Daughters/periods/gynecologists

[Anonymous]

My 17 yr old has a day or two during her period where she bleeds so heavily she stains clothes and sheets. And this is with a pad and tampon together.

Her period is not debilitating, and her cramps are manageable with ibuprofen- she’s generally slowed down for a day each month. I do worry she’ll stain the car fabric.

I spent my entire young adulthood on the pill and only experienced a light period that never got in the way of an event (I would just take an extra week of pills), nor did I ever stain clothes or need a pad and tampon together.

Does my daughter’s period experience fall within the normal range of the period spectrum?

I am encouraging my daughter to see a gyn and learn about how the pill works. She doesn’t want to consider it. I think there’s a movement on social media that discourages the pill. Anyone else aware of this? DD prefers to be “natural” and not alter her body’s cycle. She focuses on one friend’s negative experience on the pill.

I think I’m going to demand she see a gyn - it’s that time anyways - she’ll be 18 soon. Here’s another question.
My gyn is all business- she spends ~10 minutes tops with me. Not a warm fuzzy at all. Her style is ok for me. She did a great job for me when I needed a hysterectomy.
However I would like my dd to get a more conversation and have a few extra minutes w the doc to get comfortable and ask questions.

Would others seek out a different gynecologist for their dd in this case?
Is it bad manners to have dd use another doc in the same practice?

Thanks for reading sharing any thoughts!

[Anonymous]

I would suggest a menstrual cup and period panties (no staining), although the cup will prob be enough w/o the panties.

I have a 19 y/o daughter and her pediatrician prescribed a low dose b/c pill at age 16 due to cramping and hormonal acne. I did have her see a gyn before going to college, but asked her pediatrician for a referral, did not send her to mine!

[Anonymous]

A friend's daughter was found to have a bleeding disorder when this happened to her. It's worth seeing a doctor.

[Anonymous]

It's her choice and she's not in pain. I would not force her. That seems rather traumatic.

[Anonymous]

She seems old enough to handle this one on her own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She seems old enough to handle this one on her own.

I don't think so. She's still a minor on her parents' health insurance.

When she goes to college, they will want all her parents' financial details.

Seventeen year olds probably aren't too good at navigating and coordinating gynaecologist and hematologist appointments.

Are you a kid?

[Anonymous]

Yes, she needs to see a GYN. Preferably an adolescent one. Find the capital women's care practice closest to you and make an appointment with the doc who does adolescent care. No it's not normal and yes bc/a hormonal IUD would help.

[Anonymous]

OP here - oh I would never force her to take bcp.
I will put her in front of a doc though so she can make an educated decision for herself.
This month the Washington Post ran a story about misinformation online related to the Pill. I just want to steer her to a good source of info

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - oh I would never force her to take bcp.
I will put her in front of a doc though so she can make an educated decision for herself.
This month the Washington Post ran a story about misinformation online related to the Pill. I just want to steer her to a good source of info

Useful info
https://haemophilia.org.uk/bleeding-disorders/women-with-bleeding-disorders/#:~:text=Women%20who%20carry%20the%20haemophilia,nine)%20levels%20and%20require%20treatment.&text=Heavy%20periods%20(menorrhagia)%20are%20common%20in%20women%20with%20bleeding%20disorders.

[Anonymous]

Meanwhile, pads with wings and period underwear.

[Anonymous]

This doesn’t sound abnormal at all, she just needs to work out better protection. A menstrual cup works for most.

What is heavy bearing us when you leak through a cup or tampon plus pass in an hour it less. That’s how heavy mine used to be. The main risk there is anemia. I can’t stress enough how normal your daughter’s cycles sounds and good on her for not wanting to mask her cycles unnecessarily with the pill.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for that perspective!

[Anonymous]

No, this is not normal. She does need to see a gynecologist.

Far, FAR too many women suffer through periods that are not normal and they have no idea. And sadly, far too many doctors are dismissive.

Don't ignore this. If it's something like endometriosis, it could have lifelong consequences on her health (not just gynecological health) and fertility.

[Anonymous]

Sounds normal, how often does she change them? Try different brands and sizes.

[Anonymous]

I would say she needs to see a gyno but not be so pushy about the pill. There are a lot more options now and she may not need the pill or any chemicals. But seriously, buy more period undies and explore the menstrual cup with her and ask if she would be open to using a towel under her seating at home and in bed until she has the proper protection that works for her flow.