Heavy Periods - also known as Menorrhagia [4]
Heavy periods affect about 1 in 4 girls [6] !!!!!!
Please talk to your daughter about heavy periods, as this can alert her to watch out for the signs of a heavy period. This also allows her to know you are open in talking about heavy periods with her and you will be assist her with what she needs[1] .
Heavy period signs and Symptoms
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Can’t complete fitness
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Can't complete daily task
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Needs to change a pad every 1-2 hours.
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If your daughter is wearing a tampon and a panty liner in case, it overflows.
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Blood clots are normal but not if they are bigger than a 50c piece.
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Has no energy and looks like they are going to faint. [1]
some signs of fainting are: -Sweating and feeling weak -Tired -Blurred vision or seeing spots -Pale face (whiter then usual) [2]
You can take your daughter to the GP for a check-up about the heavy flow and the GP can complete a blood test to check her iron level. There are different ways the GP can try to assist your daughter with her heavy periods to reduce the flow [1].
Sometimes to manage heavy periods and period symptoms the GP may prescribe contraception, please keep in mind this does not mean your daughter is having sex but will benefit your daughters period symptoms she is experiencing.
Some reasons your daughter may be experiencing heavy periods
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Endocrine issues which include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, adenomyosis polyps, fibroids, thyroid issues and not realising an egg when she ovulates. Infections, medications, Bleeding disorders and diseases, and pregnancy can also cause heavy bleeding [3] [4]. *Most of these will be covered on the website in good time.
Tracking
​Just like tracking her periods, most apps on the phone will allow her to put the flow amount on the app allowing your daughter to not just track her period, but track when it is heavy, this will be useful when she attends the doctor's, your daughter should also track her signs and symptoms as well [5].
References
[1] https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/heavy-periods
[2] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fainting#symptoms
[3] https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/Adolescent_Gynaecology_Menorrhagia/
[4] https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/heavy-periods-menorrhagia
[5] https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/news/how-to-talk-to-your-doctor-about-heavy-periods