Our daughter's periods result in time away from school.What can be done?

Bleeding problems are prevalent in the general population but may indicate a general bleeding disorder. Our aim was to describe the prevalence of perceived bleeding symptoms, including menorrhagia, in young healthy females.

Methods:

By aid of school nurses we distributed a questionnaire to all girls (n =1,410) in the first grade of the upper secondary schools in the town of Malmo, Sweden. We received 1,019 (72%) responses. The questionnaire consisted of 17 main questions addressing general bleeding problems, menses and menstrual bleeding problems, family history, and other health related questions.

Results:

The mean age of the girls was 16.7 years. Eight girls had a previously diagnosed bleeding disorder and had a higher Frequency of most bleeding symptoms. Seventy-three percent of girls experienced at least one bleeding symptom, 43% had more than one symptom, 23% were troubled by more than two symptoms, and 10% more than three symptoms. Thirty-seven percent experienced heavy menstruation and of these 22% had different drugs as treatment for menorrhagia. Thirty-eight percent had a family history of heavy menstruation and half of them suffered from heavy menstruation themselves.

Conclusions:

Bleeding symptoms were relatively prevalent in this population and similar to other population-based studies.

Please click on the required question.

• 1 Our baby has had a little vaginal bleeding. Is this worrying?
• 2 What are intersex states?
• 3 Our toddler does not seem to have a normal opening down below. What should be done?
• 4  My little girl has a vaginal discharge. What might be the cause?
• 5 What is puberty?
• 6 What is precocious puberty?
• 7 Our teenage daughter's periods have not started yet. When should we seek medical advice?
• 8 Our daughter's periods are occurring infrequently. Should we be concerned?
• 9 What is adolescence?
• 10 What is acne and how can acne be treated?
• 11 Our teenage daughter seems to have more body hair than we would expect. What should be done?
• 12 Our teenage daughter's periods are so heavy that she has to be absent from school. What can we do?
• 13 How does the doctor determine the treatment of heavy periods for an adolescent?
• 14 How long should treatment of heavy periods be continued with an adolescent?
• 15 Should a D and C (cervical dilatation and curettage Q 24.12) be performed for an adolescent with period problems?
• 16 Are there any particular worries about a teen pregnancy?
• 17 What should be the purpose of sex education?
• 18  My adolescent daughter is being difficult. Could she have an underlying hormone problem?
• 19 Are there any special contraceptive considerations for teenagers?
• 20 What contraceptive options are available to adolescents?
• 21 Are there any medical worries if a young teenager takes the oral contraceptive pill?
• 22 Can a teenager use emergency contraception?
• 23 Where can I obtain more information?
• 24 Could I have some child support groups and teen support groups?
• 25 Could I have some acne support groups?

Thank you for choosing to visit us.

This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.

I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.