A Teen's Guide to Her First Period - PMS Center - Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Premenstrual Syndrome A Teen' s Guide to Her First Period Forget that serious "menstruation talk" — here's how to really open the lines of communication and help your daughter cope with her first period. By Krisha McCoyMedically Reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPHReviewed: September 22, 2010Medically ReviewedThat very first period can come as quite a surprise to a young girl. One day she is a carefree youngster; the next, she is a young woman, experiencing the start of menstruation, maybe her first mood swing, and perhaps even other premenstrual (PMS) symptoms. While it may seem more like a bother than a major event, a girl's first period is a major milestone in her life. It marks the shift from girlhood to womanhood, since getting a period signifies that a girl can get pregnant. Signs of the First Period The age at which young girls start menstruating can vary widely, with some girls getting their first period as early as 8 years old and others not until they are 15. There are often signs that girls are nearing their first period. Breast development and pubic hair growth often begin a couple of years before menstruation. And about one year before their first period, many girls experience a marked growth spurt. A girl's first period is usually very light, with sometimes only spotting or very little blood. The typical menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but periods are often irregular during the first few years of menstruation. During this time, girls may skip menstrual cycles, or the cycles may occur multiple times in one month, or less frequently than expected. Even though these fluctuations are common during the first few years of menstruation, talk with your daughter's doctor if her periods do not seem regular. As for the emotional side of periods, your daughter may be excited about the arrival of her period; after all, it is a rite of passage into adulthood. But other parents may find that their daughters are anxious, even afraid. This is normal, too, but all the more reason for a serious heart-to-heart. Jillian Michaels 5 Ways to Control PMSDuring the five to seven days before their period, most women experience at least one symptom of PMS. Use these 5 tips to help tame PMS naturally. Open the Lines of Communication Instead of having a formal menstruation "talk" with your daughter, try opening up the dialogue and, openly and honestly, asking your daughter about her questions. Here are some suggestions for answering your daughter's questions about menstruation:Why do girls have periods? Take a positive approach to explaining to your daughter why women have menstrual cycles. Tell her that a menstrual cycle is part of the natural cycle that allows a woman to get pregnant. When a pregnancy doesn't occur in a menstrual cycle, hormones signal her body to shed the baby-ready uterine lining, which is what happens during a period.What is PMS? Explain that just before a period starts, some girls and women experience PMS symptoms, which may include mood swings and irritability, bloating, and tender breasts. Most girls do not experience PMS symptoms until years after their first period, but for those who do, rest, regular exercise, and a healthful diet can help manage their symptoms.Will I get cramps? Girls commonly experience pain and tightness in their lower abdomen and back around the start of their period. These cramps are usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, but you should talk to your daughter's doctor if her cramps are severe.Should I use tampons or pads? Both tampons and pads can be used to soak up blood from a period. They should be changed at least every four to six hours. Pads are worn in underwear, and are often easiest for young girls to use. With tampons, you will need to explain to your daughter how to insert them correctly so they are not uncomfortable.How much will I bleed? Tell your daughter that she is probably losing only a few teaspoons of blood during her period, even though it may seem like more. If she is going through a pad or tampon every hour, though, there may be a problem, and you should talk with her doctor.How long will my period last? Your daughter should expect her period to last for three to five days on average. But some girls have shorter periods, and others have periods that last up to seven days.Can I get pregnant? Having a menstrual cycle means that a girl's body is ovulating (releasing eggs) and preparing for a baby. Some girls even ovulate just prior to having their first period. So talk with your daughter about sex and pregnancy prevention when you are discussing her menstrual cycle. The more information that you share with your daughter about periods and PMS symptoms, the more comfortable and prepared she will feel as her body grows and changes. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Women' s Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Premenstrual Syndrome These 5 PMS Subscription Boxes Will Help You Conquer Your Next Period Take that, Aunt Flo.By Katie RobinsonMay 22, 2018 7 Reasons You Have Period PainBy Jordan DavidsonJanuary 5, 2018 8 Foods That Help Fight PMS Want to reduce the irritability, bloating, and cramping that happens every month? Skip the chips and chocolate and instead reach for these foods rich ...By Beth W. OrensteinJanuary 2, 2013 5 Supplements That May Ease PMS SymptomsCan vitamins and minerals nip premenstrual syndrome symptoms in the bud? 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