Dear BeingGirl Experts,

I haven't started my period yet. I am scared that I won't ever start. A lot of my friends have started. I'm afraid I'll start at school. What should I do?

Jada

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Dear Jada,

Every girl has her own unique internal timetable. Most girls begin their periods between ages 9 and 15. During the year or two before your first period (menstruation) starts, physical changes begin to happen. Most girls will start their first period 2–2 ½ years after breast development starts. (Remember this is a range, you could start before or after this.) You will know you are closer when you begin to notice a thick, white mucous discharge. This comes from the vagina, the same opening menstrual flow will leave your body through.

http://www.beinggirl.com/my-period/first-period/ is a page with links to articles you may helpful as you anticipate your first period.

The actual flow of your period doesn't feel like much—you usually can't feel it coming out. When you actually get your period, you may feel some dampness in the crotch area—this is probably a small amount of blood on your underwear.

Menstrual blood can be red, pink or brown. Often girls aren't aware of this when they first start and don't even know they are menstruating when in fact they are.

Hope this eases your mind,

Your BeingGirl Experts