Dr. Alan Greene on Puberty

I want the lowdown on the periods. Can you tell me what ages are average, what to talk about, and all that?

The first period normally falls between 9 and 16. It usually starts two to two and a half years after the first signs of puberty -- about the same time as the peak growth spurt.

It does tend to run the same time in families, but there are many factors that can affect it (including geographic location). Most have started by the thirteenth birthday and about one-third by the twelfth. Schools usually talk about it in fifth grade but it is great for kids to learn about it first from parents.

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