14 y.o DD wants to go on pill

[frenchie12]

DD is asking to go on the pill, as her periods are all over the place with 18-33 day cycles. They last for 8 days, some are heavy... not very heavy. Her cramps are starting to get bad each month and it gives her a upset stomach. She started a year ago so I know they may take time to settle

She has asked for GP appt to ask for pill. I am 100% happy for her to make this decision but how likely will the GP be to say yes.

Definitely worth a try, I can't see they'd have too much of an issue with it. They may be able to offer an alternative if you ask

Very likely and I would complain if they said otherwise. Dd went on the pill at 15yo for same reason no problem. Dd had heavy periods and short cycles and was anaemic.

They might suggest mefenamic acid first I suppose.

That would help with heaviness and cramps but not the cycle been all over the place.

The doctor prescribed me mefanemic acid or whatever it was called before I had the pill so that could be an option. The pill should help regulate her periods though, I can imagine never knowing when it's coming must be a pain for someone her age

Thanks everyone. It also stops and starts sometimes which can be annoying.

I'd take her and advocate for her in your shoes.
Why should any female suffer misery just because of their gender?
I'm glad you are supporting her.

Very likely, I would say. Combined pill was doctor's first option for DD at 13 with problematic periods. In fact it turned out to make things worse for her, but mefenamic acid helps. Your DD should certainly be able to find something that will make things better, whether it's the pill or some other medication.

Hi

It's likely that they will comply. I went on the pill at 14 to regulate my periods. Xx

I've recently had my 14yr old dd to the doctors for similar reasons, her cycle is regular but her periods are horrendous.
The doctor was very sympathetic and didn't want to put her on the pill straight away so prescribed her mefenamic acid, which is working brilliantly, and some tranexamic acid if they're really bad and she has to be particularly active that day or away from a convenient loo.
She also recommended that dd take evening primrose oil and a good Multivitamin with iron as she's vegetarian and her periods were making her slightly anaemic and very tired.
We're seeing a marked improvement over the last 2 cycles, although it does make them slightly longer (7 days instead of 5) but they are much more manageable and nowhere near as painful.

How long has she been menstrual for OP? If several years then I would speak to GP, if only recent maybe give it some time and see if they settle on their own? Remember that it's hormones you're putting into your daughters body and there are also risks and side effects associated with doing that.

I'd also ask about injection or implant so she doesn't have to be organised about taking it.

I don't think the injection would be suitable for that age as it can thin the bones which wouldn't be ideal for a growing girl. I don't think I'd advise the implant either as once it's in it's harder to get someone to remove it. At least with the pill you can just stop taking it if it doesn't suit

DD1 was prescribed the pill for heavy poorly timed periods at that age. it was brilliant, and she was also later able to time her periods to not clash with DofE, holidays and exams.

I went on the pill at 14 for heavy and horrendously painful periods so I wouldn't think the doctor will object if that's what she wants to do. I also tried mefenamic acid which made no difference to my periods at all but bizarrely gave me the most terrifying, vivid nightmares.

I'd imagine they'll be open to prescribing it as long as she is what's classed as "Fraser competent" and can understand the risks and benefits.

They might suggest trying mefenamic acid or tranexamic acid first though.

I certainly wouldn't recommend the implant or injection for such a young girl, and not for cycle control - progesterones can be more likely to cause irregular and unpredictable bleeding. You also have to factor in the impact on bone health from the injection.

(I'm a CASH qualified practice nurse).

I went on the pill at 14 for the same reasons. The doctor suggested it, I didn't even need to ask!