How do I know if my child is starting her period?

Indicators of Menstrual Onset

Two key indicators that your child may be starting her period are:

• Breast Development (known as "thelarche"): This process typically begins 2 to 3 years before the onset of menstruation, often around the age of 8.
• Pubic Hair Development (referred to as "pubarche"): This usually occurs 1 to 2 years prior to the first period, with the average age for this stage being around 11.6 years old.