How long after these signs should I expect DD's period to start?

[chicaguapa]

DD is just turned 11. She's been getting a daily white discharge for a couple of months now and started getting stomach cramps at the weekend. I've had to pick her up from school today as she was complaining of cramps again and she's now asleep in bed with a hot water bottle.

Just wondered if that was an indication that things might start soon? Or if this can go on for a while? She's not especially well-developed. She has breast buds but isn't wearing cropped vests yet. Though we do have teary and shouty days.

I guess I need to get some pads in anyway. She has already said she doesn't want to use tampons, though in time I hope she would like to try the mooncup. But she's anxious she's going to start any minute now and has asked me to look it up on the internet.

[sunmoonstarstoo]

Sorry I don't know but watching thread with interest. My dd is 11, not needing bra yet either, no cramps but some discharge and moody.

[ripsishere]

Another watcher. DD has pointy breast buds, mood swings, discharge but no pains nor pubes.
She is quite desperate to start for some reason. We've got the full kit and she takes a pencil case with pants, pads and tampons JIC (just in case).
She and her BF went to the nurse at school last week in fact. Both convinced they'd started their periods. It would have been astonishing for it to have happened with such synchronicity. It was in fact, just sweaty fannies from PE in a non air conned hall.

[Yogagirl17]

My DD is 11 (almost 12 now) and started with the mood swings and sore "boobs" almost a year and a half ago. I looked it up then and read that it's usually anywhere from 1-2 years from the start of puberty until they actually get their periods. She now has small but noticeable breasts and hair under her arms and pubic hair (and a massive growth spurt in the last few months, she's now borrowing my shoes!) but no period yet although I imagine it will be any time now.

OP, these things obviously can vary a lot but from my own experience and from what I've read, the breasts & hair usually develop before they get their periods so your DD may be some time still.

[mrssmooth]

Also watching with interest. DD1 (12 in a couple of weeks - how did that happen?!) has the discharge and is wearing bras now. No mention of stomach cramps but she is a "keep it to yourself, soldier on" kind of girl. Has become more moody, noticed she occasionally has breakouts on her face, and hair has become greasy the day after washing. I bought her some pads ages ago, can't remember which ones, but they were for teens and in a pretty drawstring bag. Good luck, can't believe how quickly it seems to come round these days - I didn't start my periods until I was at least 13, more like 14!!

[CrocodileDundee]

My DD is just 12 and has been having the stomach pains for a good few months now, she is also hormonal and grumpy, then sweet and lovely, you never know what you are going to get! I think it can't be far off now!

[Vivalebeaver]

Dd has been like this for nearly six months now. Has had to get buscopan prescribed as cramps are so bad, but no period yet. She's 11 and moody as hell.

[bumpybecky]

mine had white discharge for over a year before her period eventually started, might even have been 18 months

she didn't have cramps before though, so not sure about that

[chicaguapa]

Thanks everyone. I knew it wouldn't be easy to predict, but it's interesting to read other people's stories.