Poor DD, periods, anxiety, how to help

[LucheroTena]

DD is 13. Her periods started this year and have been hell. Not painful especially but flooding, prolonged, arriving every couple of weeks. Not surprisingly she is iron deficient (being vegetarian since last year not helping), only very borderline anaemia. GP gave her mefanamic acid and the period this time seems lighter, so we’ll see. Unfortunately iron (ferrous fumerate) gave her gut rot so I’m going to see if lightening the period resolves the iron problem. Or she’ll need iv iron.

She’s been more anxious of late and I’m wondering if it’s hormones. Can’t cope with anyone feeling ill, she gets pale and feels dizzy. Stomach pains. Seems to be anxious on public transport, taxis etc. I checked all her bloods and except for the iron everything was normal. She doesn’t have diarrhoea.

She’s happy at school, bright but doesn’t seem to get anxious about schoolwork, and is popular with a wide circle of friends. No friendship issues. She tells me things and we chat naturally which is good I think.

Do you think this is all hormonal? How best to help her. I don’t want this to escalate into a bigger problem.

I know she's very young but could you talk to your GP about her having the pill or even an implant if she was agreeable to it? I had terrible periods as a a young teen and wish I had had this option. Has she upped the iron content in her diet? And drinking orange juice alongside also helps the absorption of iron.

How about something like Thinx period pants? May help to prevent any anxiety about leakage. Expensive though, but might be worth a try

Thanks. Yes GP suggested pill if mefanamic acid (then tranexamic) don’t work.

Period pants a good idea.

What about anxiety?

Thanks does it upset the gut?

My DSis experiences anxiety like symptoms as a symptom of low iron. She takes vitamin B6 as well as Floradix which seems to help her with miserable periods.

Floridix is a good idea
I am a GP and often suggest to young teens they go on the pill for period control.
It's very safe and will allow your daughter to be more control.
Plus you can roll one packet into the next when needed so your daughter can avoid a period during exams or school trips etc

My DSis experiences anxiety like symptoms as a symptom of low iron. She takes vitamin B6 as well as Floradix which seems to help her with miserable periods.

I found lots of positive attitude from me, regular exercise, yoga (dd and I did a class together) and encouraging social interactions with her friends helped with Dd1 anxiety.

I didn't dismiss her feelings but I also didn't really pander to anxiety to much either.
Kept reassuring her it was all very normal

JellyBean, I agree. My daughter was similar and started ocp at 15. Her life was transformed.

Thanks all. I’ll get some Floridix and suggest yoga (there is a place at bottom of road). Will keep not pandering and jolly along.

Jellybean does it mean she won’t be able to come off the pill, or would it just be used short term to settle the cycle? Would you suggest starting soon or waiting a bit?

Just wanted to add that I used to get dreadful stomach ache/wind/diarrhoea from iron pills and I can't drink the liquid stuff (severe gag reflex plus extremely sensitive taste/smell sense). My anaemia is caused by my body not storing iron properly so I have to take it pretty much every day or it depletes very quickly. After 15 years of lethargy due to mild anaemia I discovered these, which I take every day, don't feel ill, and am now able to donate blood again after a 28year period of not being able to do so

My friend's daughter is 16 and has had very similar symptoms to yours, plus acne. She takes the mini pill and these iron capsules and most of her problems cleared up within three months. Hugs for your DD

I advise anyone at any age (up to 40) but with no younger age limit who is having their lives ruined /ruled by periods to consider the ocp.
It isn't going to sort out or settle her cycle.. You can't 'cure' heavy periods with short time on ocp.
I'd suggest you take her back to gp Why wait?.
And then let her decide. She will be gilkick competent so it's her choice.
But a lot of young teens don't want to say yes to ocp incase parents think they are having sex. So you may need to tell her you think it's a good idea.
No she wouldn't have to take it for live but definitely for the teen years

My daughter switched from ocp to Mirena at 20. She likes it.

It’s worth being aware that the ocp can also cause anxiety and depression however, so keep an eye on her. I suffered with depression for 15 years until I figured out it was the pill.