There is no definitive answer to the question of "who" is the youngest girl to get her first period, as this information is not consistently tracked and verified across the globe. However, we can examine the age range at which menarche (the first menstrual period) typically occurs and discuss documented cases of exceptionally early onset.
While the average age for the first period is around 12 years old, sources indicate that it can begin as early as 8 years old. One news article describes a case of a five-year-old girl who started menstruating at age four. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/girl-period-age-four-faces-menopause-addisons-disease-emily-dover-new-south-wales-australia-a7992066.html This is an extremely rare instance, and the early onset may be linked to underlying medical conditions. Most girls will experience their first period between ages 10 and 15. (https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/talk-about-menstruation.html, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/starting-periods/) A period starting before age 8 or after age 15 warrants a consultation with a doctor.
It's crucial to understand that the age of menarche varies considerably and is influenced by genetics, body weight, and overall health. While some girls experience early onset, the vast majority will begin menstruating within the typical range of 10 to 15 years old.
- Average Age: 12 years old (multiple sources)
- Earliest Recorded: As young as 4 years old (case study reported in the Independent)
- Typical Range: 8-15 years old (various sources)
