How to Tell Your Daughter’s Period Might Be Coming

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By the Dot Girl™ Moms

As parents it seems as though we’re often waiting and wondering when our children will reach the next milestone in their development from a baby’s first steps, using that last diaper or sending a child off on their first day of school. Experiencing puberty with your daughter is no different. She’ll go through many changes including her first period, also known as menarche.

We all know that no two kids are the same and no one can tell you exactly when her period will start but there are consistent stages of puberty that you can monitor so that the two of you can both be prepared.

Internal changes can start as young as 8 but the first visible signs of puberty come around the ages of 11 to 12 when girls develop breast buds. Breast buds are when the nipples are just beginning to elevate. Girls at this age will also grow in height and weight as well as show the beginning signs of pubic hair which starts out fine and straight rather than curly.

Breast growth will continue from 12 to 13. Her breasts might feel tender and may not be even in size until they are fully developed. Your daughter will start to notice vaginal discharge at this time. You can remind her that this is her body’s natural way of cleansing itself and that it’s perfectly normal. Remember to talk to your doctor if the discharge is dark in color or has a strong odor as this can be a sign of infection.

About two years after your daughter first develops breast buds and has reached approximately 100 pounds in body weight is when you can expect her period to begin. She may or may not have typical PMS symptoms of cramping or moodiness; everyone’s different. She’ll probably just discover that she’s started menstruating on a typical trip to the bathroom. But the more she knows about puberty and the changes her body is going through the less surprised she’ll feel when that big day comes.

About the Dot Girl™ Moms

Two sisters, Terri and Kathy, founded Dot Girl™ First Period Products. Who better than two women who are also daughters and mothers to honestly address an uncomfortable topic?

Their motivation to create The Dot Girl's First Period Kit™ grew from their own awkward teenage experiences. Despite the fact that their mother was a wonderful nurturer to four daughters, she was never comfortable talking to them about their bodies. They found that this is more often the rule than the exception for both moms and dads. And the reality today is that parents often find themselves in the awkward position of having avoided the subject at all costs, to the detriment of their daughters.

Terri and Kathy's goal is to provide parents with the tools they need to explain the basics of menstruation to their daughters. And for the girls, they hope to lessen their anxiety about their first period and instead turn it into a positive experience. For more information, please visit www.dotgirlproducts.com.

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What others are saying.

Alene Saap, 4/4/2009 5:53:01 AM
This is a wonderful article. Thanks for sharing it with us!

Kim, 4/4/2009 6:23:41 AM
This was a Great refresher for me.

Pamela, 4/5/2009 9:02:59 AM
Great article. I wish I had seen it 3 years ago when my youngest started.

Cindy, 4/5/2009 3:45:56 PM
I feel this article is a bit out of touch. Working in a pediatric setting I have seen girls are starting to get their periods at a much earlier age. This article seems to be suggesting girl won't get their periods until age 13-14 years old. I have seen many girls start at a much younger age, as young as 9 years old. The signs of development are the same. I just think if a mother thinks she has until the teen years, she might be shocked out of having those all important talks because her daughter wasn't on the "normal" schedule, she was "early".

Stephanie, 4/6/2009 7:12:04 AM
Thanks for the article I have two daughters Ages 9 and 12 and the 9 year old developed her breast first. While the 12 year old is just developing one bud but having the cramping and headaches but nothing has appeared as of yet. I have talked to both of my daughters and have shared this website with them as well so it has really been a great big help to me.

Tamara, 4/6/2009 7:57:06 AM
I loved the article and thought it contained some relevant information. My step-daughter, age 11, has gone through the initial stages (height & breast growth, pubic hair & discharge) for a year now, but she will probably not reach a weight of 100 lbs. for several years due to her swimming & genetics. The article suggest that achieving 100 lbs. is one of the requirements. Does this mean that she will not start her peiod until then?

