When do you get your first period – and what happens in the body?

The first thing you need to know is that there isn’t one specific age at which all girls get their first period. Bodies are different, and that’s actually pretty cool.
Most girls get their first period somewhere between the ages of 11 and 16. For Danish girls, the average is 13 years – but that doesn’t mean you’re behind if you’re 14 and still waiting. And that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong if you’re 11 and have already had it.
Your body follows its own schedule. And that schedule is right – for you.
A little secret: If you’re curious about when it happens, you can ask your mother or your biological father when they hit puberty. It can give you an idea because it’s a bit hereditary.

The body is actually very friendly. It alerts you that your first period is coming – not the day before, but months or even years in advance. So you won’t be completely taken by surprise.
Here are the signs to look out for:

The breasts start to grow
This is usually the first sign that puberty is underway. Many girls notice a slight soreness or a softer lump under the nipples. It can happen that one breast starts before the other – this is completely normal, the body is not symmetrical at first.
Your first period typically comes about 2 years after your breasts have started to grow. This gives you plenty of time to get used to the idea.

Discharge appears in your underwear
Discharge is a white or slightly yellowish, creamy liquid that you may notice in your panties. Many girls think it’s a bit weird the first time – but it’s the body’s way of staying clean, and that’s a really good sign.
What it actually means: your period is coming. It usually takes 6–12 months from the time you start to see discharge until you have your first bleeding. This gives you plenty of time to figure out which menstrual products you want to use.

You grow fast
Do you notice that your pants are suddenly too short? Many girls experience a growth spurt during puberty – and the fastest growth typically occurs right around the first period. This is a good sign that the body is in full swing.

Hair is coming in new places
Hair under the arms and in the groin are classic signs of puberty. They usually appear a little after the breasts have started to grow.

Pimples and slightly oily hair
Hormones can cause oily skin and pimples – it can be a little frustrating, but it’s completely normal and a sign that the body is working at full speed.

You may be a little more sensitive
The mood can fluctuate a little up and down. You may become more prone to tears or feel a little more sensitive than usual. It’s the hormones that find their place – and it passes.

It can help to understand what is actually going on in the body. And that’s actually pretty impressive.
Every month, your uterus prepares to receive a fertilized egg. It builds a soft, blood-rich mucous membrane like a kind of nest. But most months fertilization does not take place – and then the uterus does not need the nest anyway. Then it gets rid of it. This is what comes out as menstrual bleeding.
It may sound a bit complex, but just think of it like this: your body cleans up and starts over – ready for next month. It is a sign that you are healthy and healthy.

The first period doesn’t always look the way you imagine. And it’s nice to know in advance so you don’t get surprised.

• It can start as light brown discharge – not necessarily red blood right away.
• It can be quite small and short-lived the first time.
• It typically lasts 3–7 days.
• A little soreness in the stomach is normal, but it doesn’t have to be violent. A warm duvet, a little movement or a heating pad on your stomach can help a lot.

And here’s something really important: your next period doesn’t have to come 28 days later. It takes up to 1–2 years for the body to find its regular rhythm. So it is quite normal if it takes 2–3 months before the next one arrives.

First of all: take a deep breath. That’s okay. You are prepared.
Then you can choose a menstrual product. There are several options:

• Period underwear – look like regular underwear and absorb the blood directly. Super easy to use and a really good choice for the first period because you don’t have to do anything special.
• Pads – put in the underwear and are easy to change in the toilet.
• Menstrual disc or menstrual cup – used inside the body and is a good choice when you’re ready to try it.

With us, we have period underwear for teenagers, which are made for young bodies and for everyday life – at school, for sports and for everything else.

A good tip: always have a pair of pantie liners or an extra pair of period underwear in your bag when you are approaching the age where this can happen. Then you’re ready no matter when your body decides.

The vast majority of first periods are completely uncomplicated and a natural part of life. But feel free to talk to your healthcare provider or doctor if:

• You are over 16 years old and have not yet had your first period.
• You have very severe pain that makes it difficult to cope with everyday life.
• Something just doesn’t feel right.

You always have the right to ask – and there are no questions that are too stupid.

Can you have your first period when you are only 10 years old? Yes, it can happen – and it is not dangerous. Some girls are just a little earlier than others. Talk to an adult you trust if it happens very early so you can talk about it together.

Does it hurt to get your first period? It is very individual. Some feel almost nothing. Others have a little stomach or lower back pain – a bit like a stomachache. A warm duvet or a heating pad can help a lot.

Can my period come while I’m at school? Yes, it can. And that’s exactly why it’s a good idea to have a menstrual product in your bag when you’re approaching that age. Period underwear are really practical because you can wear them from the morning – without thinking about it.

When will I get my next period? No one knows for sure for the first few years. The body is finding its rhythm. Try writing down the date when you get your period – then you’ll start to see a pattern over time.

Can you play sports when you’re on your period? Yes! Movement is actually really good and often helps with stomach pain. Use a product that is appropriate for your activity.

Your body knows what it’s doing. It has been doing so for millennia. And even though it can all feel a little overwhelming at first, it quickly becomes a natural part of everyday life – we promise.
Want to know more? Read on in our guides on first periods, where you will find information on everything from the first signs to which products are best for you.

At Elskbar, we are currently working on a new collection of period underewar 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 underwear 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 underwear 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.