Pubertad y primera regla
Your first period
Revisado: 4 de octubre de 2026
Solo en inglés por ahoraMost people get their first period at around age 12, about 2 years after their breasts start to grow. Here is what it is like, what to use and how to be ready.
What a period is
A period is when a small amount of blood comes out of your vagina for a few days. Each month, the lining of your womb (uterus) gets thicker. This gets your body ready for a possible pregnancy in the future. When there is no pregnancy, the lining comes away and leaves your body. That is your period. It is a normal, healthy part of growing up.
When it might come
Most girls get their first period at around age 12. But anywhere from 8 to 15 can be normal. Signs that it is getting close include breasts that started growing about 2 years ago, hair under your arms and around your genitals, and white or clear discharge in your underwear. Discharge often starts 6 months to a year before your first period.
What it is like
Your first period might be short. At first there is often only a small red or brown mark on your underwear, not a lot of blood. Period blood can be red or brown. A period usually lasts about 5 days. Over the whole period, you lose only a few tablespoons of blood. Many people get cramps in their lower tummy, mostly in the first days. A heat pad on your tummy can help. So can painkillers such as ibuprofen, but ask a parent, carer or pharmacist first.
Pads and other products
Pads, tampons, menstrual cups and period underwear are all safe to use, even for your first period. Many people start with pads, because tampons and cups take practice. Change a pad every few hours. Never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours, because of the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious illness. If you suddenly get a high fever, vomiting or a rash, or feel dizzy or faint, while using a tampon, cup or disc, take it out and get medical help straight away. If you feel very unwell or confused, or have trouble breathing, call your local emergency number.
Being ready
It helps to carry a pad or two in your school bag before your first period starts. If your period starts at school and you have nothing with you, ask a teacher or the school nurse. Talk to a parent, carer or another adult you trust about what you might need. For the first year or two, periods often come at different times. This is normal while your body settles.
When to talk to a doctor
Talk to a doctor or nurse if your periods have not started by 15. Also talk to one if they have not started within 3 years of your breasts starting to grow, or if they started before age 8. Go too if your periods are still not regular after 2 years, or if a period lasts more than 7 days. Get checked if you need to change a pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours, or if cramps are bad and painkillers do not help. Get urgent help if you bleed very heavily and feel dizzy or faint.
This is general information. Every body has its own timing. If you have questions or worries, talk to a parent, carer, doctor or nurse.