Having periods at age ten

Former Member

At a recent family gathering, my 10-year-old niece had her first period. She freaked out like Carrie White, because she had no idea what was going on and thought she must be injured or seriously ill. I asked her mother why she hadn't told her about menstruation, to which she said: "I was going to tell her in a couple of years time - I didn't think she'd start at ten!"

Is it normal and common for ten-year-olds to menstruate?

One-in-a-million

Hi Rob it's totally normal for a 10 year old to have her period. Useualy the age for a female to experience their first period is 9-15 years of age.

Former Member

Yep! A little on the early side, but not abnormally early! As said, 9-15 is the common age, some have started before and after those ages but that's generally rare.

independent_

Yup completely normal, in fact it's common too. Although I was 12 when I got mine I do know some younger girls who already have it or have had it from a young age. I think a lot of older women don't think it can happen so young.

Former Member

The average age of menarche has reduced in the last few decades, so I guess it surprises some mothers when their daughters menstruate at an earlier age than they did.

independent_

Robert wrote: »

The average age of menarche has reduced in the last few decades, so I guess it surprises some mothers when their daughters menstruate at an earlier age than they did.

I agree