Periods usually start between age 10 and 16. Most girls get their first period around age 12.
But everyone develops at different rates. A delay in starting your periods is not usually a cause for concern. There's no right or wrong age to start your periods.
Your periods will start when your body is ready. This is usually about 2 years after the first signs of puberty.
In girls, the first signs of puberty are usually:
- breasts begin to develop
- pubic hair starts to grow
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if you have:
- no periods and no signs of puberty by age 13
- signs of puberty but no periods by age 15
Your GP can check if you're going through the normal stages of puberty.
Your GP may:
- recommend having blood tests to check your hormone levels
- recommend an ultrasound scan
- refer you to a gynaecologist (women's health specialist) or endocrinologist (hormone specialist)
Cause of delayed first period
Causes of your first period not starting include:
- a normal delay in development - this often runs in families so if your mum or sister started their periods late, you may too
- a hormonal imbalance
- being underweight
- doing a lot of exercise - this can affect girls who do lots of athletics, gymnastics or dance
- a long-term condition or childhood illness, such as cystic fibrosis or cancer
- eating disorders
- severe stress
- pregnancy - you can get pregnant before you get your first period because your ovaries can start releasing eggs a few months before your periods start
- a problem with your ovaries, womb or vagina
Treating a delayed first period
Usually no treatment is needed if your first period is delayed.
If you need treatment, it will depend on what's causing the problem.
Your GP may:
- recommend hormone therapy
- refer you to a dietitian
- refer you for counselling
Sometimes you may need surgery.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
