I've already been having PMS symptoms for a week and last month I felt the symptoms and then there was blood on my towel, but I haven't menstruated yet, but only if the blood wasn't menarche and between today and yesterday the cramping increased a lot. I'm 10 years old and my mom menstruated at 11 and nowadays girls menstruate earlier. Could the big moment be today?

Wow, it's super normal for you to be feeling all of this and wondering if your period will arrive soon! From what you've described, with the PMS symptoms and the increasing cramps, it's very possible that your first period is very close to coming, like today or in the next few days.

What do these symptoms mean?

The PMS symptoms, like mood swings, and the cramps you're feeling are your body preparing itself. It's like it's making the final adjustments to menstruate. That little spot of blood you saw on the towel last month could have been a very light bleed that some girls have before their actual first period, or it could have even been the beginning of menarche and the rest was a little delayed. Every body is unique, you know?

And your mom's age?

It's true that nowadays many girls menstruate earlier than their mothers or grandmothers. Being 10 years old and feeling these symptoms is totally within the normal range. Don't worry! And if the cramps are bothering you a lot, talk to a trusted adult to see if you can take some pain medication, okay?

If you want to get an idea of how close your first period is, there's a super cool quiz on the website that can help you: how close is my first period?