Teach teens the difference between a normal and abnormal menstrual cycle.
Adolescence is a turbulent time for teenagers, particularly for menstruating girls. Although the menstrual cycle is a sign that a girl is becoming a woman, it can also be confusing and scary if she has problems with her period. A long menstrual cycle with excessive bleeding that soaks through at least one pad an hour or lasts longer than seven days is known as menorrhagia. Consult with your daughter's doctor if she experiences these symptoms.
Causes
The most frequent cause of menorrhagia is an imbalance between the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body, which allows the lining of the uterus to keep building up. When the endometrium sheds during menstruation, the resulting bleeding is particularly heavy and may contain large blood clots. Because teens naturally experience hormone imbalances, heavy bleeding may be common. However, heavy menstrual bleeding can also be caused by fibroid tumors, thyroid conditions, clotting disorders or inflammation or infection in the vagina or cervix.
Effects
Menorrhagia can cause other physical effects such as iron deficiency anemia, which results when blood is low in hemoglobin. Hemoglobin enables the red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues. Signs of iron deficiency anemia include pallor, weakness and fatigue. Severe pain or heavy menstrual cramps may accompany menorrhagia. Long, heavy bleeding not only interferes with daily activities, but it can also be stressful for girls who worry that they cannot control the bleeding in public.
Treatment
In order to treat menorrhagia the doctor will ask questions and do a physical exam that may include a pelvic exam, a Pap smear, urine tests or blood tests to check hormone levels. If a structural problem is expected, an ultrasound or CAT scan may be performed. Treatment for menorrhagia is based on the causative factor. For example, fibroid growths are surgically removed, hormone imbalances are treated with birth control pills or other hormone medications, and clotting disorders or thyroid problems may be treated with medications.
Tips
Assist your daughter if she is having long and heavy periods. Encourage her to get rest, especially if it is disruptive to her normal schedule or lifestyle. Girls should change tampons regularly and keep a record of the number of pads or tampons used. This provides a physician with an idea of how much bleeding is occurring. If your daughter has cramps, offer anti-inflammatory medications, but avoid aspirin because it interferes with clotting. Placing a hot water bottle or heating pad on the abdomen also relieves cramps.
Tags: menstrual cycle, your daughter, clotting disorders, deficiency anemia, heavy bleeding, heavy menstrual
