
Quiz: When will I get my first period?
Peer reviewed by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGPLast updated by Lawrence HigginsLast updated 10 Jun 2025
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Wondering whether you might start your periods soon? Take our quiz to find out whether you're showing some of the signs.
In this article:
Video picks for Periods and period problems
Continue reading below
About periods
As you approach your teenage years, you probably wonder when your periods might start. You may look forward to this moment as a sign that you are really growing up. You may also be nervous about how they will feel, or how you might manage their period. Either way, it can be good to know whether you are likely to get your period soon.
With periods usually starting between the ages of 10-16 years, it can be hard to predict when your first period will arrive. However, your body will probably start to show some tell-tale signs when your first period is on its way. These signs include:
Your breasts may grow or change shape.
You may have vaginal discharge.
You may grow pubic and underarm hair.
Who is this quiz for?
Back to contentsThe quiz is designed for girls aged over the age of 8 years who have not yet started their periods, but who have started to show some signs of puberty. It asks seven simple questions relating to changes in your body that might indicate your period is on its way.
Each time you select an answer you will be given some information about the symptoms you are feeling and what they might mean. At the end, your result will show whether your first period might be on its way.
Can you predict when periods will begin?
Whilst the quiz will give you an idea about whether your periods might start soon, the result is only an indication of this, based on the answers you have given. If you are at all worried about changes to your body, or about periods in general, talk with your parents, older siblings or with your doctor about your concerns.
Patient picks for Periods and period problems

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Period poverty arose as people struggle to access period products due to financial constraints, and it affects the daily lives of millions of menstruators around the world. 1 in 10 people who menstruate across the country can't afford to buy menstrual products.
by Emily Jane Bashforth

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How to manage your period in school
Most girls start their periods between 9 and 16 years old, and around half are dealing with them by age 12. This makes school a main setting for first periods, painful cramps, and heavy flows - all of which can be hard for girls to navigate without the right know-how. Our guide to periods at school is here to help get you or your child period-ready in the classroom. We explore tips and tricks to ease period pain and manage heavy periods, before asking if UK schools are doing enough to support hygienic and discreet period care.
by Amberley Davis
Continue reading below
About the authorView full bio

Gillian Harvey
Freelance Writer
BA (Hons) English
Gillian is a freelance writer and columnist for a variety of national newspapers and magazines.
About the reviewerView full bio

Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
General Practitioner, Medical Author
MBBS, MRCGP, MRCP (Paediatrics), DCH
Dr Colin Tidy is an NHS Doctor, based in Oxfordshire.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
Next review due: 13 Jun 2028
10 Jun 2025 | Latest version
13 Jul 2018 | Originally published
Authored by:
Gillian Harvey

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