What Happens When You Have an Early Period?

Menstruation can start as early as 7 or as late as 17 years old. In rare instances, it begins even earlier, referred to as "precocious puberty." An early period indicates the body's readiness to reproduce. During the first two years, it is normal to have irregular periods that start and stop at different times. After the first two years, your period should become more regular and predictable. In most cases an early period is nothing to worry about. However, in cases of precocious puberty, a doctor's examination and treatment may be necessary.

Early Menarche

• Early periods are generally nothing to worry about.

  The average age menstruation begins is between 12 and13 years old. An early period, starting between the ages of 7 to 10, is not a reason to worry. It simply indicates early maturation of the sexual reproductive organs, which could be hereditary.

Hormones

• Hormonal changes cause menstruation.

  An early period means that you have entered puberty and the pituitary gland in your brain has released the chemical hormones estrogen and progesterone, triggering physical and emotional changes. You may experience a wide range of emotions, such as anger, sadness, or depression as a result of these hormones.

Identity Issues

• Emotional maturity often comes later.

  You may experience confusion and unfamiliar emotions because you now have a body capable of reproduction while you are still a child intellectually. This can lead to emotional difficulties because you are the recipient of unwanted sexual advances that you are not emotionally ready for. You may need the support and protection of your parents during this vulnerable time.

Irregular Cycles

• Use a calendar to track your cycle.

  If you have started your period within the last two years, it is normal for it to start and stop at different times. Your cycle is determined from the start of one period to the start of the next. During the first years, your cycle may last from 21 to 45 days. After about two years, it should regulate itself and last 21 to 34 days per cycle on a fairly consistent basis.

Cramps

• Cramps are normal.

  You may experience stomach, groin, and back pain during your period, no matter what age you are when it starts. These pains can be dull and achy or sharp and shooting. There are many over-the-counter medications available for menstrual pain in most supermarkets and pharmacies. Cramps are due to a chemical in your body called prostaglandin, which causes the uterine muscles to contract.

Puberty's Effects

• Puberty includes breast development.

  You may experience many of the effects of an early period such as developing breasts that itch and tingle. You may experience one breast developing faster than the other. Your hips may become rounder and wider. You may develop armpit and pubic hair and notice that you now perspire and have new smells under your arms. You may also experience vaginal discharge. You may get pimples and acne on your face, neck and back. These are all normal events in the course of an early period as a result of your hormones, and should subside over time.

Precocious Puberty

• Precocious puberty is when a period begins before age 7.

  If a period begins earlier than the age of 7, it is called "precocious puberty." The reasons for this premature development is not completely understood. In rare instances, it is due to an infection, a hormone disorder, tumors, injuries or brain abnormalities. It is often treated with medicine to delay development because the bones develop too fast initially, and are then stunted in adulthood, so that girls with precocious puberty may not reach their full height potential.