First Period Signs: 8 Changes That Can Come Before Your First Period

Your first period doesn't usually arrive out of nowhere. Your body often gives little clues first, sometimes for a year or two before. Here are 8 common signs, what they mean, and how to feel ready.

Everyone is different. You might notice lots of these, or only a couple. A first period can come any time from about age 8 to 16, and around 12 is common.

1Your breasts start to grow

This is often the very first sign of puberty. It can start as a small, tender bump under one or both nipples (called a "breast bud"). It's normal for one side to grow before the other. A first period often comes around 2 years after this starts.

2Hair starts growing in new places

Soft hair starts to grow around your private area (pubic hair) and later under your arms. It usually starts fine and gets thicker and curlier over time.

3You have a growth spurt

Suddenly your shoes don't fit and your jeans are too short? Many people grow quickly in the year or so before their first period. Your hips may also get a little wider and curvier. That's your body growing up, exactly as it should.

4You notice discharge in your underwear

A clear, white or slightly yellow discharge is one of the most common clues. It often shows up somewhere between 6 months and a year before a first period. It's normal and healthy. It's your body keeping itself clean.

Good to know

A thin panty liner can keep your underwear feeling fresh. If discharge is green or grey, smells strong, or is itchy or sore, tell a parent, carer or doctor.

5Spots and sweat

New hormones can make your skin oilier, so spots may appear on your face, back or chest. You may also sweat more and notice body odour. A daily wash and a deodorant can help, and you're not alone. This happens to almost everyone.

6Your feelings feel bigger

Feeling happy one minute and teary or cross the next? Changing hormones can make feelings stronger for a while. Getting enough sleep, moving your body and talking to someone you trust really help.

7Tummy aches or bloating

Some people feel a mild ache low in their tummy, or feel puffy and bloated, in the days before a period. A warm drink or a hot water bottle can be comforting. Always ask a parent, carer or the school nurse before taking any medicine.

8A little brown or pink spotting

A first period often starts as a few spots of brown or pink, not bright red. If you see this, it might be your period starting. Our guide What to Do If Your Period Starts at School walks you through exactly what to do.

♡Get ready before it happens

Being prepared turns "oh no" into "okay, I've got this".

My get-ready list

Tap each one when it’s done.

• I know what a pad is and how to use one
• There are pads in my bag or locker
• Spare underwear is packed
• I know who I can ask at school
• I’ve talked to a grown-up I trust
• I know where pads are kept at home

0 of 6 done

Not sure how to bring it up?

"I think my period might start soon. Can we get some pads?"

"Can I ask you something about periods?"

!When to ask a doctor

It’s a good idea to check in with a doctor if:

• you’re about 15 and haven’t had a period yet
• your breasts started growing more than 3 years ago and there’s still no period
• signs of puberty started before age 8
• you have pain that stops you doing your normal things

Your body knows what it’s doing. ♡

For parents and carers

Puberty usually begins between about 8 and 13, and a first period follows a couple of years later. Talking early, keeping pads at home, and packing a small pouch together makes the first day far less scary. Older teens and adults who want to understand their own cycle can track it privately with I Know My Body, which keeps everything on the phone with no account. It's best set up together.

This guide is general information to help you feel prepared. It isn't medical advice. If you're worried about your body or your period, talk to a parent or carer, your school nurse or a doctor.