Is it normal for a 10-year-old girl to have her period?
Disease description:
My daughter is only ten years old this year, but she actually started her period this week, which surprised me greatly. I'm very worried that something might be wrong with my child. Doctor, is it normal for a ten-year-old girl to have her period?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
It is not uncommon for a 10-year-old girl to begin menstruating, which is usually referred to as early puberty.
A girl's average age for menarche (first menstrual period) is around 12 years old, but a range between 8 and 16 years of age is considered normal. If a girl begins menstruating before the age of 8, it is referred to as precocious puberty and may require evaluation by a doctor.
Improved childhood nutrition and environmental factors may contribute to earlier onset of puberty. If a girl experiences abnormal menstrual cycles, severe pain, unusual bleeding, or other associated symptoms such as rapid height growth or accelerated breast development, she should consult a doctor promptly.
