I am 13 years old and I have not had my period yet. What should I do?

Girls usually start menstruating during puberty, when their physical development is basically completed. This age is usually around thirteen years old. The timing is not exactly the same depending on the girls' physical constitution. Some girls will panic if they haven't had their period by the age of thirteen, thinking that there may be something wrong with their physical development. So, what should a girl do if she doesn’t have her period at the age of thirteen?

1. What are menstruation and menarche?

Generally, after women reach puberty, their ovaries will be affected by the hypothalamic and pituitary hormones to secrete sex hormones. The sex hormones ultimately cause the endometrium to fall off. The shed mucosa and blood will be discharged from the body through the female private parts. This phenomenon that occurs once a month is menstruation. A woman's first menstrual period is called menarche.

2. What factors affect the time of menarche?

The age at which a woman's menarche occurs is generally related to many factors (such as genetics, living standards, physical condition, emotions, etc.). If the mother's menarche is late, the child may also be late. The family's living standard is high, the child's usual nutritional intake is balanced, the physical condition is good, and the mood is positive, optimistic and peaceful almost every day. In this way, the girl's menarche may come earlier. If there are many opportunities to learn about sex at an early age, menarche may occur earlier.

3. Menarche time and matters needing attention

The age of menarche is generally between 12 and 15 years old, but this is just an approximate range. After all, menarche is affected by many factors. Generally, breast development occurs about two years earlier than menarche. Therefore, it is normal for a 13-year-old girl not to have her period yet. Don't be too anxious. Adjust your attitude towards life, ensure a balanced diet, exercise more, let nature take its course, and ensure your body's health.