Supporting Your Daughter Through Early Or Late Puberty
While puberty is often an exciting time for a girl, it can be difficult to know what to do when your daughter gets her period early or late.
And what does ''early'' or ''late'' puberty actually mean – and if your daughter’s first period is late, how can you support her?
Puberty for girls typically starts between the ages of 9 and 13, with one of the first signs being the growth of breast buds. Her period will usually come about two years after this, between the ages of 11 and 15.
If your daughter has developed breast buds before the age of 8, and starts her period at the age of 9 or 10, she is experiencing early-onset puberty.
What causes early puberty?
Early-onset puberty is increasingly common. The reasons for it are not fully understood, but factors may include:
• Genetics – if you, or her siblings, experienced early puberty, she may too.
• Being overweight – evidence suggests that obesity could be a driving factor.
Should I be worried?
If the signs of puberty come early and your daughter starts her period at 9, this shouldn’t be cause for concern. However, if your daughter gets her period at age 7 or 8, you should consult a doctor, as she may have a condition called precocious puberty, which is a medical condition caused by an abnormality in the brain and the way it releases hormones.
How can I support her?
Starting puberty before everyone else can be tricky for a girl – and it can be hard to know what to do when your daughter gets her period early. The most important thing is to talk to her about these changes and help her understand that there is nothing ''wrong'' with her.
- Before your daughter starts her period, read the Always Changing & Growing Up Parents’ Guide so you can explain what’s happening to her body and reassure her that everything is normal.
- Talk to her about periods well before they arrive. Watch Your Menstrual Cycle & Periods video together and remind her that you’re always here to answer any questions she may have.
- Explain that going through puberty and periods early is a little like getting to a birthday party early. It can feel a little uncomfortable at first, but once everyone else has arrived, it’s actually pretty fun.
- Encourage her to carry period products in her school bag so she’s prepared. Always Radiant Teen pads are a great way to start, they are made with FlexFoam so they can be thin and flexible without skipping out on protection.
If your daughter hasn’t shown any signs of puberty by the ages of 13 or 14, and hasn’t started her period by the age of 16, she is going through delayed puberty.
What causes early puberty?
• A common cause of late puberty in girls is lack of body fat – which can be the result of involvement in extreme sports.
• Delayed puberty sometimes can be a sign of an endocrine, or hormone, problem.
Should I be worried?
Generally speaking, there is nothing bad about starting puberty a bit later – each girl is on her own timeline. However, if your daughter hasn’t started her period by 16, encourage her to see the OBGYN so you can work out a solution together.
How can I support her?
Emotionally, it may be difficult for your daughter to sit back and watch all of her friends developing before her. But remind her that we all end up in the same place – as strong, confident adults. How and when she gets there is part of the magic of being a unique individual.
Further reading
Watch this video together to help explain periods and the menstrual cycle
Supporting Your Daughter
Through Early Or Late Puberty
While puberty is often an exciting time for a girl, it can be difficult to know what to do when your daughter gets her period early or late.
And what does ''early'' or ''late'' puberty actually mean – and if your daughter’s first period is late, how can you support her?
Puberty for girls typically starts between the ages of 9 and 13, with one of the first signs being the growth of breast buds. Her period will usually come about two years after this, between the ages of 11 and 15.
If your daughter has developed breast buds before the age of 8, and starts her period at the age of 9 or 10, she is experiencing early-onset puberty.
What causes early puberty?
Early-onset puberty is increasingly common. The reasons for it are not fully understood, but factors may include:
• Genetics – if you, or her siblings, experienced early puberty, she may too.
• Being overweight – evidence suggests that obesity could be a driving factor.
Should I be worried?
If the signs of puberty come early and your daughter starts her period at 9, this shouldn’t be cause for concern. However, if your daughter gets her period at age 7 or 8, you should consult a doctor, as she may have a condition called precocious puberty, which is a medical condition caused by an abnormality in the brain and the way it releases hormones.
How can I support her?
Starting puberty before everyone else can be tricky for a girl – and it can be hard to know what to do when your daughter gets her period early. The most important thing is to talk to her about these changes and help her understand that there is nothing ''wrong'' with her.
• Before your daughter starts her period, read the Always Changing & Growing Up Parents’ Guide so you can explain what’s happening to her body and reassure her that everything is normal.
• Talk to her about periods well before they arrive. Watch Your Menstrual Cycle & Periods video together and remind her that you’re always here to answer any questions she may have.
• Explain that going through puberty and periods early is a little like getting to a birthday party early. It can feel a little uncomfortable at first, but once everyone else has arrived, it’s actually pretty fun.
• Encourage her to carry period products in her school bag so she’s prepared. Always Radiant Teens pads are a great way to start, they are made with FlexFoam so they can be thin and flexible without skipping out on protection.
If your daughter hasn’t shown any signs of puberty by the ages of 13 or 14, and hasn’t started her period by the age of 16, she is going through delayed puberty.
What causes early puberty?
• A common cause of late puberty in girls is lack of body fat – which can be the result of involvement in extreme sports.
• Delayed puberty sometimes can be a sign of an endocrine, or hormone, problem.
Should I be worried?
Generally speaking, there is nothing bad about starting puberty a bit later – each girl is on her own timeline. However, if your daughter hasn’t started her period by 16, encourage her to see the GP so you can work out a solution together.
How can I support her?
Emotionally, it may be difficult for your daughter to sit back and watch all of her friends developing before her. But remind her that we all end up in the same place – as strong, confident adults. How and when she gets there is part of the magic of being a unique individual.
Further reading
Watch this video together to help explain periods and the menstrual cycle