5 Signs That Show You Are About To Get Your First Periods

When you are growing up, it can be easy to trick yourself into thinking that everyone—everyone in the world!—experiences the important stuff before you do. Like, you know, first kisses. First significant others. First periods. This isn’t true, of course, but it’s totally understandable as to why you might feel this way—after all, the only people you hear talking about these traditional milestones, probably, are the ones who have already gone through them. Not the ones who haven’t.

In any case, this probably isn’t all that helpful when you’re trying to figure out when something is going to happen to you. Like, for instance, your first period. But this is something that’s actually pretty easy to track! It’s not a perfect science, because everyone and their bodies are different, but there are some signs that most people experience that could indicate that you’re about to get your first period. Check out what they are here:

# You're Sweatier Than You Used To Be

Your sweat glands start to become more active during puberty, so if you've started to notice that you're sweating a lot more than you usually do (and it definitely smells a little more than it used to), this is a pretty good indicator that your period isn't too far away. If you're worried about the smell, it's pretty easy to deal with--just try to shower and wear deodorant daily.

# You've Been Developing Breast Buds

Have you had a training bra in steady rotation for a year or two? If so, this is a pretty good sign that your period is on its way--for most people, breast buds (small lumps that form under the nipples before breasts start to grow) generally develop about two years before their first period.

# Your Boobs Feel Tender

If your breasts are a little more developed, it's possible that they will feel tender, or even a little sore, before your first period starts. This is because the hormones in your body fluctuate before your period starts, which can cause your breast ducts to enlarge. This doesn't always happen right before a period, and it definitely doesn't happen to everyone. Still, if you've noticed some sensitivity in your breasts, don't be surprised if your period follows shortly after.

# You're Growing Pubic Hair

Shortly after you start developing breasts, you will probably start growing pubic hair. (And, most likely, start growing more hair on your legs and armpits.) This hair will start off light and fine, but eventually become coarse and dark. According to Always, you can expect your period about a year or two after you start getting pubic hair.

# You've Been Experiencing Vaginal Discharge

Around the same time you start growing breast buds and pubic hair, you'll probably start seeing some vaginal discharge in your underwear. This is a small amount of white or yellowish fluid that gets emitted from the vagina, and it's generally a sign that you'll get your period in about six months to a year. You don't have to do anything about this discharge--you might feel it, but no one else will notice--but if you feel uncomfortable with it, you can wear pantiliners to make sure the discharge won't get in your underwear.