Pediatric Endocrinology

Menstrual Problems

• Endocrinology Overview
• Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders
• Thyroid Disorders
• Short Stature & Growth Disorders
• Precocious (Early) Puberty
• Delayed puberty
• Pediatric Obesity
• Adrenal Problems
• Hormonal Imbalance
• Pediatric Menstrual Problems

Pediatric Menstrual Problems

Girls go through puberty at different paces. Some begin menstruation as early
as 9 or 10 years old. Others have their first period well into their teen years.
The usual time is between the ages of 9 and 14.

Normal occurrences during a menstrual period include varying blood flow, dark
clots of blood, general discomfort, tiredness, nausea and headaches.

If these symptoms become severe, it may be time to see a physician.

Menstrual Condition

During the menstrual cycle, girls can also expect to experience the
following:

• Cramps- Many girls go through cramps during the first few days of menstrual
  bleeding. These involuntary contractions can be dull or intense. The good news
  is that they only usually last a few days.
• Menstrual Irregularity- Sometimes, it’s two to three years before a girl
  develops a regular menstrual cycle. That’s because during that time, the body is
  adjusting to the flood of hormones released during puberty.Although what’s regular differs for each girl, the typical cycle is about 28 days.

Pediatric Menstrual Disorders

Although most period problems are little to be concerned about, there are
some conditions that may require medical attention:

• The Absence of Periods- If a girl hasn’t begun her period by the time
  they’re 16 or 3 years after puberty started, they have amenorrhea (The absence
  of periods). This can be caused by a genetic abnormality or hormone imbalance.
• Heavy Menstrual Periods- While it’s normal for a girl’s period to be heavier
  on some days than others, a heavy menstrual flow (menorrhagia) is something to
  watch. That includes soaking through at least one sanitary pad an hour for
  several hours or for periods that last longer than seven days.This is
  usually caused by an estrogen and progesterone imbalance. However, in some
  cases, it could be caused by thyroid conditions, polyps in the uterus, clotting
  disorders, or infections in the vagina or cervix.
• Painful Periods- This is common in teens. Menstrual problems like this are
  usually caused by the same chemical culprit that causes cramps. This can lead to
  nausea, vomiting, headaches, diarrhea and severe cramps. These symptoms usually
  only last a day or so.

Pediatric Menstrual Problem Treatments

Gynecologic problems in young girls can be best treated by experts in
pediatric and adolescent gynecology.

Testing may include a pelvic exam, a Pap smear and blood or urine tests. If
an abnormal growth is suspected an ultrasound or CAT scan may be performed.

Anti-inflammatory medicines or other medications may be prescribed to treat
menstrual problems.