Why does the body send signs in advance?
Behind your first period is a whole orchestra of hormones that slowly start to play together. It doesn’t happen overnight – it’s a gradual process that typically extends over 2–3 years. And during that time, the body changes little by little. These are the changes you can keep an eye on.
The signs are not a problem. It’s actually good news – it tells you that your body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to.
The early signs – those that come long before
These signs typically appear 1–3 years before your first period. When you start seeing them, you’re well into puberty.
The breasts start to grow
It’s usually the very first sign that puberty has started. It can start as a slight softness or a slightly sore lump behind the nipples – and it can easily start on one breast before the other follows. This is completely normal and does not mean that anything is wrong.
Your first period typically comes about 2 years after the breasts have started to grow. So if you’ve started to feel your body change here, you’ll have plenty of time to prepare.
Pubic hair and underarm hair
A little hair in the groin and under the arms is one of the classic signs of puberty. It typically comes a little after breast development and is a clear signal that the body is on its way.
A growth spurt – you grow fast
Many girls skyrocket during puberty. You may grow 7–8 cm in a year – and you can easily feel it. Pants that are suddenly too short, shoes that are too small. It is the body’s turbo that has been kicked in. In fact, the fastest growth typically occurs in the period right up to and around your first period.
The clearest sign – discharge in the panties
For many girls, vaginal discharge is the clearest and most useful signal that menstruation is coming. And yet, it is one of the signs that causes the most confusion and concern – because no one has told you what it is.
So let’s do it now.
Discharge is a white or slightly yellowish, slightly creamy liquid you find in your panties. It smells mild or almost not at all. It’s completely normal and completely healthy – it’s actually the body’s smart way of staying clean and balanced.
What it tells you: It usually takes 6–12 months from the time you see the first signs of discharge until you get your first period. It’s the body’s way of saying: “It’s almost your turn – and you’ll have plenty of time to get ready.”
The amount varies from girl to girl and from day to day. Some days there is almost nothing, other days a little bit more. It’s normal. If you feel uncomfortable with it, you can use a thin panty liner that absorbs it discreetly.
When should you talk to an adult? If the discharge suddenly smells different, is yellow-green or irritates your skin, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider or doctor. It is rare, but can be a sign of a small infection that can be easily treated.
The signs that are getting closer
These signs typically appear in the weeks or months before your first period – it’s like the last hints from your body.
Pimples and oily skin
Hormones can cause oily skin and pimples, especially on the face. It’s not fun, but it’s a sign that the body is in full swing. You’re not alone in this – almost all girls experience it during puberty.
More sweating and sweat odor
You may sweat a little more than before, and the sweat smells different. These are hormones that change your body from within. A good deodorant and fresh underwear help.
The body becomes rounder
Your hips and waist will slowly begin to shape differently. The body becomes a little rounder and more feminine. It happens gradually and is a sign that the estrogen is doing its job.
Mood swings
One day you feel on top of the world. The next day, you can hardly explain why you are sad. Puberty can cause mood swings – and this is completely normal. It is not you who is wrong. It is the hormones that find their place.
Sore breasts and slight pulling in the stomach.
Just before your first period, you may notice that your breasts are more tender than usual, and some girls feel a slight pulling or upset in their stomach. It is the body that makes the very last preparations.
What does the first period actually look like?
Here’s what many girls are surprised about: the first period doesn’t always look the way you imagine.
It often starts as a light brown smudged mark in the underwear – not as bright red blood. This is completely normal. The blood oxidizes slightly when it is in contact with air and becomes more brownish. The first time it may well come and go a little – maybe just a little bit one day and a little more the next.
The bleeding typically lasts 3–7 days and is usually heaviest in the first few days.
What do you do when you notice the first signs?
The best thing you can do is to start getting ready a little – calmly and at your own pace.
- Talk to an adult you trust —your mother, an older sister, your health care provider. It helps to have someone to ask when something new happens.
- Find out which menstrual products you want to use. You don’t have to wait until the day it happens. For example, try wearing period underwear one day so you know how they feel. They look like regular underwear and are easy to use – you don’t have to do anything special.
- Carry a product in your bag. When you see discharge regularly, it’s a good time to start keeping a pad or a pair of period underwear in your bag – just so you’re ready.
Frequently asked questions about the signs of first menstruation
Can you have your first period without having had discharge? Yes, it can happen. Vaginal discharge is a very common sign, but not all girls experience it clearly. The body does things in its own way.
What if I’ve had vaginal discharge for a long time but still haven’t had my period? It’s completely normal. Discharge can occur up to a few years before menstruation. There’s no need to worry if everything else is fine.
Can you feel your period starting? Some girls don’t feel anything. Others feel a slight tug in the stomach or a warm, moist sensation. It is very individual.
What if I’m at school when it happens? This is the concern that a lot of girls have – and it is completely understandable. Keep a period product in your bag and remember that you can always go to the bathroom and tell your teacher that you need some time. All teachers know about it. You’re not alone.
My girlfriends have menstruated, but not me. Is something wrong? No, absolutely not. Bodies are different and each follows its own schedule. It’s not a race. Your body knows what it’s doing – and it does it when it’s ready.
Your body is on your side
All the changes you experience are signs that your body is working and getting ready. Not all at once, but quietly – in its own way and at its own pace. And that’s actually pretty impressive.
Want to know more? Read our guide on when to get your first period or take a look at our period underwear for teenagers, which many young girls use as their first menstrual product.
Period underwear for teenagers - soon at Elskbar
At Elskbar, we are currently working on a new collection of period panties for teenagers, which has been developed for young bodies and for the first period. The goal is to make the start as safe, simple and natural as possible
The panties are designed in a comfortable hipster model and come in classic black. They are made of natural TENCEL,™ which feels soft against the skin and provides good breathability.
Inside, the panties have a light absorbent layer of bamboo, which makes it easier to see your bleeding and assess when it’s time to change.
They come in two variants:
Day – for regular days
Night – with extra suction power for the night
Elskbar’s period underwear for teens will be launched in early summer 2026.
If you want to be notified when they are launched, you can sign up for our newsletter and be among the first to hear about them.
