How do you know when your first period is coming?

Answer 1

Until you've had your periods for a while it is difficult to tell when your period is coming, this is because you don't know your menstrual cycle length* or the changes your body goes through before menstruation to easily recognise your period is on its way.

Discharge - 2-3 weeks before menstruation you get fertile cervical mucus which is clear and stretchy like egg-whites, 1-2 weeks before menstruation discharge becomes thicker and white like lotion, and just before menstruation you may see 'spotting' which is pink or brown discharge as the blood starts to leave your body and mixes with discharge.

Cramps - cramps are caused by uterine contractions that force out the uterus lining during menstruation. Some women are more prone to cramps than others, teens especially, but most women can prevent cramps or at least ease them with herbal tea or painkillers. If you get cramps they will feel like your lower abdomen is being held in a vice, with aches in your lower stomache and back.

Other potential signs include;

• Mood changes.
• Skin changes.
• Breast tenderness.
• Breast swelling.
• Bloating.
• Increased arousal.

Everyone is different, as you get used to getting your period you will learn to recognise different physical, mental and emotional changes throughout your menstrual cycle which will tell you what phase of your cycle you're in and so also when you're period is due.

* Menstrual cycle length is the time between the first day of your period (day 1) up until your next period. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days so at first it's best to assume that's when your second period might be due, but don't be surprised if your cycle is longer than 28 days as everyone is different, it's also normal to have irregular cycles up until adulthood. There are various mobile apps to help keep track of your cycles.

Physical symptoms include:

• Breast swelling and tenderness.
• Bloating, water retention, weight gain.
• Changes in bowel habits.
• Acne.
• Nipple discharge when nipples or breasts are pressed. (Any leakage that spontaneously happens when you aren't pressing on the nipple should be checked by a health professional.)
• Food cravings, especially for sweet or salty foods.
• Sleep pattern changes.
• Fatigue, lack of energy.
• Decreased sexual desire.
• Pain. Common complaints include headaches or migraines, breast tenderness, aching muscles and joints, or cramps and low Back pain prior to menstrual bleeding.

Behavioral symptoms include:

• Aggression.
• Withdrawal from family and friends.

Emotional and cognitive symptoms include:

• Depression, sadness, hopelessness.
• Anger, irritability.
• Anxiety.
• Mood swings.
• Decreased alertness, inability to concentrate.

Answer 2

You might be wiping mucus for a while. I always get mucus two weeks before and right up to my period. I started getting my period when I was ten and I'm thirteen now so I don't really remember but it might be the same for your first period.

Answer 3

The most obvious way of telling when your period is due is by monitoring your discharge. Around two-three weeks before menstruation you will experience fertile quality cervical mucus which is clear and stretchy like snot or egg-whites, and after ovulation discharge becomes thick and white like lotion. Just before menstruation you may see spotting; pink or brown discharge.

Answer 4

you know your period is coming when you start to grow pubic hair and when you notic you chest is growing.

Answer 5

Because you will get discharge and when you get for a couple f days then your period should come anytime.