First menstruation, or menarche, can be an exciting time in a girl’s life signaling entry into puberty and young womanhood. A girl will not start menarche until all of her reproductive organs have matured and are working together, usually around ages 10 to 15. The Center for Young Women’s Health says that the signs of a first period are basically the same for every girl, though the age of onset can vary widely. Some girls may experience premenstrual symptoms off and on for a few months before menstruation actually begins.
Spotting
Vaginal spotting in a puberty-age girl is generally indicative of a first period. A girl may not experience a true blood flow during her first period, but rather may have light brown to red spotting which can last up to several days. Alternately, spotting may appear several days before a menstrual flow. Some girls experience a typical, heavier menstrual flow from the beginning.
Abdominal Cramps
Uterine cramping can begin several days before a vaginal flow appears. A girl may experience light abdominal cramps, sometimes accompanied by diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, before her first period. Additionally, pain may be felt in the lower back. Kidshealth.org suggests that cramps may be achy or dull, or sharp and more intense. A girl may also experience abdominal bloating in tandem with menstrual cramps.
Breast Tenderness
As hormones align in preparation for a first period, a girl may experience breast tenderness before her period begins. She may feel breast discomfort several days before vaginal bleeding begins and find it uncomfortable to wear a bra or snug shirt, or to touch her breasts. Discomfort may also be felt in the sides of the chest and underarms. A girl may also notice that her breasts seem slightly swollen or larger than normal in addition to discomfort.
Irritability
Hormones responsible for menstruation can trigger emotional changes in girls who are beginning a first period, just as for older women. Kidshealth.org offers that some girls may feel more emotionally intense than usual before a period, with an increase in emotional irritability, crying and sadness. A sudden emotional shift with these symptoms, in combination with other premenstrual symptoms, can indicate a first period.
About this Author
Based in Wisconsin, Elizabeth Otto is a licensed emergency medical technician-intermediate with 10 years of experience in the field and holds an Associate of Science degree in medical assisting from Commonwealth College. She has worked as clinical assistant in family health and emergency medicine since 1995. Otto is a copywriter, and freelance writer for LIVESTRONG.com.
