I’ve had quite a few enquiries recently about period problems in teenagers, so I thought it was worth raising awareness of this important topic.
Heavy, painful periods are common in teenage girls and can have a significant impact on school attendance, sporting activities, social lives and emotional wellbeing. For some, the symptoms can be debilitating — yet many teenagers may feel embarrassed, unsure whether their symptoms are normal, or reluctant to seek medical advice.
🩸 What is normal?
The average age for a first period is around 13 years. Although periods can be irregular in the first few years, heavy bleeding and significant pain should not simply be dismissed as a normal part of growing up.
🩺 What assessment might be needed?
In many adolescents, the cause can be identified from a detailed medical history. Depending on the symptoms, further assessment may include:
- Blood tests to check for anaemia.
- An abdominal examination, where appropriate.
- An ultrasound scan if the history suggests it may be helpful.
Treatment should be tailored to the individual, taking into account the severity of symptoms and their impact on everyday life.
💊 What treatments are available?
There are several effective options for managing heavy bleeding and period pain, including:
- Tranexamic acid to help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) to help relieve period pain and, in some cases, reduce bleeding.
- Hormonal treatments, including hormonal contraception, which can help manage both heavy bleeding and painful periods.
Some of these treatments are available without a prescription, while others require medical advice. Hormonal treatments are recognised in clinical guidance as effective options for managing menstrual symptoms in adolescents, although suitability, licensing and potential risks need to be considered individually.
❤️ The most important message?
Teenagers should not have to struggle through every period or miss out on school, sport and social activities because of their symptoms.
Treatment decisions should balance the severity of bleeding and pain, the effect on quality of life, and the potential benefits, risks and side effects of each option.
If period problems are affecting a teenager’s everyday life, please encourage them to seek medical advice. Help is available, and they do not have to put up with it.
