Can You Do Anything To Get Your First Period Sooner?

The Good and Bad News About Your First Period

You cannot wait to have your first period right? Something must be wrong with you? Wrong! There must be something you can do to have your first period right? Wrong again. The Bad News? Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to start your period prematurely. You CANNOT speed up the natural menstrual cycle, and there is no way to precisely pin-point exactly when you can expect your first menstrual period. The Good News? You will have your first period (hopefully sooner than you rather than later in your case) and yes-you will eventually get a period, so just be patient.

Puberty and Your First Period

Typically a girl's first period should begin sometime during the puberty years, which is when she starts becoming an adult. At this time, you she experiences many different changes as her body changes (internally and externally).

Breast development and/or pubic hair are usually the first signs of puberty. Some girls do get their period in less than 2 years however, for others this could also take a bit longer, but again this is nothing to panic about since each girl is different. Therefore, while some girls can start as early as 7-8 years old, while others may start when they are 13 or 14 and in many cases even a few years later.

Patience Is A Virtue

Again, if you are 14, 15 or even a bit older and you are still not getting a period, it is no indication that something is wrong with you. Be aware that very often, many young girls do not and will not get a period until a bit later. Periods can be delayed  based on your lifestyles and other circumstances including but not limited to: hormone imbalances; if you are underweight; has a history of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and/or bulimia; is very athletic and engages and competes vigorously; or if you are severely stressed.  Also, each person is different, and will develop at a different pace. This explains why some girls experience puberty and first periods earlier and others will do so later. Be patient, and try focusing on other things.

Read More: Bleeding Between Periods - Causes

What to Expect

If you notice an unusual mucous and a thick, white discharge coming from your vagina, it is usually a sign a period is close. Also note that you could start getting this discharge well in advance of that first period. For example, you could have a discharge that you will notice e right away, as it will be unusual for you even 5-6 months before. Once you have had your first period, it is also important to know and remember that you will most likely have unpredictable, erratic, irregular or sparse periods. In other words, getting that first period does not mean you will have it the same time and with the same experiences every month. Especially as this is a new process for your body. Instead, you will find that it will take a while for your cycle to become regular. This more regular or fixed cycle could take a year or even 2 years in some cases.

After Finally Getting That First Period

So after finally getting that first period, your next could be absent for months. However, as your body gets used to the changes, and as you get older you will find that you will be able to establish and detect a more regular menstrual cycle. Again, this depends on the individual, since many girls can and will have a regular cycle such as every 28 days. For others, that regular cycle could be anywhere between 21 and 35 days in length. Here again, differences considered, bleeding days can differ. So for example, your friend could bleed for 7 days where you could bleed for only 4. Both are normal, you just have different cycles and so bleeding could last anywhere from 3-7 days depending on the individual.

Be Knowledgeable and Fearless, and Don't Worry

If you are for example 16 or older and still have not experienced that first period, if you feel very anxious, stressed and concerned try speaking to your guidance counselor or school nurse, or someone you trust; perhaps your mom, your older sister or aunt. You can also check with your mom, and ask her at what age she got her first period. First periods and menopause tend to follow a genetic pattern, and so girls who get their first period later than average will often discover that in fact their moms and/or other female relatives also had a very late puberty and were ‘late bloomers.’

That said however, if you are in doubt, to alleviate your concerns and anxiety, speak to a doctor who will be able to request the appropriate tests. This will rule out any abnormalities and will reassure you, and help to put your mind at ease.

Read More: A Girl's Guide To The First Menstruation

Finally, but definitely not the lesat important: It is critical that you are aware of the fact that even though you are still waiting for that first period; if you are sexually active, it is still very possible for you to get pregnant and even before actually experiencing your first period. This is because, if you are actually starting to ovulate and your body is preparing for that first period, by not knowing this is happening, and you have unprotected sex; this would be the ‘perfect or opportune timing’ for pregnancy. To this end, please be very careful, speak to your parents and your doctor and always play it safe. Take no chances. One mistake could have a difficult and lasting impact on your future.