11Yr Old "Period"issue

I wasn't really *regular* until after my 6th child was born almost 3 years ago. (I'm 30) My doctor had suggested possibly putting me on birth control to help with that before I got prego, but said pregnancy would probably fix it as well. So.. I guess eventually he was right, lol. I love reading all this advice, I guess I forgot this visitor comes so soon.. my oldest daughter is half way there... whew! scary.. As for the pad thing, just remind her that she can give herself an infection not changing it, and maybe suggest a maximum time between changing pads even if she feels it dosen't "need" to be changed - for hygiene's sake. Also, remind her a leak she's unlikely to even see since it will be behind her would be an embarassment she's not likely to ever forget - or live down - kids at that are are so cruel to each other some times! It would be a poor way to learn the lesson. Good luck with everything

Well, I started my period at 12 years old and I did the exact same thing. I would have a period then go 2 to 4 months without one. This went on for the first year or so but, then eventually I was blessed (blah) with getting it every month. But, sorry I can't help with the not wanting to change the pad. But, I do have a step daughter that tries to hide her dirty pads and wrappers. Maybe it is just something they are going through emotionally and it is emmbarising for them. Good Luck with everything!!!

I haven't had this problem yet as my daughter is only 7 months old and if I recall I didn't start my peroid untill I was 13 or 14. Maybe this book will help though.

Growing up: It's a Girl Thing
by Mavis Jukes, Debbie Tilley
A guide for pre-adolescent girls to the changes that puberty brings to their bodies, including information about menstruation. Children's Literature
Girls in their pre-teens will find this book to be right on track with their health concerns and feelings as they enter into the complexities of puberty. Author Jukes discusses tampons, shaving, body changes, and everything in between. Packed with wisdom and humor, this book is sure to be a hit for a generation surrounded with myths about the process of growing up. It answers honestly all those questions you're too embarrassed to ask, while offering reassurance that what is happening is a normal part of growing up. Jukes also offers an encouraging hand to parents and teachers, who have no idea of how to discuss these very sensitive and personal issues with the adolescent girls in their lives. This may be the only book you'll ever need to cope with this turbulent stage of life.

Girls usually aren't regular until 3-4 years in. That said, help your daughter prepare an emergency kit (2 pads, feminine wipes, a pair of panties) that she keeps on her at all times. Help her keep track of her cycle on the calendar. My mom's rule was change your pad when you pee, period. That worked for us.

I was 13 when I started my period and I believe it was regular then and still pretty regular ( I am now 27) but for some when they first start their period it may take a while before it becomes regular. Did she have some sex education yet? In that class they teach about periods and developing ect. I guess the best thing to do is set down with her with a book from the library about her changing body to help explain it.

Irregular periods are extremely common in the tween years, and for that matter in the teen years. Make sure your daughter has stashes of pads at school (bookbag or locker) well disguised to avoid embarrassment. I found that thin, extra absorbant pads (like Always brand or equivalent) are better accepted than thicker maxi- pads. The best way to get pads changed more often is that it be easy. The thin pads can be carried in a tiny purse, more discreetly than maxi pads. Since your daughter is likely one of the first girls in her school class to have to deal with this, it is likely that sympathy will be in short supply. Embarrassment is common. Make it as easy as possible for her to be descreet. You may have to go shopping, to get a different backpack or purse or clothes with pockets for sporting events or play. Do not discuss anything to do with periods or pads in front of ANYONE, especially your significant other, friends, others family members. Reminders to change pads should be excruciatingly private.
I have an eleven year old daughter, and I, too got my period at 11. Good luck. L.

Hi J.,
I was 9 years old when I had my first period. I didn't get my second period until I was 10 years old- 6 months after my first period. About changing the pad when needed- I think this is a learning time in her life, and she will get used to it, as time goes by. I don't remember having a problem with changing the pads, or having a problem wearing them. Just being there for her, and reminding her, and talking with her will make a difference to her.
Good luck, and God bless you.
K.

My daughter started almost 2 years ago at the age of 10 and is still not regular. It is not unusual for periods not to be regular for the first year or so. She is certainly closer to monthly now than the first year. My daughter hates talking about it to, so I just start talking about it when we are alone. I think one embarrassing "leak" goes a lot further to encourage them to wear pads then talking, though!

It takes awhile for periods to regulate, especially when they start that young. My youngest daughter started 2 years ago, at 10, and only this year have they become more regular.
I suggest talking to your daughter, mine wanted her teachers to know, that way in case she needed to attend to herself at school, someone was understanding about it, and very helpful. The whole class didn't need to know, but it gave her comfort to know that there was someone she could go to if she needed to.
As for pads, Always makes one for teenagers, that is better suited to their bodies, not as wide, and very thin, so much more comfortable for younger girls. Tampons generally arent't recommended for the first year, and my rule (I actually have 5 girls total) was no tampons til at least 13. It's too easy for a younger girl to forget about changing a tampon vs. a pad. Good luck!

When girls start their period for the first ime it can be very irregular, my daughter jus started hers and she went 3 months in between, and then the next month it was early, it can take up to a year for her to be regular, but dont worry it will straighten itself out. As far as her wearing the pads, tell her you know that it is hard to do and it feels like a diaper, but its something that will help her stay clean and not mess up her clothes, tell her to change it as soon as she gets up in the morning and depending on how heavy her flow is every couple hours. Thats what I told me daughter and she was like ok and she does fine. Just be open and honest with her and she will get it. Good luck and God bless.

