Menstruation

My grandma had a baby in her 50’s . A little girl who sadly died shortly after birth or else I would have an auntie 4 years younger than me . My grandma was a devoted Catholic but admitted to being deeply ashamed of the pregnancy . So much do that she believed that her babies death was her fault. I was still having very regular periods until just over a year ago (aged 55-56) so perhaps a connection . My mum had a hysterectomy aged 38 so cannot compare with her .

Can menstrual cycle is affected by taking antibiotics? I have been consuming for a while. I read about it at menstrual-cycle-calculator.com/antibiotics-and-menstrual-cycle/ and then I consider it seriously.

I was 11 when my periods started, and I remember a girl in primary school having periods at the age of 9.

My periods lasted until I was 59 (a year ago)!

Sort of the "standard" age is about 9 or 10 to 16 for menarche (onset of menses). That said, I know a girl who started at 8. Her mum started at 9 and the girl was tall, so her parents weren't too concerned. They had already talked to her about periods and what they meant, so when she started, it wasn't scary for her.

PSA - if you start menstruating prior to age 12, you may have a higher risk for breast cancer. I would recommend mentioning early menarche to your provider and determining with your provider at what age you should start breast cancer screening.

My GD started at 10 and was very obviously pubescent. Her brother also went through puberty early as his voice broke when he was 11.
Interesting warning, agnurse, Their mum's family have a history of breast cancer.

That is so sad as they seem to be growing up too quickly these days without having to cope with monthly periods. I was 12 when I started mine all those years ago and they finally finished at the age of 54!!!!! A lifetime of pain.

I was in my first week of secondary school, had no idea what was going on, totally terrified

Both daughters started just before they were eleven ( both fully prepared!)

My oldest granddaughter was twelve, and I’ve got two nine year olds, I really hope they manage to make it till at least eleven!

I was just 12 when I started, all fully prepared and apart from my Great Aunt telling me not to wash my hair as I’d go mad ?all was well.
I did get bullied at school in the loos though as did anyone who didn’t belong to the right gang.
I would have loved proper unisex loos such as they are designing in new schools, proper walls and full length doors with a wash basin inside.
Most of the locks were broken in our loos and if you didn’t go in a group with someone to hold the door shut the horrid girls would barge in and steal pads and announce that so and so was on ‘jam rag’ time. Vile creatures, it’s not only boys who are bullies, girls can be even worse.

Dizzyblonde

I remember it with shame and embarrassment, thank goodness things are a lot easier for our granddaughters

I was 15, nearly 16, sister was nearly 15, and daughter was 14 - so it does seem to have some genetic links. I'm so glad we were late 'starters' don't think I could've coped back then

It's only a distant memory now - between 13 and 43. And that was it! No menopausal problems. Sisters much the same. It must be hereditary.

I left teaching 10 years ago, Even then wealways had one or two year 6 girls who had their periods. We made special provision for them as regards a separate toilet and changing area for games etc. They were very sensible and grown up about it all

My DGDs started at 10. One was in year 6 which I think is quite common. The other was in year 5 and quite small so I think not quite so common.
When I was at school there was only one girl who started in primary school. I was one of the oldest at 13 so I think the average was 12 then.