The first menstrual period, called the menarche, can be a very scary and moving time in a young girl's life. A girl's first period signals the end of childhood and the onset of womanhood. The timing of a female's first period varies from person to person, but girls usually experience their first period between the ages of 9 to 16, depending upon their height, weight and ethnicity, according to Epigee Women's Health, a site that provides women with information on women's health and reproductive issues. A girl usually experience several physical and emotional signs that she has started her first menstrual period.
Tender Breasts
A female may experience breast tenderness during her first menstrual period, according to Peace Health, a website started by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace and dedicated to providing information on women's health issues. The sides of a female's breast may become so tender and sensitive that even her shirt brushing across her chest may cause discomfort. Increasing hormones can cause a girl's breasts to appear swollen or fuller, increasing breast tenderness and pain.
Cramps
Cramping is a common sign of the first menstrual period. The website Teens Health states that cramps can range from a dull full feeling in the lower abdomen to sharp and intense abdominal pain that causes a girl to double over in pain. Cramps may start several days before a girl's first blood flow and last several days after the bleeding stops. During the first menstrual period, girls may experience nausea, bloating, lower backaches, vomiting, an upset stomach and diarrhea along with light to moderate cramps.
Spotting
Spotting is an early sign that a female is experiencing her first menstrual period. She may experience light brown, red or pink blood in her underwear when she goes to the bathroom or changes clothes. During the first menstrual cycle, most girls will experience spotting that is scanty and brief, but some girls may experience heavy spotting that lasts throughout the month, according to Epigee Women's Health. A young girl may spot for several months or years as her body balances her hormones.
Mood Swings
Teens Health states that moodiness is a sign of a girl's first period. A young girl may have mixed feelings about starting her period. She may be excited about entering a new phase of her life, but scared that it may limit her abilities to participate in certain activities every month. It is during this time that girls may become more aware of their changing bodies. They may begin to notice the differences between males and females, causing confusing and conflicting feelings. They may also find using pads and tampons frustrating and difficult.
