Being a teen is tough enough without period problems.
It is common for teenage girls to experience menstrual problems, including premenstrual syndrome, cramping and irregular periods, according to the websites Kids Health and Teen Growth. Other menstrual problems that are more disconcerting include absence of periods, prolonged periods and painful periods. Various treatments are available for the problems listed above. When in doubt, consult a physician.
Minor and Common Problems
Minor problems that most teenage girls experience include PMS, cramps and irregular periods. PMS often occurs the week before a girl's period. Symptoms of PMS include acne, bloating, fatigue, backaches, tenderness and soreness in the breasts, headaches, constipation, diarrhea, food cravings, depression, irritability and difficulty concentrating or dealing with stress, according to Kids Health. Cramps are caused by the contraction of the uterus. Cramps are a minor pain in the abdominal region. Cramps are usually experienced during the first few days of a period. It is normal for girls to experience irregular period cycles during the first three years after their first period. Regular period cycles are 28 to 45 days and last as long as seven days, according to Kids Health.
Potentially Serious Problems
Potentially more serious problems include amenorrhea, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea and endometriosis. Amenorrhea is the absence of periods. Primary amenorrhea is the absence of a first period when a girl has gone through puberty. Girls normally get their periods between the ages of 9 and 16. Secondary amenorrhea is the absence of a period after getting the first period. This can be caused by pregnancy, stress, significant weight changes, anorexia, stopping birth control pills, thyroid problems, ovarian cysts and other reasons, according to Kids Health and Teen Growth. Menorrhagia occurs when a girl soaks through one tampon or pad an hour or if the period lasts longer than seven days. Possible causes include polyps, thyroid problems, clotting, or vaginal or cervix infections. Dysmenorrhea is when cramping is so severe it interferes with normal activity. Edometriosis is a disorder that can cause the problems listed above.
Seeking Medical Advice
According to Kids Health, girls should seek medical advice if they experience painful periods as described above, have heavy bleeding or a period longer than seven days, the periods become irregular after they were regular, the periods have not become regular after three years of bleeding or if a period doesn't occur by the age of 15.
Treatment of Minor Problems
Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to treat cramps. Hot water bottles on the lower abdomen can also treat cramps, according to Teen Growth. Possible treatments of PMS include exercise, eating a balanced diet, reducing consumption of salt and caffeine, and consuming calcium. Birth control pills can help regulate periods.
Treatment of Serious Problems
A doctors can decide what treatment to undergo after a physical examination of a patient who has serious menstrual problems. Depending on the leading cause, treatment could include surgery, medication, birth control pills or a combination of all the above, according to Kids Health.
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