What Are the Signs of Getting a Period for the First Time?

As a girl's body prepares to enter adulthood, certain changes take place. Throughout puberty, in the lead-up to the first menstrual cycle, you will have a range of new bodily experiences. It's extremely important to know that these changes are normal. Some of them may come as a surprise, and on occasion you may find some of your bodily changes uncomfortable. Speak to a doctor or close friend or family member about the signs of getting a period for the first time.

Breast Growth

• According to the U.S Department of Health, the first menstrual period occurs approximately two years after the breasts begin to grow. The DOH says that the average age for a girl to begin menstruation is 12, but any age between 8 and 15 is normal. You may notice that your nipples become larger and the area around your nipple becomes darker. This is normal.

Discolored Discharge

• As your first period approaches, you might notice that you have some vaginal discharge. Again, this is normal, even if the discharge is slightly discolored. It is common for the amount of discharge to increase as you get closer to your first menstrual cycle. This is nothing to worry about. Consult a doctor if the discharge has a strong odor or causes itching.

Cramps

• According to the Center for Young Women's Health, contractions of your uterus can cause a cramping feeling one or two days before a period. Normally the cramps occur in the lower back and abdomen. Some girls will never experience cramping, while others suffer various degrees of discomfort during the early stages of menstruation.

Moodiness and irritability

• During a period the female body produces an excess of estrogen. This is the female hormone that governs growth and fertility. This increase in hormone production can cause moodiness, mild depression and irritability. It is common for a girl to feel emotional before and during her period. This is known as pre-menstrual tension (PMT). Quite often a woman will realize that she is experiencing PMT before she begins her period.

Mentrual Flow

• In most cases a period results in vaginal bleeding. This is the body's way of flushing out an unfertilized egg. The bleeding that occurs is known as menstrual flow. Menstrual flow differs from person to person in terms of volume and the amount of time the bleeding lasts. In cases where a sexually active woman becomes pregnant, her menstrual flow doesn't occur, as the egg has been fertilized. She will not experience a period again until after the birth.