14 and Not Sure if I Got My Period or Not

Published: August 22, 2017
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm 14 and 1/2 and I've never had my period. so today I noticed that I had brown discharge and I think I have my period but I'm not sure. I might just be spotting. Help. If I am just spotting, how long after I spot will I get my period?
Signed: 14 and Not Sure if I Got My Period or Not

Dear 14 and Not Sure if I Got My Period or Not,

It can be common for women to notice a brown discharge prior to getting their period. Sometimes it happens, sometimes is doesn’t. When it does happen, usually a woman will get her period within a couple of days. However, keep in mind that there are definitely variations in menstrual cycles from person to person, so it will not be the same for everyone.

If you are getting a brown discharge or spotting, consider wearing a thin panty liner. Since it is possible that you might be getting your period soon, make sure that you have pads available to you at home or with you if you are out. If you have questions or concerns about getting your period, what to expect or how to manage it, TeenHealthFX recommends speaking to your mom or another female relative, your doctor, or your school nurse (who should have pads in her office at school if you ever need it).

For more information, you can also read the TeensHealth article All About Menstruation, the WebMD article Menstruation and the First Period: What Girls Should Know, and the Planned Parenthood article, What’s Up With Periods?.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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