Terri, 4/6/2009 1:06:40 PM
Cindy, you are absolutely right that girls can start their periods much younger than 13 or 14. In general, the medical community feels this is due to the overall improved nutrition and health of our population. The important thing for parents to look for are those first signs of development including breast buds. Those can come as young as 8 or 9 depending on the girl. No matter what, its important to start having short conversations with daughter very early in her development. Keep it simple and age appropriate depending on her questions. And, as always, if you have questions about your child's development ask your doctor.

Diane, 4/8/2009 2:26:08 PM
Very good article. Thanks!

Debbie, 4/11/2009 11:49:55 AM
I remember when my step-sister got her first period, and she wasn't 100 pounds. Also, when I got mine I deffinetly wasn't 100 pounds, I has if i remeber correctly I was 72 pounds so yes.

michelle, 4/16/2009 11:39:04 AM
my kid is just 9 years old she already had her period

Niki, 4/27/2009 11:19:02 AM
I am 15 years old and have not started my period, should I see a doctor about it?

priscy, 4/27/2009 6:53:59 PM
i wasn't 100 pounds when i had my period, i was i think between 75 pounds when i started as i remember.
I am in college and still do not reach 100.
trust me, i am a senior in college and only weigh between 85 to 90 pounds although the heaviest i have been was 98.

Dixie, 5/20/2009 8:44:10 PM
This article is very useful and informing. thank you for the information.

Dee, 6/12/2009 3:25:39 PM
Niki, I was right around 15 when I got my period. It may not be bad. (I am 37and have 4 heathy children) But it would be good to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have with your body. I was a runner back then and very small. I heard that sometimes exersize could delay things. (but I had alot less cramping because of it) .. If you have a good doctor that you could talk to she/he will help you figuar things out. Good luck!

Nora, 6/17/2009 1:05:50 PM
Thank you for the article, I have an 8 year old and she is showing sings; I just don' know when to explaing about boys reproductive sistem. Well I guess I have to wait for her first period wait and then see. but thank you very much, I didn't have any body to guide me whe I got mine.

veronica, 6/28/2009 8:08:48 PM
Iam 13 and am going to be 14 in september,5,6",and weigh about 125-130,I still have not got my period but my mom got hers at 13\14 I'm made fun of at school since I have 32a chest...is there anything that can help me develop faster I eat lots of fruits and exercise but don't know why I haven't got it yet and I know it ranges for each person..

veronica, 6/28/2009 8:08:56 PM
Iam 13 and am going to be 14 in september,5,6",and weigh about 125-130,I still have not got my period but my mom got hers at 13\14 I'm made fun of at school since I have 32a chest...is there anything that can help me develop faster I eat lots of fruits and exercise but don't know why I haven't got it yet and I know it ranges for each person..

rose, 7/2/2009 7:53:08 AM
guys i think u better tell ur kids becoz they will know and wat is worse they will come and ask u abt these stuff and it would be harder 4 u to answer them!!!!!!!!!!!!

samantha, 7/14/2009 11:00:29 PM
I love this article. I'm 20 and i'm a nanny. The 11 yr old i watch, we talk all the time about the day she gets her period. I was so upset when i got mine at 12 even tho my mom and i talked all the time about when i should get it. With the 11 yr old, we talk about it like once a wk, making sure she's ready to take on the full responsibility of becoming a woman. She's at the point, where she's really excited to get her period. I think it's great that we're so close she feels comfortable sharing her feelings about her body changing. I wish I was more open about it, and talked more with my mom or sister. For me, i was scared. But with her, she's ready. I hope other girls out there, know that they can talk about it, it's nothing to be embarrassed about. it's nothing but life.

