14 Year Old Daughter - Largo,FL

Hi Reb-

with my girls...it always took about a year for their cycles to level out...I would make sure that she is not 'saturating' pads too often...and it is always a good idea to let your/her ob know and bounce it off of them.

I say that because I did have an issue with EXTREME bleeding several month after my first mense...I thought it was normal to saturate and change pads every hour. My mom did not talk to me about menstruation (left me a pamphlet and some pads). Anyhoo...she finally noticed ALL THESE PADS!! Took me to a doc...and all was well (after some meds to slow the flow).

SO...my suggestion is keep track of how heavy the flow is...and bounce it off the doc!!

Best Luck!
Michele/cat

Because she just started her real pattern won't be regulated for a while. I was irregular for the first yr or so from what I remember

I feel for your daughter. My first period, was extremely heavy for about that time, and lasted for two weeks, from what I can remember. I was 14 as well. I would monitor her cycles. If the same thing happens the next month, this might be her regular cycle , as well as the amount she bleeds.

I was a heavy bleeder, and my periods lasted for about 7 days. I also remember that my mother took me in to get tested for anemia,since I was a heavy bleeder. If at any point you are worried, don't hesitate to call her doctor, I am sure they would be able to help you.

It takes awhile for a regular pattern to develop (and a few women are never regular - I'd expect her to eventually be similar to other women in your family).
It's normal.
If the bleeding goes on too long (> 2 weeks) or is really heavy for very long and doesn't seem to stop, then see a doctor - you don't want her to get anemic.
A vitamin with a little iron in it might be a good thing to start now.

She has just started her periods, so it will probably vary in the coming months. Some will be shorter, some longer. If it lasts more than ten days, check with her gynecologist. It could still be normal.

It takes a while for the body to get regular. My now 16 yo has been regular for 4 years, my now 13 yo still isn't but she has only had hers for about 8 months. Sometimes it's spotty and nothing, sometimes she doesn't want to get out of bed.
At her next appt with the dr I would bring it up but by then everything might start leveling off.
Just keep an eye on her.
I agree with starting her on a vitamin. My 13 yo gets real tired, cranky, headachy. So we will be getting vitamins.

I also think it's pretty normal. My periods were very heavy at that age as well...it's awful! The others gave good advice and just sort of check in on her and make sure she's going through an "appropriate" amount of products.