It's not typically considered normal for a 12-year-old to have a period every two weeks, but it is not uncommon within the first few years of menstruation.
Why Irregular Periods Can Occur for Young Girls
When young girls begin menstruating, their bodies are still adjusting to hormonal fluctuations. This period of adjustment often results in irregular cycles. According to our reference:
As young girls first start their period, their body is still going through hormone changes. This is likely to cause periods to be irregular especially within the first two years after starting. This means that periods can sometimes come more than once per month or skip months in between.
This means that a 12-year-old might experience periods:
- More frequently than every 28 days.
- Less frequently, even skipping months.
- With varying lengths of bleeding.
What to Look Out For
While irregular periods are often normal initially, it's still essential to pay attention to:
- Heavy Bleeding: If the bleeding is unusually heavy, it's worth consulting a doctor.
- Severe Pain: If the menstrual cramps are intense and debilitating, medical advice should be sought.
- Persistent Irregularity: If irregular periods continue for more than two years after starting menstruation, seeing a doctor might be a good idea to rule out any other issues.
When to See a Doctor
While some irregularity is normal for a young girl who has started her period, It's also helpful to track periods and look for other factors that might contribute to irregularities. These could include stress or diet. A doctor should be contacted if you notice any of the following:
- Periods are consistently every 2 weeks for more than a few months.
- Periods last longer than 7 days.
- Bleeding is very heavy (soaking through a pad or tampon every hour).
- Severe pain accompanies your periods.
- You are worried or unsure.
