Teen problems with periods

Posted by confused77 @confused77, Dec 12, 2017

My daughter is 14 she has had her period since she was 11 she gets very irritable when it comes around bad cramp and stomach pain but in the last year I can count on one hand how many time she has had her period but she says when pees there is clots but when she uses a tampoon there is not blood until she takes out the tampoon and waits till the next day later in the day then she has some lite spotting. She has a history of thyroid issues and pcos. I don’t know if I should take her to the dr or not?

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SharonVogelLmtClt | @sharonvogel | Dec 12, 2017

Dear confused77,
You are obviously a loving mom with a close relationship with your daughter, this is uplifting in today's busy world. If you logged the menstrual information in a notebook and brought it to her gynecologist, then the doctor may be able to pinpoint your daughter's irregularities to similar issues that they have encountered or learned. Once a girl has begun her cycle, seeing a gynecologist for yearly visits helps to answer questions as they arise. Its worth a call to the nurse at least to check out the symptoms. Many blessings!

confused77 | @confused77 | Dec 12, 2017

Thank you @sharonvogel I will do that!

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Dec 13, 2017

Hi, @confused77 -- I'm wondering if perhaps some others who've discussed irregular period issues like you've mentioned might have some input: @msgail, @gailg, @skylarfox, @nash2011, @swilliams55. @nikkit, @taterjoy and @lookingforanswers2017 may be able to address your question from the PCOS angle.

You may also be interested in reading this discussion: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) http://bit.ly/2idCXB2

Do you have the option to call in to your doctor and speak to a nurse who responds to phone calls or contact your provider on a secure portal to confirm whether they think you should bring your daughter in?

taterjoy | @taterjoy | Dec 13, 2017

Hi @confused77 I am sorry that your daughter (and you) are going through this, and glad that you are reaching out to find solutions. I would also recommend what @sharonvogel recommended, to keep a diary and take it to a reputable OBGYN or Endocrinologist. Not pleasant, but please also consider taking a photo of the "findings" reported by your daughter (in toilet bowl, and on tampon) so that your medical team can "see" exactly what she's talking about. If she does have PCOS and your OBGYN has not offered suggestions on lifestyle methods of treatment and/or meds, you might consider seeing an Endocrinologist (ask reservation staff if they are experienced in treating PCOS--some specialize in diabetes or other conditions).

I was diagnosed with PCOS while in college as a results of being referred to an Endo by the Infirmary nurse; I had symptoms since I was 11 years old. It can be manageable for many, depending upon the hormonal status and causes. Endo suggested that I lose weight, suggesting that my excess "body hair" would likely fall out, acne would clear up, and "periods" would be more normal and tolerable. It was TRUE! I have been able to keep my symptoms in check (except for hormonal migraines) for many decades by eating a high fiber diet (watching calories) and getting plenty of aerobic exercise (which also is a mood enhancer). I also have thyroid disorders (autoimmune hashimotos thyroiditis with hypothyroidism) which were not diagnosed for many decades. In both cases (PCOS, and hashimotos thyroiditis), endocrinologists helped me the most. Not that the others did not care, just that these issues are a small percent of what they encounter clinically versus the Endocrinologists. I hope you and your daughter can find help and that she will feel better soon.