Absolute best tips for period pain for a 13yr old

[ShowOfHands]

DD is 13 and started her periods 3 years ago. They're quite painful and she is prone to fainting on day one. She's fainted at school, at home and - memorably - at Disneyland during her very first period.

Today is day 1 and instead of fainting, she's been quite sick, writhing in pain and very unhappy. I phoned 111 who were actually brilliant. A very lovely female GP went through lots of things and DD is calmer and has finally kept down ibuprofen and paracetamol. The two together seem to have taken the edge off. The GP says that we might want to explore mefanemic acid but I know this has its downsides. She also agreed that birth control at 13 when it's only very bad for 1 day out of 33ish, is probably not advisable just yet but can be revisited down the line.

I'm fortunate in that some painkillers, exercise, and a hot water bottle manages any pain I experience. DD is a stoic, capable young woman and it's clear that she's really suffering so all and any advice would be happily received.

I can't remember exactly, I think I was around 16 or 17. My periods were very irregular for the first couple of years and then started to get more severe and regular around 15.

Similar to @truthwarrior17 I started my periods at 13 and my period pains were awful, often having to miss a day or two if school. Doctor prescribed ponstan and it helped but this was 25 years ago.

Ponstan is mefanemic acid. I tried it and was on the floor with stomach pain, apparently it's a side effect .
DD1 managed ok with it for a while, it's easier to use if you have regular periods because, I think, you take it 3 days before your period starts.

"I'm sorry she's suffering.

GPs are unfortunately not knowledgeable about this. Girls who have 'pain that can be quite bad', if by that the GP means vomiting and fainting, have a really high chance of its being caused by endometriosis, unfortunately.
Recent studies have shown an incidence rate of between 75% and 95% in girls whose pain is resistant to treatment, as your daughter's is. It's by far the most common cause of severe period pain in teenagers. There is also some evidence of an increased risk of endometriosis in girls/women with EDS.

So I'm sorry to say I would push for referral to a specialist centre. Unfortunately, there are risks to just letting it run on undiagnosed.
Please don't underestimate the mental toll of 'just one day'."

I would concur fully with the above comments that AreYourCursed made.

This is how I was too at 14 and it did not let up at all through my teenage years and 20s. I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 31 when I was undergoing fertility treatment for PCOS (which is why my periods became irregular as well).

Do not be fobbed off, many GPs are not at all up to speed on such issues and this person may not have considered endometriosis at all.
Internal ultrasound scan and blood tests will not necessarily detect endometriosis if it is there; it is usually diagnosed through a keyhole surgery op called a laparoscopy.

endometriosis-uk.org/ is a good website. I would urge her to keep a daily pain and symptom diary also in the event she does not already do this. This should give the doctors clues.

Your poor DD - how horrible for her

My DD is 13 and has extremely heavy, painful periods. Feminax Express is the best medication we've found for pain - expensive but always works after half an hour. DD is currently taking Tranexamic Acid for flow but it is making the pain worse - catch 22

Our GP says there is no reason why she couldn't go on the pill at 13 - apparently it's out dated advice to suggest otherwise (we had been previously informed by DDs paediatrician that she shouldn't until 16)

Personally I'm reluctant to go down this route but can't have her suffering until then!

Please consider whether she has endometriosis. Painful periods are not normal and should be addressed by a specialist (GP's are notoriously terrible at recognising endometriosis) the pill might lessen the symptoms but it doesn't cure the complex disease that can continue to grow silently in the background. If it is endo then the only way to properly treat the disease in laparoscopic excision surgery with a specialist. Have a look through "Nancy's nook" on Facebook of google it to get more info xx

Sorry for the hijack - hello Atilla, I hope you're well.
(I namechange a lot but I'm still around and you can probably guess who I used to be!)

Really sorry your DD is suffering. I have similar symptoms - I don’t faint but can be in tears, indescribable pain and hot/cold sweats for the first 1/2 days of my period. I cannot manage it without codeine, M. Acid & paracetamol. Absolutely fine on the other days, no painkillers needed.

I’ve been rebuffed by gynae as I wasn’t a ‘newlywed trying for a baby’. Women’s health is so poorly understood so I’m glad your DD has you in her corner.

Mefenamic acid was brilliant for me as a teenager. Meant that I could function.
It wasn't endo- it was 'just' painful periods.

Have now been on the pill for years and very scared to come off in case the pain returns as badly. I have some months where it's fine, and others where it's awful.

Def worth exploring all options.

Just come across this thread.
Your poor daughter OP. Sounds awful for her.
Another one lining up to say this is suggestive of endometriosis.
I was sent away age 14, and numerous times since, and finally diagnosed with it 25 years later.
As it is progressive I had endo on my: Bowels, bladder, ureters, US ligaments, diaphragm basically riddled with it and outside the pelvis too. Two major surgeries.
I also have PCOS, adenomyosis. I suspect EDS and POTS which are also linked.
Some good Facebook groups for endometriosis- also Nancy’sNook on FB too.
@AreYouCursed your story sounds very similar to mine😢😫