The ESK blog
Teen period pain, when to worry
19 August 2024
Dr Anne Thomson
Teen period pain, when to worry
Hey there, super mums! Let’s talk about something many of us face with our teens – period pain. Yep, it's a real thing, and it’s more common than you might think. Grab a cuppa, and let’s get into the nitty-gritty of managing period pain for your teenage daughter.
How Common Is It?
First off, period pain, or dysmenorrhea if we’re getting technical, affects a lot of teens. In fact, about 60-90% of teenage girls experience some degree of menstrual cramps So, if your daughter is complaining about her period pain, she’s definitely not alone. But while it may be common that doesn’t always mean it’s normal or should be put up with.
What Causes It?
Period pain happens because of contractions in the uterus which is driven by pro-inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins and leukotrienes that are essential to expelling blood from inside the uterus. The higher the levels of prostaglandins, the more severe the cramps. Fun fact: these hormones are also why some girls experience nausea, vomiting, or even diarrhea during their periods. When the uterus contracts strongly to expel the old blood from inside the uterus, it can press against nearby blood vessels, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the muscle tissue and causing pain.
When to get it checked out.?
While some discomfort is common , there are a few red flags to watch out for that mean a visit to the doctor is warranted..
- If your daughter’s period pain is severe enough to disrupt her daily life. This happens in about one in 3 teenage girls.
- Unusual symptoms like fever, unusual vaginal discharge, or pain that’s not relieved by over-the-counter medications.
- If i she starts having period pain after years of relatively painless periods, that’s worth a check-up too.
Some possible causes
The most common issue that we need to rule out is endometriosis. Another possibility is an ovarian cyst. With cysts the pain will come on suddenly, is often on one side and just as suddenly goes away. Other issues like congenital malformations where blood gets caught inside the pelvic area, or infections are less common.
When Should She see a Doctor?
Don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if the pain is severe, if they’re missing school or activities because of it, or if over-the-counter meds aren’t helping. A doctor can help rule out other conditions that might need more intensive treatments (see above). Trust your instincts – if something feels off, it’s always better to get it checked out.
How Can I Help?
Here’s where your mum magic comes in! Here are some tips that could help manage the period pain:
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen can be lifesavers. If her cycle is regular, she should start taking these 1-2 days before her period is due.
- Heat Therapy: A warm bath or a heating pad on her lower abdomen can work wonders. It helps to relax the uterine muscles and improve blood flow.
- Exercise: Moderate exercise like brisk walking can help reduce pain. It might be the last thing she wants to do, but it could really help.
- Supplements: A 2016 Cochrane review of 27 trials came up empty-handed when trying to find the perfect supplement for period pain. Trials have been done but the quality is poor so no firm conclusions can be made.
- The Pill. The combined oral contraceptive pill can work a treat. So can progesterone only options including pills, implants and even the progesterone-coated IUD. She’ll need to see a doctor first for a chat about pros and cons before making this decision.
- Support: Just being there for her and listening can make a huge difference. Validate her feelings and let her know it’s okay to take it easy.
Remember, every girl is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Be patient and help her find the best ways to manage her pain. And above all, keep the lines of communication open. She’ll feel better knowing she’s got you in her corner.
Hang in there, mums! You’ve got this!