Teenage periods

[i33i3]

My daughter (14) has been experiencing terrible cramps over the last 6 months. I usually give her paracetamol and a hot water bottle, but they usually don't help much. Sometimes i'm up late at night with her trying to comfort her but then I find that she's very tired in the mornings and doesn't want to go to school.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

I found evening primrose oil significantly helped with cramps I had in my late teens, not sure if it is recommended at 14, but worth checking out.

I would see GP if it is significantly impacting her. No need to suffer in silence! I know that hormonal contraception is sometimes prescribed to manage period pain.

My almost 13 year old is the same with really painful and heavy periods that make her go dizzy. We have spoken to the GP who did some blood tests and found she has low iron stores and low folic acid.

The GP also said that ibuprofen is better than paracetamol for period pain and can decrease bleeding too.

If it carries on they will try her with tranexamic acid.

@WeAllHaveWings

I found evening primrose oil significantly helped with cramps I had in my late teens, not sure if it is recommended at 14, but worth checking out.

thankyou!

@merrymouse

I would see GP if it is significantly impacting her. No need to suffer in silence! I know that hormonal contraception is sometimes prescribed to manage period pain.

I've thought about seeing a GP, might go ahead with it.

Ibuprofen is better for period pain as it helps with cramps.

Gp can prescribe a slightly stronger nsaid if necessary- mefenamic acid is very effective but because it is very easy to overdose (with serious effects) it tends to be strictly rationed and you’ll need to monitor her dose carefully.

My daughter is also 14 and suffered terrible cramps. She went on the pill 4 months ago. Total game changer. Wish I’d done it sooner!

Ibuprofen for sure! Way better for period pain.

Have a look at a book called the period repair manual. Loads of good advice for early hormone health and periods. Try to avoid synthetic hormones at this age if you can.

FWIW I had horrific periods as a teenager. In fact just my entire adult life. The pain was debilitating.

Someone on here recommended one of these: mylivia.uk/. I was sceptical but thought it was worth a go and it's really good! It's basically a tens machine. My daughter had really bad pains but this makes them manageable.