Hi Katie,

I’m 14 and haven’t gotten my period yet. I’m starting to get worried because everyone in my family got it in 8th grade and now I’m going into 9th. Also I’m the only person I know who hasn’t gotten it.

I was also wondering if you get a growth spurt when you do get your period because I’m only 5 feet tall and one of the shortest in my grade. One last thing is it true you lose weight or “baby fat” when you get it because I used to be skinny and now for the last couple of years I’ve gone through a chubby stage.

Thanks,
Izzy, 14

Dear Izzy,

Don’t worry you are going to get your period within the next couple of years. I didn’t get mine until I was 14, and some girls don’t get theirs until they are 15 even 16 sometimes! Your family is always a good guideline for when you might get yours, but that’s all it is, is just a guideline…not an exact science. So just because you didn’t get yours exactly when your mom and sister got theirs does not mean that there is anything wrong with you.

And yes, you will experience some growth spurts, however don’t expect your height to go from 5′ to 5’11″. You may grow slightly taller and you will start to gain weight a little easier and start to get more womanly curves. At your age, whether you’ve started your period or not, your body is going through hormonal changes which could be why your body is filling out more now. This is perfectly normal and expected.

Dear Katie,

I am 15, and I started my period last year I have been worrying about it. My Aunt said apparently if you bleed a lot that you may have cancer, and I bleed heavily all the time so I am quite worried. Was my Aunt right?

Lilly, 15

Dear Lilly,

Every girl is different and some girls get heavier periods than other girls. Also it can be heavy sometimes then lighter other times. It doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong. Heavy periods are often caused by your hormonal changes and fluctuations and it is very common in teenage girls.
It is always a good idea to get annual checkups with a gynecologist. They will monitor your period and make sure that everything looks OK.

If you are still worried, you can always ask them to do a biopsy to test your cervical cells for cancer. This may help to put your mind at ease and know for sure that you are fine and don’t have cancer.

Girl to Girl,

I started my period a while ago when I was 12. And the first time I had it it lasted for 7 days and then 5 and then 3 and then it repeated for about four weeks. And then my period STOPPED! I have know idea why.

I’m kind of worried about it because now I’m thirteen and I don’t have my period any more please help me. I would be very thankful and appreciative =)

Gabby, 13

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Dear Gabby,

Whats happening to you is perfectly normal, don’t worry. The lengths of most girls periods can vary anywhere from 1 days to 8 days…it is quite normal for it to fluctuate, especially during the first year or two that you have it. For some girls it can even take years to stabilize.

And in regards to your period stopping. If you are not sexually active then you know that it is not because you are pregnant. It is common for girls to have missed periods at your age when your hormones are still trying to stabilize. You shouldn’t worry too much, it could be something simple such as a change in your diet or exercise that caused it to stop too.

But even though it doesn’t sound like anything you should be alarmed about, it is always a good idea for a girl to start seeing a gynecologist once a year once she starts her period. Talk to your mom about scheduling a check up soon so you can know for sure that everything is normal and healthy in that area.

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“Hi! Should I be worried because I didnt get my period yet? And I’m almost going to be 13 soon and I need some advice!”

~ Heather, 12

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Dear Heather,

Do not worry sweetie! That is perfectly normal! I did not get my period until I was 14! Some girls start earler than others, but it does not mean anything if you start later than other girls. I was really active and skinny which I have learned can make you start your period at a later age than girls who are heavier. Girls who have a lot of body fat will often start their period at a much younger age…such as 11 and 12. So don’t worry one bit! You are perfectly healthy and will start your period within the next few years! And trust me, when you do you will wish it had gone longer without it, lol!

xoxo

Katie

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“Dear Katie,

How do I use a period pad and how do I tell my mum I started my period ?

please help me!” ~Laura, 14

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Dear Laura,

It is no secret that all girls get their period. I know that it can be a bit embarassing to bring up to your mother, but she is probably anticipating you to get your period since you are 14 now. Thats the same age I was when I got mine. Getting your period is exciting because it means you are becoming a woman…plus you get tol start wearing a bra too if you haven’t already!

Anyway, when using a pad, just peel off the side parts and line it up to your panty and stick on to hold tight. The box the pads come in usually have great visual instructions. Make sure to change periodically through out the day, depending on how heavy your flow is.

But you definetly should tell your mom right away…and just act excited when you tell her. I’m sure she will be glad and all women have it too so it’s not like you are weird or anything for having it!

Hi Katie,

I haven’t started my periods yet, but when i put my finger up my vagina the other day, and when i took it out, there was some blood on it, i put a thin pad on as i thought it was my period starting. there was a bit of dark brown stuff on the pad when i went to the loo, and then for the next day i had like lightish brown discharge. I thought it may have been my period but i haven’t had anything since.

Please help, as i’m a bit concerned about it.

Thank you

George
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Dear George,

It sounds like you may have almost started your period. Sometimes in the begining that is what happens before you get your full blown period. If it went away, just monitor it, it is probably your body just getting ready for puberty. But if you keep getting unusual discharge you should tell your mom and have her take you to see a gynochologist.

xoxo

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