Stephanie D., 7/18/2009 7:48:29 AM
I have a 9 yr old that seems to be ready and I think I tend to think she is to young but after reading Cindy's thoughts on this subject I feel more comfortable talking to her now.Thanks.I think this is a wonderful idea and think You 2 sisters have the rite idea,koodos to you both! But mabee you could lower the age as everything is actually starting much younger,Thanks Stephy in CT

jennifer, 8/2/2009 3:41:29 AM
my daughter will turn 13 in august she had one period in the fifth grade and hasnt had one since she has developed alot and had some cramping ovarian cysts run in our family should i be concerned

christa, 8/2/2009 10:23:00 AM
ive been getting discharge for about 3 years and my breasts started developing 3 years ago and ive been experiencing moodiness,cramps,bloating,fatigue,and headaches but i havent gotten my period yet. when will i get my period?

jessica, 8/3/2009 10:09:22 PM
christa, there might be something wrong with your arteries/organs and i would strongly suggest that you go and see a doctor about that. but every girl has to get her period sometime in life. so you will get it eventualy.

Amari, 8/8/2009 6:55:46 PM
Veronica I am 13 years old 2 I am in a 32A chest also u will probaly start youre period it just takes time u should b happy that u have not started ur period enjoy that I have started my period and I cried Just b thankful and don't worry about youre breast they will grow you are not the only 1 in a 32A range I am 2 and I am proud of it.

Denise, 8/17/2009 2:25:13 AM
I appreciated this article as I have an almost 10 year old girl who is beyond the budding breast, has the pubic hair, and even vaginal discharge already. She was a bit upset about this discharge and scared about getting her period. I am surprise at her being at that stage already but realize it still could be some time before she actually gets her period. I am going to share this article with her to ensure that what she is going through is normal. That, in addition to making an appointment with her doctor for support. Thanks. I will also check out the available kits for first periods.

Sarah, 8/18/2009 2:31:35 AM
I think this artical is great! Very informative! I was 11 when I started my periods. My daughter was also 11 when she started hers. Luckily, we have always been very close and I made sure that she knew I was there for her and open to discuss any subject without judging her. This willingness to discuss anything came in very handy when it was time to discuss her periods. I started explaining things to her at an early age (7 or 8 years old) and then brought the subject up from time to time after that. Don' t be afraid to talk openly to your daughter about this natural process. My mother never mentioned it to me at all. I guess she thought the movie we were going to see in school explaining puberty would cover it & she wouldn't have to talk to me about it. I started my period 2-3 years BEFORE the puberty movie & when I started I was scared & went through unnecessary "trauma" just because my mother never talked to me.

Don't be afraid to discuss this (or anything) with your daughter.

The best thing I ever did was make sure my daughter knew she could come to me and discuss ANYTHING, and I would keep an open mind and discuss things calmly with her. That's part of being a good mother in my book. She & I are still extremely close to this day and she is now married with 2 children. Yes, we still discuss things openly. We cover so many topics that my mother never brought up or explained to me. I firmly beleive my openness to discuss things made puberty & life itself much easier for my daughter to cope with, just because she was informed and knew if she had questions she could come to me & ask without worrying about being judged.

Rhegan, 8/22/2009 5:42:25 PM
hi i dont have my period yet and my mom doesnt really talk to me about it at all so i read that article and it really helped me to realize that my period will come when its ready to come thank you so much!!!!

Marie, 8/28/2009 11:38:14 AM
My daughter is 9 and will be 10 in January, she has been complaining of headaches and also developed breast buds, I began talking to her about having periods since I've heard other moms say their daughters have seen periods from the age of 8. Could the headaches be a sign that her period is coming. The females in my family all saw periods around the age of 11, 12 including me.

zoe, 9/12/2009 9:21:59 PM
thanks this artical is great.

BassGirl, 9/15/2009 3:51:37 PM
Oh Lord, my 9 year old woke me from my nap and tossed her undies to me and asked "what's that?" and there was blood on them! I am panicking some. I didn't start until I was like almost 12! I am trying to figure out how to tell her. She is still a kid, and still runs around and acts like it too!! Wish me luck!

Pamela, 9/21/2009 7:37:47 PM
A friends daughter started her period at 9, within 15 days she started again, and yes she has taken her to the doctor and they told her this happens sometimes, my goodness she is still a baby, what's next for our little girls?

