odd start to menstruation in DD age 11

[wingsandstrings]

My DD is almost 12. In february she got her period for the first time - she also had covid for the first time, I don't know if that was related or coincidental that they happened in the same week. This is younger than I had anticipated her starting menstruating (I was 13) but not unusually young I guess. She had another period a couple of weeks ago, and it was heavy and painful . . . . which surprised me, when mine started it was very light for months. Anyway, the day before yesterday her period started again, and it's again heavy. It seems very odd to have had only about 9/10 days between periods. I know that at the start of menstruation periods can be irregular, but 2 in 2 weeks is weird. DD is a bit upset - by the pain, by the amount of blood (not excessive but more than she had anticipated I guess) and by how unpredictable it's been. Does this experience mirror your DDs'? Do you think I should take her to the GP?

I was 13, DD 12.5. Mine were heavy and painful from the start, DD’s were light and not painful but now 3 years down the track they are heavier and she has pain. Hers were irregular at the start but are now quite regular.

Thank you for all your comments, it's been interesting and helpful. I guess the title of my original post was incorrect because it seems that heavy, irregular and frequent does not seem to be 'an odd start to menstruation'. I don't think she was well prepared for it by school or by me, we both gave her the impression that periods are monthly and at the start they won't be too heavy. It's not great that we don't talk about this stuff more openly. For the poster who asked about period pants, both DD and I highly rate modibodi, she goes to school with a pad on the pants and when the pad is soaked she takes it off and relies on the pants . . . . they are not cheap though.

It is certainly possible for 8 and 9 year olds to use tampons. Lil-lets do a Teens range which are very small. KY Jelly is helpful too.
And there is the Femplete.com kit for all beginners.
Of course they do need to understand the need for hygiene: washing hands, changing at the right times etc. They may sometimes need to be reminded.