Period Symptoms Your Daughter Might Experience

Although just about every woman experiences menstruation, not every woman has the same experience. Some women are able to breeze through their monthly periods without any discomfort, while other women experience various physical problems that make menstruation uncomfortable.

Even mothers and daughters may not have the same experience, which is why it’s important for mothers to be aware of symptoms that may occur during menstrual periods in case their daughters come to them needing help with discomfort.

The most common symptom experienced during the monthly cycle is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). PMS is a group of symptoms that may have some impact in the week or so before menstruation begins. Common signs of PMS are:

• Abdominal bloating

• Breast tenderness or swelling

• Stress or anxiety

• Trouble falling asleep

• Joint or muscle pain

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Acne or worsening of existing skin disorders

• Mood swings

While popular belief is that most women experience some signs of PMS, it really is only a small percentage of women who have actual symptoms.

Cramps are another period symptom. During menstruation the uterus contracts or tightens to slough off the endometrium, the mucous membrane that lines the uterus. For some women this can feel uncomfortable, even painful.

If PMS symptoms or cramps are interfering with your daughter’s daily activities, consult with your family physician for advice on improving the situation.

Your daughter may also experience irregular cycles. Most girls will take two to three years to settle into a ‘regular’ monthly cycle defined as every 28 days, although this can vary anywhere from 21 to 45 days. In the early years, menstruation may only last a few days one month, may be longer the next month, and may vary from light to heavy periods. It is also not uncommon to skip a month or two.

Help your daughter keep track of her periods with a calendar and notes on the type of flow experienced. Talk to your family physician if you have concerns about your daughter’s pattern.

Helping your daughter to understand and alleviate any symptoms she may have with her period will encourage her to take care of her own health and have control over her monthly experience.