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New Report Defines 'Normal' Menstruation Cycle Nov. 26, 2006 A new clinical report, "Menstruation in Adolescents: Using the Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign," aims to help clinicians educate adolescents and their parents about what to expect of a first period, including average cycle length and timing of subsequent periods. The report from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, also says that once an adolescent begins menstruating, her cycle should be assessed as a vital sign since it can be an indicator of other possible medical problems. According to the report, the age when a girl has her first period has remained relatively stable at between 12 and 13 years of age. Among the information clinicians should share with patients: the menstrual cycle is from the first day of a period to the first day of the next period and may vary in length, with some girls experiencing 4-week cycles and others more or less than 4 weeks. Also clinicians should convey that girls will likely get their first period about 2 to 2.5 years after breast development begins. The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com
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