Irregular Periods in Adolescents: A Guide for Parents

Q: Irregular Periods in Adolescents: A Guide for Parents

Hello： Irregular menstruation after the onset of menarche is not uncommon; it is generally due to the hormonal system not being fully developed. <br>After ruling out pathological causes, physicians may provide periodic hormonal support treatment to help regulate the ongoing irreg

Daughter's first menstruation?

Dear Dr.
Huang,
My daughter is in the first year of junior high school.
She started her first menstruation in mid-July, which lasted for three weeks with very light flow.
In early September, she had her second period, which also lasted for three weeks.
I found this unusual, so I consulted a gynecologist.
The doctor prescribed medication for three days: one pill in the morning and half a pill at night.
After taking it three times, my daughter said her period had stopped, so she didn't take any more.
However, after a day, it returned.
When I went back to the doctor, I realized I had misunderstood and should have completed the three-day course of medication.
The doctor then prescribed another week of medication: one Provera pill in the morning and evening, and one Prosu pill before bed.
After five days, she is still experiencing bleeding, which varies in amount, but when it is heavy, she needs to change a light sanitary pad every two hours.
Why is this happening? Should I take my daughter back to see this doctor near our home to continue the medication, or should we go to a larger hospital for further evaluation?
Sincerely,
A mother from Yangmei

Youxin de mama, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/10/12

Dr. Huang Jianxun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: Irregular menstruation after the onset of menarche is not uncommon; it is generally due to the hormonal system not being fully developed.
After ruling out pathological causes, physicians may provide periodic hormonal support treatment to help regulate the ongoing irregular menstrual cycles.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Huang Chien-Hsun, Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2008/10/12

More Info

Understanding irregular periods in adolescents can be a challenging experience for both parents and their children. It is important to recognize that the onset of menstruation, or menarche, typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 14, but it can vary widely among individuals. Irregular periods are common in the first few years after menarche as the body adjusts to new hormonal changes.
In your daughter's case, experiencing prolonged menstrual bleeding for three weeks, followed by another episode shortly after, can be concerning. It is not unusual for young girls to have irregular cycles initially, which may include variations in flow, duration, and frequency. Factors such as stress, changes in weight, physical activity levels, and hormonal imbalances can all contribute to these irregularities.

The medications prescribed by your doctor, such as Provera (a form of progesterone) and Prosu, are often used to help regulate menstrual cycles. It is crucial to follow the prescribed regimen accurately, as missing doses or not completing the course can lead to continued irregularities. If your daughter experienced a return of bleeding after stopping the medication, it may indicate that her body is still adjusting to the hormonal changes associated with puberty.

Given that your daughter is experiencing ongoing irregularities, it would be advisable to follow up with her healthcare provider. If the current doctor is not providing satisfactory answers or solutions, seeking a second opinion from a gynecologist or a pediatric endocrinologist may be beneficial. These specialists can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include blood tests to check hormone levels, an ultrasound to assess the reproductive organs, and other diagnostic tests as needed.

In addition to medical evaluation, it is essential to provide emotional support to your daughter during this time. Adolescence is a period of significant physical and emotional changes, and having open conversations about her experiences can help alleviate anxiety. Encourage her to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, as these factors can influence menstrual health.

It is also worth noting that while irregular periods can be a normal part of adolescence, persistent heavy bleeding or prolonged periods should not be ignored. If your daughter continues to experience heavy bleeding (changing pads every two hours) or if she develops other symptoms such as severe pain, fatigue, or dizziness, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

In summary, irregular periods in adolescents are common and often resolve with time. However, ongoing issues should be addressed with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions. Open communication, emotional support, and a proactive approach to healthcare will help your daughter navigate this transitional phase more comfortably.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Irregular Menstrual Cycles in Preteens: When to Seek Help

Dr. Lin: Hello! My daughter is currently in the sixth grade, with a height of 163 cm and a weight of 47 kg. She had her first menstrual period on September 16 of last year (when she was 11 years and 6 months old), lasting for 4 days. Her second period started on October 22 and la...

Dr. Lin Yishou reply Pediatrics
Dear parents, it is recommended to visit an obstetrician-gynecologist for an examination.

Understanding Irregular Menstrual Cycles in Young Girls: A Guide for Parents

Hello, Dr. Lin! I have a question regarding my daughter's menstruation. She is in the fifth grade and started her period in October 2002. However, I have noticed that her menstrual cycle is very irregular, with two periods in one month. In January 2003, her period lasted mor...

Dr. Wei Fumao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Due to the endocrine system not being fully developed, menstruation may be irregular during the first one to two years after menarche. If the menstrual period is excessively prolonged, it could lead to anemia (due to heavy bleeding). Please seek medical attention at a nearby hosp...

Understanding Irregular Periods: A Teen's Guide to Menstrual Health

Dear Dr. Hsu, I am a 17-year-old high school student. I started my period in the sixth grade, and it was regular during middle school. However, since I entered high school, especially after starting my second year, my menstrual cycle has become irregular. Sometimes it’s late, an...

Dr. Xu Junrui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Adolescent girls, aside from not having fully matured bodies and experiencing hormonal instability, often find their menstrual cycles affected by lifestyle and academic stress. If they have already been evaluated by a gynecologist and no issues were found, it is generally recomme...

Understanding Irregular Periods: A Guide for Young Women

Hello, doctor! I am currently 17 years old and started my menstrual period around the age of 14. Since then, my cycles have been very irregular. I thought it might be due to not being fully developed, so I didn't seek medical attention. However, during my first year of high ...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, irregular menstrual cycles and flow may be due to immature ovarian function. It is recommended to continue using your current contraceptive pills to regulate your menstrual cycle. If the irregularities persist until you are 18 years old, further ...