How To Support Your Teenage Daughter with Period Problems

Do you remember the first time you got your period? Whether it was funny, scary, or just plain awkward, most women remember it vividly. Some immediately ran to their moms or called their friends. Others cringed in fear and secretly, or with shame, read the complicated instructions on a box of tampons.

At Support, we often receive questions from women who want to help their daughters with their menstrual problems. For many, it's still a taboo subject, and they find it difficult to talk about. But the more open you are, the better things will go, and the greater the chance you can help break the cycle.

In this blog, we'll give you helpful tips for talking about menstruation with your whole family, and tips for helping your daughter with menstrual problems or PMS.

Step 1: Starting the conversation (with girls and boys!)

If you want periods to be seen as something normal (which they certainly are), it's important to talk about them with both girls and boys. The more we normalize menstruation, the better. It will help young women feel more confident and in touch with their bodies.

If menstruation is still a taboo in your home, the first step is to break through this.

Ask your daughter questions to find out what she already knows and correct any misinformation (be careful not to sound too preachy!). Share your own experiences, too. For example, share when you first got your period and how you felt. It's an icebreaker and puts everyone at ease.

If your children are old enough to understand, you can also explain the biological side of menstruation: why women menstruate, what the possible symptoms are, what ovulation is and how pregnancy works.

If you find this difficult, there are many excellent books available that can help you (we'll give you a book recommendation later in this article). The most important thing is to emphasize that menstruation is a normal and essential part of life.

Some girls or boys show interest in the topic at a younger age. Sometimes, for example, because they see tampons, menstrual cups, or sanitary towels in the bathroom. Answer the questions honestly, age-appropriately, and let your son or daughter feel free to look at the products.

If you think your daughter's period is almost here, it's time to talk about menstrual products. Ask your daughter which menstrual products appeal to her and stock up on them so she always has them on hand.

The age at which girls get their first period varies. Most girls get their period around age 12, but it can range from age 8 to 16. If your daughter hasn't gotten her period by age 16 or 17, we recommend seeing a doctor.

Preparing for your daughter's first period

There are often a few signs that girls are about to start their period. Most girls get their period about two to three years after their breasts begin to develop, and pubic hair also normally begins to grow a few years before menstruation. About a year before menstruation, many girls experience a significant growth spurt.

Regarding the emotional side of menstruation, some girls will be excited about it and talk about it with their friends. It can be a way for girls to feel connected to each other.

Girls who get their periods later can feel left out. If this is the case with your daughter, remind her that the period when girls get their first period really does vary and that she shouldn't worry.

Also remember that some girls are anxious or even afraid of their first period. That's normal, but normalize periods. Emphasize that it's a normal part of life and the beginning of adulthood. Give examples of other phases you go through to make it more tangible.

Explaining PMS to your daughter

The stereotype that teenagers get grumpy because of their raging hormones is true. But the fact is, most young girls have no idea exactly what it is or what causes it. As with everything, you need to approach the topic honestly. Explain that some women can experience symptoms just before their period, such as mood swings, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness.

These symptoms are often dismissed as "grumpy teenage behavior," but it's important for girls to understand why they experience these mental and physical PMS symptoms. It's also reassuring for young girls to know that these symptoms often stop when their period begins.

It can also be helpful for your daughter to know when she might experience these symptoms. This way, she can plan accordingly. Therefore, encourage your daughter to track her period using a calendar or a period tracking app. We previously wrote a blog post about our favorite apps .

Helping your daughter with her PMS symptoms

When PMS symptoms are interfering with their daughter's daily life, many mothers will seek medical help. Unfortunately, many doctors are quick to prescribe birth control pills. While the pill can alleviate some symptoms, such as irregular periods and heavy bleeding, it's important to understand its side effects. Read our blog post about this: The Side Effects of Birth Control .

It's important to keep in mind that these are the side effects for an adult woman , so imagine the consequences for a teenager who is still developing and growing.

Sometimes simple lifestyle changes are all it takes to help your daughter. And by teaching her these self-care tips at a young age, she'll have fewer problems with her period in the years to come.

Important to know about teenage periods:

• Irregular periods are common in young girls, especially in the first few years after they start having their periods.
• The menstrual cycle of teenagers lasts an average of 45 days, not 28 days like in adult women.
• Some girls experience heavy bleeding and severe cramps.
• Although young girls' menstruation follows a cycle, the length of that cycle can vary from month to month.
• Sometimes, excessively heavy periods, very painful cramps, or cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 45 days can be a sign of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis . Encourage your daughter to track her cycle to see if there are any patterns. And if pain or bleeding is interfering with her daily life, be sure to see a doctor.

Can my daughter take supplements to support her menstruation?

Yes! If your daughter is over 12 and already menstruating, she can take supplements to support her period.

Magnesium, for example, contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and normal psychological function. You can take up to 250-300 mg of magnesium per day. You can find magnesium in green leafy vegetables, seeds and nuts, cocoa, and bananas, among other foods .

DHA in omega-3 fatty acids contributes to, among other things, the maintenance of normal brain function. You can find DHA in oily fish and shellfish, or in an algal oil supplement.

If you have questions about how to help your daughter with menstruation, there are interesting and comprehensive resources available. For starters, check out Sophie Vanherpe's book, Period Talk .

Also, don't hesitate to contact one of our experts if you have any questions or need advice to support her further. And Also take our quiz and find out more about your complaints.