Gedarel 20/150 to help 13yo DD manage her periods?

[whycantwegoonasthree]

Hey - my DD 13 (almost 14) started her periods c. 2 years ago. From the get-go they've been irregular, heavy and painful. But we went to the GP when she had a period that didn't stop for 8 weeks.

They gave her 2 weeks worth of medication to stop the period and hope to kind of 'reset' things. It stopped the period, but 2 days after she finished the two week course, the period was back, and stuck around again.

After a further four weeks we went back, she was prescribed another two week course to stop the bleeding, plus Gedarel 20/150 to take thereafter if she decides she wants to.

We're at that point now. I'm just wanting to make sure we're doing the right thing? 13 seems very young to be on synthetic hormones. But on the other hand her experience is mirroring mine – the difference being I was going through this at 17 (super late bloomer!) at which point the pill had other benefits for me!

Anyone got any experience/advice to share?

She's sporty, a swimmer - and this period nonsense is making her really miserable and getting in the way of the things she wants to do - aside from the heaviness being a real source of anxiety.

Thanks in advance.
3

So sorry your DD is going through this (and that you did too). Can you ask your GP to refer her to a gynaecologist/paediatrician? This is one one area where it's a bit hit and miss as to whether the GP is fully trained and up to date on the latest research.

I would concur with the suggestion made above to see a gynaecologist.
Thirteen as well is not too young to develop endometriosis and the cause of the bleeding needs to be properly determined (it does seem like her progesterone and estrogen hormone levels are completely out of sync). I sincerely hope its not endometriosis that is the cause of all this.

I was not given the pill in my teenage years back in the early 80s but I wish I had used these although it would not have addressed the actual cause (endometriosis) of my period agonies.

Keeping a daily pain and symptom diary is also a course of action I would advise particularly if she does not already do so. She can show this then to the gynaecologist.

Thanks so much for the reply. I did ask the GP if a referral to a gynae was a good idea – she said she it would like be a long wait for that appointment, and it might be worth trying this medication first to see if it sorted it…

I don't know if menstrual issues are inherited – her experience does seem to mirror mine – although physically generally she's more like her Dad's side of the family… The reason I ask is that the pill sorted my problems out brilliantly.

I suppose I'm just trying to get a idea of any downsides to trying this as a first step to see if it sorts it.

If it is endometriosis (and I really hope it's not) will it make anything worse?

Are there any significant side-effects I should be aware of?

Thanks so much for you advice so far…
3x

Our daughter went on the pill at 14 - it changed her life. The irregular heavy painful periods under control.
It was a huge decision to make but it was impacting her. She couldn’t plan for anything felt self conscious if she stayed at friends in case she flooded.
I was diagnosed with endometriosis at 19 (accidentally as I was being treated for a ovarian cyst) before that no one told me that heavy irregular painful periods where not normal! Just though I was unlucky side of being a women!
My mum also suffered - I do wander if there is a genetic link.