As time goes by, most girls would begin to settle into a more regular and predictable menstrual cycle after the first year or two after their initial menses. I wouldn’t worry too much about your daughter unless she hasn’t started showing any signs of puberty or if she still hasn’t had her period by the time she’s 15.

It’s common, especially in the first 2 years after a girl starts getting her period, to skip periods or to have irregular periods. Illness, rapid weight change, or stress can also make things more unpredictable.

Primary amenorrhea is when the first menstrual bleeding at puberty doesn’t occur by age 15. Secondary amenorrhea is when normal menstrual bleeding stops occurring for 3 months or more. Amenorrhea has many causes, including hormone problems, eating habits and exercise, or a birth defect.

Most girls get their first period when they’re around 12. But getting it any time between age 10 and 15 is OK.

Your periods will start when your body is ready. That’s usually between the ages of 10 and 16. See a GP if your periods haven’t started by age 16 (or 14 if there are no other signs of puberty either).

Ask Her What She Needs

1. Be patient! Don’t blame her irritability on her period, but try to understand where she’s coming from.
2. Bring her the food she craves. Whether it’s ice cream she’s after or she’s one of the rare women who crave a green juice, just go and get it.
3. Be attentive.
4. Give her a massage.
5. Give her space.

It is not uncommon for an adolescent to experience heavy menstrual bleeding if they have irregular periods. Heavy menstrual bleeding can interfere with an adolescent’s normal activities and cause anemia.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common problem during adolescence. In fact, almost 50% of women report having heavy periods at some point during their reproductive years. Heavy menstrual bleeding can negatively impact quality of life, school attendance, and participation in after-school sports and activities.