14yo and periods

[seriouslynonames]

Dd14 started periods about 18 months ago. They were a bit erratic to start with, as expected. I thought by now it might have settled a bit into a fairly regular cycle. It kind of has, but the cycle is really short. The longest is 24 days, shortest (of those she has managed to remember to log) is 18 days. Most frequently it's about 20/21 days.

I know everyone is different and that the average is an average because some have longer and some have shorter cycles, but 21 day cycles seems really short. I am concerned whether there might be another problem underlying this.

Grateful to hear views as to whether this is totally normal or a bit short/needs looking into.

Thank you!

Is she definitely tracking them correctly? 21-35 days is normal.

Mine were usually 20 or so days apart when I was a pre-teen and young teen, and it was very annoying for me, but eventually settled into a more usual 28-30. It definitely feels like you get them more when they’re lasting the whole week as well.

but that’s not to say it’s not worth mentioning to your GP if you’re concerned about it, or she’s in an unusual amount of pain or anything is really irregular about them. Although I have a feeling the GP would just suggest the pill anyway…

Thanks @19ptrialprice and @RealJadeCritic

She is a tracking correctly as she usually tells me she's started and I remind her to log it.

If 21 days is normal that's good to know. Also good to hear yours did eventually lengthen @RealJadeCritic

She is not in great pain or bleeding heavily, it does seem to last quite a few days though. But moderate to light so hopefully not affecting iron. I think unrelated blood tests last year showed lowish folic acid but she never remembers to take them so perhaps I'll at least address that part!

She started getting migraines around the same time her periods started but thankfully hasn't had one for a good few months now.

As far as I remember I was fairly clockwork 26-29 days as a teen. I only got shorter cycles after having my first baby. Then it all went to pot!

Thanks for your replies

No problem op. Many girls can have irregular periods at the start but 21 days is the minimum of the “average range”. If it is lower than this, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong.

Some woman have heavy periods, others do not. Mine were very heavy when I started at 12, so much that I was leaking and fainting. But not every girl/woman will have that experience.

I agree with the other poster that the GP will suggest the pill. I was on the mini pill at 13 due to my heavy periods, it did help settle my period but I feel different about it now, that more should have been done to investigate it rather than just giving medication. If you are concerned then do your research, only use reputable sources, if you’re still concerned then go to the Gp.