Health A-Z

What is menarche?

Menarche (pronounced muh naar kee) is when you get your first period. Said another way, menarche refers to the first time you menstruate. Menarche is an important milestone that marks the beginning of your fertility. Getting your period means that you’re physically capable of becoming pregnant and having a baby unless you have health conditions preventing it.

What are the symptoms of menarche?

Leading up to your first period, you may notice these symptoms:

• Cramping (pain or achiness in your belly, back or legs).
• Bloating (your belly feels full or swollen).
• Tender or sore breasts (chest).
• Breakouts (acne/pimples flare-up).
• Mood swings.
• Fatigue (tiredness).

During your period, you may notice red or brown blood on your underwear or in the toilet after using the bathroom. You may bleed so little that you only see a few spots before your period ends. Or, your bleeding may start light, get heavier, and then become light again before it ends.

Everyone experiences periods differently. And first periods are especially unpredictable. Don’t worry if your symptoms or your period are different from someone else’s.

What causes menarche?

You get your first period when your body has matured enough to support your menstrual cycle. Each month, your ovaries produce an egg, and the lining of your uterus thickens. If you have intercourse, the egg can become fertilized. A fertilized egg travels to your uterus and implants in your uterus lining, where it grows into a fetus. If the egg doesn’t get fertilized, you shed the egg and your uterus lining through your vagina. The material you shed from your uterus each month is called period blood or menstrual blood.

Genetics and environment both play a role in triggering menarche:

• Heredity: Your genes influence when you get your first period. People commonly get their periods when their mother or birthing parent did.
• Hormones: Hormones in your brain and your sex organs regulate your menstrual cycle and play a role in menarche, too.
• Body composition: Height, weight, and fat distribution in your body influence when you get your first period.
• Health: Stress, poor nutrition and certain health conditions can lead to later menarche and cause irregular periods.
• Environment: Environmental factors, such as resource access, likely influence menarche. For instance, people from wealthier countries tend to get their periods sooner than people from countries with less wealth.

1. Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate menstrual cramps and discomfort.
2. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which can help reduce bloating and alleviate headaches.
3. Heat Therapy: Applying a heating pad or taking a warm bath can help relax muscles and reduce cramps.
4. Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help manage symptoms.
5. Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce menstrual pain and improve mood.

In most cases, the diagnosis of menarche is straightforward and does not require specific testing. However, if there are concerns about irregular periods, severe pain, or other unusual symptoms, it's a good idea to consult a healthcare provider. They may perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history to rule out any underlying issues.