Teenage Girl

Getting your period for the first time is a huge milestone for every young girl. It’s exciting and a little scary all at the same time, and you’re wondering if you got yours earlier or later than normal, or right on time.

The National Survey of Family Growth (part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) surveyed women ages 15-44 years old, both in 2002 and from 2006-2010. The mean time of first menstruation has decreased slightly from 12.6 years in 2002 to 12.5 years in 2006-2010. No doubt this will continue to decrease, as many are noting that puberty in girls is occurring earlier than ever before.