Your Period
What is a normal period? How should I track my periods?
It is common to have irregular cycles when a person first Menstrual calendars and period tracking apps are
begins to have periods. Usually periods become more helpful to see what type of cycle pattern you have. It is
regular within 2-3 years. Cycles that are regular from the important to keep track of your periods and review with
very beginning should stay regular. When cycles start, it your healthcare provider.
is helpful to keep track on a calendar or a period tracking
There are many free apps for your smartphone that will
app on your phone to determine how often they are
track your periods. Some options are:
taking place and how long they last. Typically, periods
occur every 21-45 days (from the first day of the period • Sisterhood (Hemophilia Federation of America)
until the first day of the next period) during the first • Clue Period & Cycle Tracker (pictured below)
year, and every 21-34 days by the third year. Normal
periods last 7 days or less. It is normal to change your
pad or tampon 3-6 times per day.
What is an abnormal period?
•Periods that stay irregular past the first 2-3 years (less
than 3 weeks apart or more than 45 days apart
•Periods that only come every 3 months, or less often
•Periods that used to be regular but are now irregular
•Periods that last longer than 7 days
•Periods that are so painful you can’t go to school or
participate in activities
•Periods that are very heavy (need more than 6 pads or
tampons per day or have frequent accidents)
When will my first period happen?
The time of the first period can be a time of excitement
and anxiety. The average age of the first period is 12 ½
years but may occur as early as age 10. Before periods
occur, there are other signs of puberty to indicate that a
body is changing. Usually breast development begins 2
years before the first period. Other signs include
underarm hair, pubic hair and body odor.
Revised: 10/2020 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology www.naspag.org
What will the healthcare provider do if my How are abnormal periods treated?
periods are not normal? Sometimes your periods will become regular naturally. If
Usually your healthcare provider can determine your your period is not becoming regular over time, happens
cycles are abnormal if they are not becoming more too frequently, is too heavy, or too painful there are
regular, if they are occurring too often or may be too medications that can help control your cycles. There are
heavy. An exam in the clinic may be needed, but an hormonal and non-hormonal medications available and
exam on the inside of the vagina is usually not these can be discussed with your healthcare provider.
necessary. Blood tests may be ordered to check
hormones and blood counts. In addition, a pelvic
ultrasound can sometimes be done to make sure the
uterus looks normal.
Revised: 10/2020 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology www.naspag.org
