Many girls approaching their teen years wonder when they will get their first menstrual period. Of course, some get it before they are even considered a preteen, but either way, there are a few characteristics of menstruation at this age that differ from those experienced by older women. For example, menstruation in girls is usually preceded by a clear or white vaginal discharge that may occur for months before bleeding begins, followed by only a small amount of blood during the first period. After that, the period is usually quite irregular, as it may show up early, late, or not at all from one month to the next. Of course, the typical premenstrual symptoms are usually present in girls, such as bloating, mood swings, and cramps.
About six months before the first period, many girls may notice clear or white vaginal discharge that they did not have before. It can be thick or watery, and may range in amount, but it is typically considered normal for menstruation in girls. Once a girl notices this sudden symptom, she can be fairly certain that she will get her first period within a few months, though she can expect it to be rather light. In fact, it may just be a few drops of blood, though of course it is also possible for some girls to get a regular flow right away. As long as the flow is not heavy enough to soak two pads every hour or two, it is typically considered normal.
Of course, the first year of menstruation is usually irregular. In fact, some girls might only get a period every other month, or they might bleed twice in the same month. While the average menstrual cycle usually lasts about 28 to 30 days, the normal range is 22 to 35 days, so girls should not be alarmed if their irregular cycle still falls within this scope. On the other hand, it is usually advisable to contact a doctor if there is bleeding between periods or if it has been over three months since the last one.
Most of the symptoms of menstruation in girls are similar to the ones that adult women experience. For example, cramping is one of the most common complaints, and can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen. Bloating and tender breasts are also frequent issues associated with menstruation in girls, though these ailments are often harder to treat than cramps. Of course, mood swings and food cravings, especially for sweets, are also to be expected in most girls starting menstruation. Such symptoms usually continue into adulthood, even after the period becomes more regular.