Health Information
Normal Menstrual Cycle
Menarche and the Teenage Menstrual Cycle
Menarche (say "MEN-ar-kee") is a girl's first menstrual period. A first period usually happens after breasts, pubic hair, and underarm hair have begun to grow. Menarche is a sign of growing up and becoming a woman. It can happen as early as about age 9 or up to age 15. The first few periods are usually light and irregular. About 2 out of 3 girls have a regular pattern of menstrual periods within 2 years of menarche.Reference 4 During the teen years, periods may become longer and heavier. For more information, see Reference Menarche.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference March 22, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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