Laura asked
Hi Soso! I have a question about my period. I haven't got it yet but my mom got hers at 16. I'm showing earlier signs that she had but I'm wondering if I'm gonna get mine earlier or the same age as her.
Soso answered
You could definitely get your first period earlier than your mom did, especially since your body is already showing signs.
While genetics play a part, you do not always follow your mom's exact timeline. There is no set age for getting your first period. A first period can come anywhere from about 9 to 15, sometimes later, and the average is around 12. Your body follows its own rhythm based on your own growth and development, not just family history.
Instead of looking at your mom's age, look at the signs happening right now:
- Breasts starting to grow, which is usually the first sign (the period often comes about 2 years later, and that varies a lot)
- Pubic and underarm hair, usually soon after, though hair first is normal too
- A growth spurt (the period often comes about a year after the fastest growing, and that varies a lot too)
- Clear, white or off-white discharge, which can start some months before (if it changes colour, smells bad, itches or feels sore, or it hurts when you pee, tell a grown-up)
A period before 9 (or any bleeding or pink or brown spotting before 9), no period by 15, or no breast growth or other puberty signs by 13 means telling a grown-up so a doctor can check. Breast or hair growth before 8 is worth a check too, and it's usually nothing to worry about.
If you want to see roughly where you are on the timeline, there is a quick quiz on this site: how close is my first period?
Soso's answers are written by AI. They don't replace professional medical advice.