Nine year old - periods?

[vinoandbrie]

Hi there

My DD is nine. She had stomach ache today and had a small bit of pink discharge this evening (she was slightly panicked and shouted through for me to come to the bathroom). She wiped again, but nothing, thank goodness.

She has had mood swings for months now, which I believe are hormonal. She has also had stomach aches on a fairly regular monthly basis, but I’ve not tracked them as I’ve buried my head a bit.

I am quite concerned as, apart from her hair getting greasy and needing more regular washing, she has zero other signs of puberty. She is the shortest in her class, is tiny / light in build, no hair growth or breast buds etc. I am worried as I’ve read that once you start your periods you don’t grow much more - she’s only 4 foot 1 for heaven’s sake (no, the height is not a typo!) She has to keep growing bless her!

Any thoughts or advice welcome. I was bright and breezy with her and just said ‘oh nothing to worry about, it might just mean your period may be starting soon’, as she was a bit freaked out, despite knowing all about periods. My baby 😭

It could be spotting before her actual period. Try to worry about her height it doesn't necessarily mean she won't grow any more, I've not heard of that to be honest.

That's great that you were able to be light hearted with her about it. I'm sure that would have rubbed off on her.

I also have a 9 year old and I read a little while ago that periods start around 2 years after breast buds first show. So it seems unlikely for your DD. You should look into other causes e.g. UTI or injury to the area.

I started my period at 8 with little warning so it's not out of the question.

To give the opposite end, I had B cups by the time I was 10 but I didn't start my period till I was 15 so I don't think it's one rule for all.

All you can really do is educate her and be there for her. How would she feel comfortable? A face to face chat or would it be better to buy her a book or watch a YouTube video with her?

Thank you everyone for your responses, which are much appreciated! No more spotting so we shall see how she goes over the next few months.

Was it definitely period blood? Just I had the same situation with my dd and it turned out she was constipated.

My dd had same symptoms. Did you dd start period regularly?

@Belemon you might want to try an @ to see if the OP is still around and remembers. Her DD is likely to be busy revising for her GCSES around now

Has your DD got everything she needs in case her periods do start?

@vinoandbrie @TinyMouseTheatre yes my dd had one month spotting but she is just 8 years 9 months old and not much other symptoms of puberty. So I am really worried now.

@Belemon how many days spotting did your DD have?
has she started any body changes yet like breast development and or pubic hair? If it's very light panty liners would work ok for now but get stocked up on period supplies ready.

It's not uncommon for girls to start at that age. I had my first period and breast buds at 9.5