When is it normal to get a period?

TLYNTK (The least you need to know…)

• Most girls get their first menstrual period between the ages of 12-14. Some get it a little earlier, others a little later
• If you have not gotten your period by 16, it is probably a good idea to get checked out by your health provider
• It is normal to skip a month or so in the first year or two after starting your period, but if you skip several months at a time, you should get checked out
• The first few periods may be pain-free; but, later you may feel painful cramps for the first few days. Ibuprofen or Naprosyn may help. They are both over the counter and can be bought in drug stores or grocery stores. If the pain causes you to miss several days from school or other activities each month, see your health provider for advice on prescription medicine that can help.
• Make sure you pay attention to what you eat. Bleeding each month can cause you to become anemic. This means your red blood cell count is low because you are not making new red blood cells fast enough to replace the ones you are losing. This can cause you to feel tired and have trouble concentrating…not a good combination for a BridgeUP scholar!
• Your diet should have the ingredients necessary to help your body make more red blood cells. Click here for a list of good things to eat:
  • Spinach & other dark-green veggies, eggs, kidney & white beans, lentils, tofu, whole wheat bread, fortified cereals. Have these with something with vitamin C, like orange juice.
  • Lean meats (beef, liver), chicken, seafood (clams, oysters, shrimp) 
• Sometimes, you may have to take pills containing iron supplements to ensure that your body has what it needs
• Remember, now that you are getting your period, it is a sign that your body is becoming fertile, and you can get pregnant if you are having sex with a guy without a condom. If you are having sex, talk to a BeWell Health Coach or email us at contact@bewellbridgeup.org for advice about getting on birth control ASAP!