Where Is My Period?

Written by Cecilia Naccari

There is never just one age that signifies your body changing. At around the age of 11, young girls typically start going through something called “puberty” which is the process of physical and hormonal changes symbolizing a transition into adulthood. Some of the signs of puberty shown in young girls could be the development of breasts, body odor, mood swings, and acne. Starting your menstrual cycle is also one of the first significant signs of puberty but it does not happen at the same time for everyone. 

Due to the way your body develops, a young girl is typically expected to get their period anywhere between the age of 10-15. Although it is okay to first get your period slightly outside of these ages, if it comes when you are far younger or older it is recommended to see a doctor. Some of the changes that come with puberty could indicate that your menstrual cycle is about to begin. Some of the most indicators are mood swings, bloating, cramps in the lower stomach, tenderness, and trouble sleeping. These are all symptoms that could possibly take place during your menstrual cycle or beforehand, indicating that your period is about to come. 

You may be wondering, “What even is a period?” A period is when the uterus’ lining sheds. This leads to vaginal bleeding which lasts about 5-7 days long. This whole process is part of the menstrual cycle. This takes place to prepare a young girl’s body for pregnancy. This happens each month typically with a 28 day gap in-between but it is normal to have a larger or smaller gap. 

Being so young, you may not always know what to expect. Periods can be messy and overwhelming but when knowing what to do, it is much more manageable. Changing out menstrual products when needed, keeping track of what the color of bleeding means, using an app to know when your period is expected to arrive, and taking control of symptoms such as menstrual cramps with heating pads or medication are all great ways to maintain a manageable menstrual cycle.