Hi J.,
My daughter also stated her periods at the age of 11, but she lived with your father at the time so I wasn't aware of any problem, that is until she came to live with me. I started noticing that her periods weren't regular as well, skipping months or not having one and sometimes very little flow. So I talked to my gyno and she agreed to see her. I guess girls don't have to start going to a gyno. until they become sexsually active. Anyways she ran some blood work and did a pelvic exam as well as send her for an ultrasound. We found that her testoterone (sp?) level was too high. Girls according to my doc. said that girls should have a level of 368 or lower, my daughters was almost 500. We had two options: put her on hormone shots or birth control. After totatlly discussing it with the doc. we went with the Yaz birth control. (daughter is now 16) She will start taking it today and hopefully in a few months when we go back to the doc her hormones will be leveling out. So I guess my advice would be to speak to your gyno first and go from there. I have heard that it isn't uncommon for girls to have irregular periods when they first start, so maybe her body is still adjusting. I would just keep an eye on it and talk to your doc. My daughter was going through this for 4 years until I was able to see that this wsn't right.
As for trying to get her to wear the pad vs the tampon, that might be a difficult struggle. My daughter refuses to wear the pad because she doesn't like the smell, and she says it feels like a diaper.(totally feel her there)so I went along with her wearing tampons, but explained to her exactly how to use them and made her promise she would wear a pad to bed at night. Have you ever thought about looking into the Diva Cup? I did some reseach about it on line and I'm seriously thinking about giving it a try myself. That might be an option. Sorry this was so long winded, don't worry everything is going to be fine. Hang in there.

L. T.

My own young girls have not experienced this yet, but I do know that the first few periods, really the first year sometimes, periods can be very irregular and spread apart. As her body gets more used to this new phenomenon, it will become more regular over time.

Not unusual for periods to be sporadic the first year or so. Sometimes, they have one then not another one for a long time. As much as you can, I'd let her handle the pads etc. One of your problems is probably that's she's on the young side. Some girls don't even tell their moms when they start! Just keep the communication open, warm, and not too heavy or too intrusive. It'll all work out.

Kelly,

I think it's perfectly normal. I was a late bloomer and didn't start until I was 13 years old. My periods were very irregular for about a year (if I'm remembering correctly).

C.

Hi J.,
I also started at 11, then didn't have it again until I was almost 12. I think it takes awhile for the body to get used to the changes. I have read a couple books with my daughter (she is getting closer to puberty every day!). We read the American Girl Body book(can't recall the title, but you can find it almost anywhere that sells books or online), and a Christian book, The body book (it's a God thing)Both books talk about the changes they go through in a format that they can understand and relate to. They discuss hygiene as well, so maybe she'll "hear" it better coming from a book geared just for her. Good luck. I'll be where you're at very soon, and I'm wishing she was a toddler again!
Best to you,
J.

Sometimes I've heard the first year can be difficult to track. But, in my I had polycystic ovaries. They did not catch this until I was in my early 20's. when I was 12 the doctor just put me on the pill. Which is probably what they will do for her. But also make sure she gets checked thoroughly so you know what the condition or problem is. If it is a hormone imbalance or pcos there are other things that you may want to consider...

I would say contact your doctor regarding the regularity of it. She may need to go on something to regulate her cycle. It was always my understanding that when a girl, or young woman, should start getting yearly pap smears anyway, so this might be a good time to check into that. Your doctor may also have some tips on helping her understand the need for proper sanitation.

J., My daughter was 10 when she started around Nov. and she was not regular til the last 2 months or so. I have never been regulkar nor have i ever had a light period. Always 9-12 days and heavy with cramps that knock me out. I prayed that she would take after my mom and sister and have 3-5 days w/ no cramps. Well, after the first 3 were light and no cramps she had her first heavy one, she bleed through everything, underwear, pants and sheets at night. I simply explained how emberessing it was for me when I was in school and I leaked. I told her to prevent leaking and odor she needed to change every 2-3 hours. We got her a little purse just for her pads and she goes to the store just her and i and we read alll the hundreds of kinds of pads they offer nad I let her pick out some and try them. THe next month she told me exactly what was comfortable for her and what she liked and didn't. Now her periods are regular, a little heavier than I would like for her especially for her age but not as long and no cramping so I feel thankful. She did feel uncomfortable going to a sleepover so I called the mom and explained what was happening and she felt so much better knowing that someone could help and she didn't have to keep it some big secret and be embarresed. It will get easier just like everthing else just talk and be patient.!
Have fun, I have a 6yo girl, i get to do this again! lol

I started my period in January and did not get my second period until september, 9 months later. I am now 51 yrs and never had regular periods though my life.

I would always ask my doctors about my situtation and they said that is the way my body works.

Hi J.~
I got mine when I was 11, as well, and it was very unpredictable. I was far too young to keep track of it, so it would start in the most inconvenient times and of course, I was unprepared. I think that maybe you will have to keep track for her and remind her to be prepared a few days in advance, maybe that would get her in the habit. Also, one of the other nurses in our office has an 18 year old daughter who *still* doesn't have one every month...so who knows what she's in for?!?!

Good luck!
~L.

J.,
I don't know any answers,but my daughter is 11 and is just starting to develop. I do wonder if it's like menopause in reverse.
Good luck because I'll need the advice too!