There\u2019s a lot of misinformation about menstruation.\u00a0 Parents and kids often have lots of questions. What\u2019s normal? What\u2019s not? When should you worry about periods being irregular, or about cramping? How do you help your child know what to expect?<\/p>\n
As a pediatrician, I want to help answer these questions for my patients and their parents. I encourage parents to talk with their kids about normal puberty<\/a> and what to expect BEFORE the first period starts (which is usually between the ages of 9 to 14).<\/p>\n These are a few of the top \u201cmyth busters\u201d I\u2019d like to share to help you guide your child through these changes:<\/p>\n It can be normal to have irregular cycles for the first 2 years after menarche (the first period). After that, irregular periods can be a sign of other issues that may need to be addressed – especially if periods that were regular and predictable become irregular or stop.<\/p>\n Sudden nutritional changes or weight loss, significant illness, and even stress can affect period regularity. If it\u2019s been more than 2 years since your child\u2019s periods started and they\u2019re still irregular, bring this up with your pediatrician.<\/p>\n A normal menstrual cycle is anywhere from 21 days to over 35 days. This means in a single calendar month some people will have two periods and others won\u2019t have one at all. Period apps on phones are helpful for tracking the cycle to understand if it is \u201cregular\u201d or \u201cirregular.\u201d\u00a0For people using hormonal birth control, it can be normal (and safe) for periods to be irregular, or even go away completely while using the medication.<\/p>\n Typical periods last anywhere from 3 to 7 days. Talk with a doctor if your child\u2019s bleeding lasts longer than 7 days each month.<\/p>\n Premenstrual syndrome<\/a> (PMS) is related to normal changes in hormones, and its symptoms are real. People may experience moodiness, fatigue, headaches, and breast tenderness in the days before or during the period. It varies from person to person, but more than half of menstruating people may experience these symptoms. Eating a normal, healthy diet, drinking lots of water, regularly exercising and resting as needed is the best way to manage these symptoms.<\/p>\n About 5% of people will develop Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder<\/a> (PMDD), which is extreme mood swings associated with periods. If mood symptoms interfere with daily activities, please contact your child\u2019s doctor because there are treatment options.<\/p>\n Tampons are totally safe for preteens and teens to use. While many kids don\u2019t like using them (it does take some practice), there\u2019s no \u201cright age\u201d for tampons. Reassure your child that tampons can be used by those who\u2019ve never had intercourse, have nothing to do with virginity, and can\u2019t \u201cget lost\u201d inside their body.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not necessary to stop being active or playing sports during a period, and many athletes (like swimmers, dancers, and gymnasts) find tampons much easier to use than pads. Menstrual cups<\/a> and period underwear or period swimwear can be great options for active teens, too.<\/p>\n While cramping with periods is common, it shouldn\u2019t be ignored, especially if it\u2019s severe enough to miss school. There are ways to help manage the discomfort, including medications. Period cramping in preteen and teen years usually isn\u2019t due to an underlying medical problem, as it may be later in life. But it\u2019s important to talk with your pediatrician about managing menstrual cramps if they\u2019re affecting your child\u2019s everyday life.<\/p>\n All individuals born with a female reproductive system (ovaries and uterus) can have menstrual periods. This includes people who identify as gender-fluid, non-binary, or male. Pediatricians understand the importance of talking with all<\/u> children about what changes may happen with their body during puberty.<\/p>\n Regular checkups with your child\u2019s pediatrician will help monitor growth and puberty and are a good time to ask questions about menstrual cycles. If your child doesn\u2019t start their period by age 15, let their pediatrician know.<\/p>\n American Academy of Pediatrics1. Myth: Periods should be regular from the start.<\/h3>\n
2. Myth: Periods should come every month.<\/h3>\n
3. Myth: Periods should last a week.<\/h3>\n
4. Myth: PMS just is an excuse for being moody.<\/h3>\n
5. Myth: Teens can\u2019t use tampons.<\/h3>\n
6. Myth: You should \u201cjust deal with the pain\u201d during periods.<\/h3>\n
7. Myth: Only girls and women get periods.<\/h3>\n
Resources for Parents<\/h3>\n
\n<\/strong>Concerns Girls Have About Puberty<\/a><\/p>\n