Period pain (dysmenorrhea) and premenstrual syndrome can be an absolute misery.

Menstrual problems usually get better with age and after childbirth, which is no consolation for a teenager. Medical experts estimate dysmenorrhea causes up to 15% of girls to miss school at some point.

Worried about your daughter? Help is at hand! Our members have come up with some suggestions for making that 'time of the month' easier.

Pills and potions
'... giving young teenagers a contraceptive pill without good reason is a bad idea, but if it is what she needs you have no choice -just make sure she is aware of STDs. Metformin helps in some people -it depends on the cause of the problem. If she is in a lot of pain codeine may help but get advise on this, I wouldn't give my son codeine without phoning my doctor.

Her headaches may be due to a slightly raised blood pressure over those few days -have her drink plenty of water: it acts as a diuretic and so will reduce the volume of blood thus reducing blood pressure.

Go badger your doctor again - that's what they are paid for. If he doesn't know of anything ask him to have a chat with his colleagues - one of them may have some ideas. (Doctors can't know everything about everything.)'
Thanks to Raisingkids' Member monsty 09 Apr 2002

'Agree the Pill is bad but my oldest girl found it made things better physically. The only thing I'd add is let her take it easy when its her time of the month, if she feels bad then don't make her feel like she HAS to go to school. She's not faking. I used to get this too, its really widespread isn't it? I think you forget about it when it stops or maybe after having kids it doesn't seem like nothing!'
Thanks to Raisingkids' Member Zoe 8 Apr 2002

What's the alternative?
'GINGER is very good for sickness and making a drink of grated ginger steeped in boiling water (strain it before drinking) can be good.

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES Rescue Remedy is a lovely 'feel-good' homeopathic remedy if you're feeling sorry for yourself. St John's Wort can help with severe PMS but get advice before you give it to your daughter, especially as you don't say how old she is. It's quite powerful and can interfere with other medicines.

ANGUS CASTUS can be good for stabilising the menstrual cycle. Some people swear by it but I must admit it did nothing for me.

STARCHY FOOD little and often, works by keeping your blood sugar levels on an even keel. This can stop you passing out - the body needs about 200 extra calories during menstruation and it's important to eat, even if you don't feel like it. Chocolate is no good (spoilsport!) as it give 'empty calories' when what is needed is a reserve of slow-release carbohydrates to draw on.'
Thanks to Raisingkids' Member Kathryn 06 April 2002

And if all else fails...
'My MUM'S REMEDY was to tuck me up with a hot water bottle and give me a nip of whiskey in hot milk. You can't beat it.'
Thanks to Raisingkids' Member Kathryn 06 April 2002

'... give her chocolate if she wants it, your girl might as well have something that's fun.'
Thanks to Raisingkids' Member Zoe 08 Apr 2002

Any more suggestions?
Tell us your tips for tackling problematic periods!

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