A 13-year-old female patient asks the school nurse when her menstrual cycle will start, as she is already developing breasts. What should the nurse include in the response to this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Breast development usually starts around age 8-13, while the initial menstrual period, or menarche, may occur within two years of breast development or up to several years later. It is normal for menses to start within a few years after breast development, so the nurse should reassure the patient that this is a normal part of female development. Referral to a gynecologist or testing for hormonal imbalances is not indicated at this time.

A 13-Year-Old Female Patient Asks the School Nurse When Her