6 signs of your first period: How to tell it’s on its way
Have you already noticed if your body has changed?
Typically from when you are 9-10 years old, you will experience that your body slowly begins to change. First, it's small things, maybe some downy hair on your body. A small pimple. Suddenly you notice that your breasts are incredibly tender.
Your body is now changing. And this is due to the hormones in your body, which have been busy preparing you and your body for the next phase of life.
Not quite an adult. Not quite a child. And that can be a bit difficult. But luckily, it's a topic we deal with a lot. We have previously written about menarche itself, which is the word for the very first menstruation - what actually happens in the body.
And in this article, we will prepare you so that you can better spot the small signs that you will soon get your first period. Yes. Your body actually sends you some pretty clear signals, which we will now help you decode.
Knowing the signs can make a huge difference – both for you who are experiencing all the new things, but also for parents who want to provide safe and natural support.
Article written by Cathrine Widunok Wichmand
When do you get your first period?
Many people get their period when they are between 10 and 15 years old, but there is great variation – and anything within that range is completely normal.
You won't know the exact time it will come. But if you listen to your body, there will be signs that it's on its way, and if you know them, you'll probably feel pretty well guided and a little more prepared for what your body is actually doing.
The first signs of menstruation
If you want to know more about what actually happens in the body when the first menstruation arrives, we have written a good article for you here.
Below we have listed the six most common signs that your period is coming:
1. Vaginal discharge – the very first signal
Vaginal discharge is often one of the very first signs, typically appearing after the breasts have started to develop.
It can be:
- white, yellowish, or transparent
- thin or slightly creamy
This means that the body is undergoing hormonal changes. Your discharge is a fantastic 'status report' from your body, telling you if everything is okay, or if you need to be aware of imbalances.
Discharge will appear as a small whitish blob/spot in your underwear, and it's not gross. It's not dirty. It's exactly as it should be.
👉 Menstruation typically occurs 6–12 months after discharge begins.
2. Breasts begin to grow
Breast development is a clear sign that puberty is underway. You may have already noticed two bumps appearing on your chest. One day they will have turned into breasts.
But oh, how sore they can be. Maybe you've been hit by a ball in the schoolyard or leaned over a table. Luckily, it gets better. But many people experience monthly tension in their breasts leading up to menstruation - a sign that the first day of bleeding is just around the corner.
Menstruation often occurs:
- approximately 1.5–2 years after the breasts begin to develop
3. Body hair growth
Yes. You'll grow hair on your body. It's neither disgusting. Shameful. Embarrassing. Every time you encounter such an attitude, it reflects culture more than reality. And in culture, fashion has changed. In some decades, you let it all grow. In other decades, it was 'smart' to trim it.
Luckily, that's something only you decide. But regardless, hair will start to grow:
- under your arms
- around the genital area
But also more on your arms, legs, back. Hair is actually there to protect us. From the sun, from dirt, from cold.
And if we stay in the genital area for a moment. It is completely normal to have pubic hair down to the thighs, between the buttocks, on the labia. It actually helps to protect the area by catching dust and the like that should not enter the vagina.
Hairiness is therefore a completely natural part of the body's development.
4. Mood swings and emotions
This one is a bit trickier. Because the changes in your mood can creep up on you. Unlike hair and menstrual blood, the changes in your mood, energy, surplus, and feelings may be more subtle - without a physical change.
Many experience:
- rapid mood swings - from being light and happy one moment to being tired and angry the next
- irritability - you might find yourself getting so annoyed over small things
- increased sensitivity - suddenly you just cry
This is due to hormonal changes – your brain is greatly influenced by your hormones, and it is they that create all these changes. It is completely normal - and if you learn to listen to your body's needs, it actually becomes a really good guide to feeling your own boundaries. Suddenly it is easier to say no.
It's all part of becoming an adult.
5. Abdominal pain or a “dull ache” in the lower abdomen
A concrete sign that menstruation is very imminent is:
- mild pain
- a pressing or dull aching sensation
This could be your body preparing for menstruation. This will typically be a sign that appears very close to the first day of bleeding.
6. Changes in energy and fatigue
Just as your mood is affected by hormones, so too are your body and energy levels. It's part of having a cyclical body. And you have that when you menstruate.
You will soon have a bleeding phase, a follicular phase, an ovulation phase, and a luteal phase. And in each phase, there are significant hormonal shifts. And especially in the luteal phase, which typically occurs 10-14 days before your period, there are very natural signs:
- more tired than usual
- a bit “off” in the body
Here too, hormones play a role.
How does the first period feel?
It will probably be on your mind a lot. How will it actually feel? The first menstruation is rarely violent. Neither in terms of bleeding volume nor pain.
Often it is:
- light
- irregular (maybe you bleed one day - pause - then you bleed again)
- short
The bleeding can be:
- pink, red, or brownish
And it can happen somewhat suddenly – for example, at school or at home. A really good idea is to have a small period kit ready in your bag, so you are prepared when it happens. And then you have one less worry.
How to be prepared
Being prepared isn't about being on guard – it's about feeling safe. It's important - because bleeding is a new thing to get used to. It requires security,
Good things to have ready:
- Period panties
- Pads
- Extra underwear in your bag
For many, period panties are the easiest start because:
- they don't require you to do anything actively
- they feel like regular underwear
- they provide comfort all day long
👉 You can read much more about period panties for children and teens here.
Parents: how to make it safe and natural
If you are a parent or caregiver for someone who is about to menstruate. Then your approach means everything to your child. So, three good tips for you:
- Talk about menstruation before it starts (if you don't menstruate yourself, be curious about all the new things together with your child)
- Use calm and natural language
- Avoid making it dramatic or embarrassing
You don't need to have all the answers – the most important thing is that there's room for questions.
When to react?
Are you worried that something is wrong? Maybe you have very severe menstrual pain, maybe you are still waiting for it. It can be a good idea to talk to a doctor if:
- menstruation has not started after the age of 15
- there is very severe pain
- or something feels “wrong”
If you don't feel taken seriously or you're still worried after seeing your doctor, then you need to persevere - talk to an adult. Sometimes, unfortunately, women have to assert themselves to be taken seriously.
In short
Here, we briefly list all the small signs you can look for when you are waiting for your period:
- discharge
- breast development
- hair growth
- mood swings
- mild pain
Once you know the signs, it might feel a little less unpredictable – and much safer. And remember – every woman before you has had a period. There are many people you can ask for advice. And luckily, many more types of menstrual products have come onto the market than when your mother was a child, so there's a good solution for you too.
