Is a Girl Ever Too Young For Tampons?
My daughter just started her period last Friday (she's 12) and has already inquired about using tampons. I believe the no swimming w/pads thing was the motivating factor! Anyone have any words of wisdom? Can one be too young to use tampons? --About Women's Health ForumsWhat age
to start using tampons is really a personal decision. If
your daughter decides to use tampons, be sure that she knows
how
to insert a tampon
properly so that it feels comfortable. Buy the lowest
absorbency and slimmest tampons available. Buying tampons
with soft applicators, rather than with cardboard-type applicators will make insertion easier and
more comfortable for young girls.
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Absent Periods
My stepdaughter started her period last November. She had it again in January and then February. She turned 13 years old in February. She is concerned that she has not had a period since February. I too am getting a bit concerned. Is this normal for a young girl to stop her period for such a long period of time? --About Women's Health Reader EmailSkipping periods and irregular menstruation is quite normal during the first few years after a girl starts her periods. Tell your daughter to relax, her periods will become regular soon enough!
If absence of menstruation continues a trip to the doctor might be worth your time.
Activity & Abnormal Bleeding
My teenaged daughter has experienced abnormal periods in the last 2-3 mos. She has had regular periods for two years, now her periods have been slight but have lasted three weeks at a time. Today, after three weeks of irregular bleeding, she had an unexpected big discharge at school, that soaked through her feminine protection and clothes. She is not sexually active. She started track, and soccer practices in the last three months, and has trained hard in addition to an already busy schedule. Other than being occasionally tired out, she has otherwise been well and happy. Could the increase in physical activity have an affect on her menstrual periods?--About Women's Health ForumsSome sports are more closely associated with menstrual abnormalities than others including running. This usually occurs only in women who are competing professionally, but it's possible that your daughter's schedule is tough enough to cause these problems.
Although the cause of period changes in athletes is not clearly understood, it is thought to be caused by a combination of an extreme amount of exercise, increased lean body mass, inadequate nutrition, and competition related stress. It's rare for this to happen and there is no guarantee that your daughter's problem is caused by her exercise schedule. A visit to your physician may be in order to be sure nothing is wrong.
