How to Explain Menstrual Periods to Your Daughter

Co-authored by Cindy Basinski, MD

Last Updated: September 26, 2023

The average age for a child to start their period is 9-16 years old. If your child has already started their period, or you think they're ready to learn about menstruation, the following suggestions may help.

Steps

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Approach the subject in a casual and informal manner. Avoid treating it like a scary or embarrassing topic, even if it is so for you. You want to set a good example for your child and help them not feel ashamed of menstruating.
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Ensure there is privacy before approaching the subject. Don't bring it up when you have guests over; that could be awkward for everyone.

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Let them know what the discussion is about, and why it happens.
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Explain what it will look like when they get it. Tell them what's normal, and what's not.
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Talk about when to use them and what you should use for discharge, too.
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You both can go out and have ice cream, or go out to eat.

Prepare Your Daughter for Puberty with this Expert Series

Supporting a girl going through puberty can be tricky. However, these expert articles will arm you with everything you need to support your daughter on her journey.

1

Celebrate Your Daughter's First Period

2

Explain Menstrual Periods to Your Daughter

3

Make a Puberty Kit for Your Daughter

4

Talk to Your Daughter About Puberty

5

Deal With Getting a Period at a Very Early Age

6

Help Prepare a Preteen Girl for Puberty

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Question

I'm 15 and I haven't started my period yet. Can you explain the link between menstruation and pregnancy? I'm too embarrassed to ask my mom.

Community Answer

Once every month your body releases an egg and if it DOESN'T get fertilized (you don't have sex), your body gets rid of the egg, along with some lining from your uterus. That's the blood. If the egg DOES get fertilized (you have sex), you become pregnant. The egg is actually released 1-2 weeks before your period starts, and if you have sex during this time (called ovulation), you are much more likely to get pregnant.

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Can I get pregnant if my period hasn't started?

Community Answer

Even though you may not have experienced menstrual flow, it is possible to have ovulated or released an egg. Ovulation occurs approximately 2 weeks before typical menstrual bleeding. If this is a first period, a girl is still fertile or able to conceive/get pregnant around the time the egg is released.

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Tips

If you feel awkward during the talk, try to crack some jokes and smile to ease the tension.

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Give them a big hug before you start and after you're done.

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