Periods: what is normal and what to ask about
What it is
In the first two years cycles run 21–45 days and are often irregular. Pain that stops life is not normal.
Start preparing
- Put a period kit in the school bag before the first period, not after.
- Track cycles in an app or on paper — the record is what makes a doctor's visit useful.
- Ibuprofen taken at the first sign of cramps works better than waiting for the pain to build.
- Heavy periods are a common cause of low iron in teenage girls; ask for a blood count if she is tired.
When to check with a professional
No period by 15, periods that stop for more than three months, soaking through a pad every hour, or pain that keeps her home from school are all worth a doctor's appointment.
Related
Sources
- Bright Futures periodicity schedule — American Academy of Pediatrics
- Preventive services recommendations — US Preventive Services Task Force
Compiled with AI assistance from the public sources listed above. Not yet reviewed by a clinician — check anything important against the source, with Tipat Halav or with your doctor.