Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

At what average age should a girl expect to start menstruating?

1. 13 years

2. 12 years

3. 11 years

4. 10 years

The correct answer is: 13 years

The average age at which girls start menstruating, also known as menarche, is generally around 12 years old, with a normal range being between 10 and 15 years. However, many girls will menstruate around the ages of 11 to 13. Selecting 13 years highlights the tail end of this average range, acknowledging that some may start slightly later. Understanding variations in onset is crucial for supporting adolescent girls through the changes they experience during puberty. It's important for healthcare providers and caregivers to recognize individual differences in timing, as early or late onset of menstruation can relate to various health and developmental factors.