Question: How Often Do Girls Have Periods?
Answer: During the first few years of menstruation, periods are often irregular. Many girls skip several months between their first period, or menarche, and the next time they menstruate. Or a girl may have two periods that are 28 days apart and then skip a period, or have spotting every few weeks.
The length of the menstrual cycle is the amount of time from the first day of your period until the last day before your next period. The average woman has a 28-day menstrual cycle. Day 1 of the menstrual cycle is the first day you experience any amount of bleeding. The last day before your next period would be Day 28, if you have the average 28-day menstrual cycle. Normal menstrual cycle length, in adolescent girls, is 21 to 45 days. Normal menstrual cycle length in adult women is from 21 to 35 days.
See also: Your Menstrual Cycle Calendar
Source:
All About Menstruation Teen Health, Nemours Foundation; http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/menstruation.html; accessed 08/29/07.
