The transition to adulthood is not an easy time for teenagers. It is accompanied by physical and hormonal changes, a search for oneself, and is a time of doubt and uncertainty.
This time is more difficult for young girls. The latter actually suffer from the first menstruation and the growth of the breast area.
For every teenager, the first menstruation is a significant event. A young girl becomes a woman who can bear children and may become pregnant. The role of parents is therefore important: they should be present and support the young girl during this transitional phase. The role of the mother is important in most cases to pass on her knowledge and experiences made during puberty and the transition to adulthood. Through the role of a woman like that of a mother, she is often seen as better able to give good advice and explain the events.
There are various menstrual disorders such as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, or menorrhagia.
It often happens that the first bleeding is irregular. The menstrual cycle can actually take time to occur regularly.. Therefore, you should not worry, a irregular menstrual bleeding 'is an absolutely normal phenomenon among teenagers.'
If the absence of menstruation persists in young girls and it concerns you, you should consult a gynecologist. However, it should be noted that every person is different and the first menstrual period can occur later without there being a real problem behind it.
Discover here everything you need to know about irregular menstruation in adolescence, what it is based on, what the causes are, and the existing solutions.
What is an irregular period in girls?
The menstrual period usually begins at the start of puberty, during the teenage years. It lasts throughout a woman's life until menopause, which typically occurs around the age of 50.
The monthly cycle lasts an average of 28 days. This is divided into different phases:
- The monthly phase is the part of the female cycle that is called menstruation.
- The Follicular Phase, in which the uterus prepares for a possible pregnancy and thickens.
- The ovulation phase', in which the woman is most fertile'.
- Die Lutealphase, that occurs after the ovulation phase. The follicle empties and transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces estrogen and progesterone..
Menstruation occurs approximately every month. In the first few months, the cycle is rarely regular.
One speaks of an irregular menstruation when the monthly cycle lasts longer or shorter than normal, that is, more or less than 28 days.
This is the case for teenagers who have not had their period for long. not a rare phenomenon. The hormonal system is not yet sufficiently developed. However, it is the cycle that triggers menstruation. In some cases, it can take up to two years for the female cycle to become regular.
Therefore, irregular menstrual bleeding occurs in most cases during the teenage years.
What are the causes?
The various causes
Although an irregular period is not uncommon, there are various reasons for it. Here are the most common reasons:
- The stress The "Teenage years are a complicated time. One searches for oneself, the body changes, one becomes an adult... It is an important phase of life that can be overwhelming. It is not uncommon for stress to be the cause of irregular menstrual bleeding. If your child is experiencing too much stress, you can seek the help of a psychologist together with them."
- eating disorders. The absence or irregular occurrence of menstruation can be caused by an unbalanced diet. Anorexia is an illness that affects many teenagers and should not be underestimated. It is primarily a mental disorder that can lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle.
The symptoms
An irregular menstrual bleeding, can also be characterized by the following symptoms in addition to a shifted menstrual cycle:
- Bloating in the lower abdomen.
- Nervousness. Stress can be one of the causes of irregular periods, but it can also be a consequence of them.
- Chest pain. When the first menstrual cycles begin, it is common for teenagers to experience breast pain. This symptom is completely normal and should not be interpreted as a sign of pregnancy.
Which specialist can I consult?
To appropriately guide your child into adulthood and what it entails, you can make an appointment with a suitable specialist.
In the beginning, you can rely on your family doctor turn to. This person can explain to you why and where all these changes come from, the various reasons for irregular menstrual bleeding, and can especially reassure you.
In a second step, you can make an appointment with a gynecologists do. It is generally better to choose a woman for young teenagers so that they feel comfortable. However, if a gynecologist is too expensive for you, there is also the solution of the family planning, which offers a free consultation.
In which cases should one consult a specialist?
If the period continues to be irregular 2 to 3 years after the first menstruation, you should see a gynecologist. They will examine you to ensure everything is fine and that there are no organic causes such as luteal insufficiency, polycystic ovaries, endocrine disorders, etc. are present
The treatments and existing solutions
The medicinal solutions
The pill can restore balance, especially the hormones. This will make the cycle occur regularly.
"In addition, some medications can regulate the teenager's monthly cycle. But be careful with self-medication! Always consult a doctor or ask your pharmacist for advice."
The natural remedies
There are also less invasive natural remedies that you can use to combat irregular bleeding.
- Avoid extreme diets and eat a balanced diet.
- Yoga and relaxation. These practices help balance hormone levels in the body and thus assist in regulating the cycle.
