start to Grow:<\/strong> Pubic hair starts to grow around their genitals & underarms around 1 year<\/strong> before their first menstrual cycle.<\/li>\n\n