ExploreLife stages
Puberty and first periods
Puberty usually starts between 8 and 13, and everyone moves through it at their own pace. Breasts, body hair, discharge, growth spurts and periods all arrive in their own order — early or late compared to friends is almost always still normal.
Common symptoms
- Breast buds — tender lumps under the nipples, often one side first
- Hair growing under arms, on legs and in the pubic area
- Clear or white discharge in underwear, often for a year or two before the first period
- Growth spurts, body shape changes, oily skin and pimples
- First period (menarche), usually between 10 and 15
- Irregular periods for the first couple of years — cycles of 21 to 45 days are common
- Cramps, mood swings and feeling more emotional than usual
Useful to track
- Period start dates, even if they are all over the place
- Flow: light, medium or heavy, and how often pads or tampons need changing
- Cramps and what helped
- Mood and energy across the month
- Discharge changes — colour, smell, itch
Tests and conversations that may be relevant
- Usually none needed — puberty is a normal process
- A GP check if periods have not started by 15, or no breast development by 13
- A GP check if periods are extremely heavy or painful from the start
- Iron levels if bleeding is heavy or energy is very low
When to see a GP or specialist
- No period by 15, or no breast development by 13
- Periods that soak through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours
- Pain that keeps someone home from school or sport
- Periods that were regular and then stopped for more than 3 months
- Discharge that is itchy, green, or has a strong smell
Urgent warning signs
- Very heavy bleeding with dizziness, pale skin or feeling faint
- Severe sudden one-sided tummy pain
- Feeling so low or anxious that it is hard to cope — talk to a trusted adult, or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (free, 24/7, for ages 5 to 25)
In Australia, call 000 or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Questions to take to a clinician
- Is my development on track for my age?
- Are my periods normal, or too heavy or painful?
- What can help with cramps or pimples?
- Should I think about the HPV vaccine or any others I have missed?
Related
eophi shares general information reviewed against Australian guidance. It never diagnoses. If something feels urgent, call 000 or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.