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Menstruation? |
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Mary (14) asks...
I
am 14 yrs. old, and I still haven't had my first period! I have underarm and
pubic hair, a whitish vaginal discharge, and I have breasts--but I haven't had
a period. Is there something wrong with me?
Jackie (15)
asks...
I just turned 15 and I have not yet had my period. I am
starting to get worried. What should I do ? |
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Mary & Jackie:
The beginning of menstruation (called "menarche") is likely to occur,
on average, around 13 or 14. Of course, it isn't abnormal for menarche
to begin at 16+ either. This typically happens when your pubic hair begins to
form its characteristic triangular shape as in adulthood. Now, starting
menarche doesn't necessarily mean a start of ovulation (egg cells released) --
ovulation may occur later, perhaps a year later. Normal menstrual cycles occur
when ovulation begins, which is normally between 12 and 19 years of age, with
the "average" around 15. I wouldn't worry about it yet. And once you do get
your first period, remember that it's quite common for menstrual cycles to be
irregular at first -- sometimes months between them. Most girls have regular
cycles by their 18th birthday or when they have been menstruating for
several years. Give it some more time, but if you're really worried, see a
gynocoligist to assure that nothing is wrong.
Remember this for
everything: "average" means typical, but not necessary. "Average" is the center
point of "normal" -- and straying from it isn't necessarily a bad
thing! |
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Kate (12-14) asks...
How can you tell when a girl will begin to menstruate for the first time?
Are there any signs? |
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Kate:
Menarch
(the beginning of menstruation) usually happens in "Stage 4" of puberty, but
can happen late in Stage 3 as well. While there are no real "signs" of an
impending first period, there are signs that may let you know when it is likely
to happen.
Check out the
Puberty
Stages for Girls to see where in puberty you are, and you'll get an
idea of when your first period may happen. |
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Credit: J.
Geoff Malta, MA, EdM, NCC Adolescent Therapist
Puberty 101 Archives |
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