The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends scheduling a first well-woman visit with a gynecologist when a girl is between ages 13 and 15. Most girls in the United States start their menstrual cycle between the age of 12 and 14, some earlier and some later.

If you are concerned about your daughter’s development or she has recurring issues, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a gynecologist. Not only can they address problems, but also provide more information and understanding as her body develops. 

According to ACOG, your daughter should visit a gynecologist if she has not started her period by age 15 or she is experiencing problem periods, such as:

• Periods that are regular each month and then stop being regular
• Periods more frequent than 21 days or less frequent than 45 days
• Periods 90 days apart (even if this happens only once)
• Periods lasting more than 7 days
• Periods accompanied by heavy bleeding (having to change pads or tampons more than once every 1 to 2 hours)
• Periods accompanied by bad cramps that affect regular activities and pain relievers do not help

Women’s Integrated Healthcare, P.A., based in Fort Worth and Grapevine, Texas, has additional resources regarding adolescent development and a girl’s initial well woman exam. Read more here.