Kina, 9/25/2009 1:58:08 PM
I developed breast and pubic hair by the time I was 8 years of age and started my period when I was 10 and I was between 70-75 pounds. Most of the females in my family have started developing and getting their period's around the same time I did with mine. My daughter is currently 9 years old and so far hasn't developed like I did! I have spoken to her about puberty and getting her period when she was 6 years of age due to the fact that I wanted her to be prepared for it in case she developed like I did. She understood completely and knows what to expect and what to do when the time comes for her. It wasn't hard to explain to her about it at all, it was actually easier than what I expected.

Yvette, 9/25/2009 4:44:18 PM
It is good to see that many of the people who have read this article are more informed than the dotcom Moms! While it is good to encourage Moms to talk to their daughters about puberty. It is more important to pass on the right information. As a family doc , I treat children and adolescents also. Much of the info on the age of puberty changes are wrong! Kudoos to Cindy above who said it first. Please talk to your doctors about how and when to begin talks about puberty and let them guide you to the proper resources. Information obtained off the internet is often incomplete or simply incorrect!.

Kim, 9/26/2009 1:44:54 PM
It is so scary to me that my 8 yr old could have her period anytime. She is already developing and looks like an 11 yr old. I have already talked to her about this subject and others. I just want her to understand and be prepared.

Jessica, 9/29/2009 12:17:38 PM
My 11 year old, i know, is very uncomfortable with talking with me about puberty. Luckily though, she is very close with her cousin, so her cousin talks to her about it. She is very helpful.

Wynta, 10/1/2009 10:21:27 AM
Wow! This is a constant conversation topic with my 10-year old. She is always asking, "when?" This article is so informative. Thank you!

mary, 10/5/2009 8:37:19 PM
thank god for these ladies talking about this i thought my daughter was losing somthing she needed because i would see this discharge, i am so releived for this article and the things that were said thank you thank you relieved mom of a nine year old girl

Becky, 10/6/2009 2:01:54 PM
my daughter turned eleven last month and I think her period won't be too far off now, she has all the other signs breasts, pubic hair and been having this discharge on and off for a few months now which she uses panty liners and has pads ready for the big day.

Becky, 10/6/2009 2:02:15 PM
my daughter turned eleven last month and I think her period won't be too far off now, she has all the other signs breasts, pubic hair and been having this discharge on and off for a few months now which she uses panty liners and has pads ready for the big day.

Carla, 10/10/2009 6:27:00 PM
My ten yr old dd has become very hormonal lately, up one moment crying the next. Developing rapidly, now wearing an A cup bra and about the same amount of pubic hair as me. Period not far off now

linda, 10/14/2009 7:07:32 PM
my daughter is 10 over 100 pounds probably and she is having a little pubic haiir if u catch my drift but when is she going to have her period i mean her bra size is 32 a and she wants to when i do too dont wanna be caught off gaurd...

Christine, 10/21/2009 3:15:25 PM
my daughter is 8 and has grown some pubic hair i think the time is right for me to speak to her about periods as i was 9 when i started mine . any ideas on how to approach the subject as she is quite shy about things like this

becky, 10/27/2009 7:14:49 AM
Hi Christine, Just mention to her that when you were her age things were starting to happen to your body, getting hair and boobs and stuff and say that you have noticed that she is getting pubic hair and take the conversation from there. She is probably shy about this because she has noticed these changes.

katherine, 11/13/2009 9:07:47 PM
ive had dicharge for 1 year breast buds for two and some pub hair im 2 shy to talk to my mom and she hasnt said anything to me it took me everything i have to tell her i needed a bra. What do i do, i dont want to talk yet i still have questions. please help.

sophie, 11/18/2009 10:57:29 AM
I started my Periods when I was ten and so I talked to my Daughter about them when she was eight as I thought she
might start early like me and so she would be prepared for them. She is ten and so far no Period, she's already had
Pubic hair for about eight months and buds now appearing

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