Is my period normal for girls my age?

[echoflowerrr]

This might be a really dumb question, I'm not sure. It's possible I could just be overthinking things. But when I get my period, I always get lower back cramps, those ones don't go away, and sometimes I'll randomly get pelvic cramps, which will just happen out of nowhere and then stop. The back cramps get to the point where I can barely even get out of bed for longer than just a few seconds without having pain, and most of the time I'll still have pain even if I do lay down. The lower back cramps usually don't stop until around 3-5 days pass or just don't stop until the day that my period should be over, and my period tends to last at least a week. I've also missed school many times because of the pain. Pills don't relieve the pain at all, normally they'll help the first time I take them, and then after that they won't do anything. I was prescribed ibuprofen and I take I think 3 every day, so one on the morning, one in the afternoon, and one and night, but they don't help either. Heatings pads have also stopped helping, and I usually have heavy blood flow, but there are times where my blood flow won't be as bad. I'm not sure if this is normal for girls my age, but I'm also just a person who worries too much so that could just be it. I also usually get mood swings, but I'm pretty sure that's normal. My periods have been like this since I was 11, I believe.

[MysticAngel5000]

Unfortunately, some girls and even adult women have terrible periods. Heavy flows, painful cramps, etc. And yes, they can be painful enough to disrupt your day and make you miss school or work.

Your age states you are 13. You are still VERY young. It is quite possible your periods will change and even out more once you are older and no longer going through puberty. However, you could very well also have to deal with the annoyance of a rough period your whole life. There is even an actual name for debilitating periods - it is called Dysmenorrhea.

There are things you can do. First, go to a doctor. There are medical conditions that can cause extreme pain. Get checked for endometriosis and PCOS.

For at home care, try natural remedies. They have natural menstrual tablets. They have ones for just cramps as well as one for multiple period symptoms. The brand is called Boiron. You can browse their website at BoironUSA. com. They also make portable heating pads you do not need to plug in. ThermaCare makes menstrual wraps. You just stick them on and go. You wear them under your clothing so they won't be detected. Other things you can try - a warm shower, exercise, staying hydrated (especially water), trying certain teas that are aimed at helping menstrual symptoms (some may be referred to "Moon Cycle" teas), etc.

Some teas in general are known to be better at fighting menstrual cramps. These include red raspberry leaf, ginger, chamomile, peppermint, cinnamon and green tea.

Make an appointment with a doctor/gynecologist to be checked out for causes like endometriosis and PCOS as those require special attention. Don't ever let a doctor or anyone else dismiss the pain you're going through either. Your pain is real and it is valid. You do not have to suffer silently.

Best of luck! I hope you are able to achieve resolution and find a method (or combination or methods) that work for you to assist with your cramps.

[echoflowerrr]

Thank you for taking the time to tell me all of this.

[MysticAngel5000]

You are very welcome! I am happy I was able to help educate you and spread awareness about what women go through.

[MysticAngel5000]

Thanks for MHO!

[Anonymous]

The pain you are feeling isn't normal. I started having my periods at 12 and never missed school because I was in too much pain. Cramps are normal, you are way too much pain. See a gynecologist. Hope this helps.

[echoflowerrr]

Thank you.

[Opinion Owner]

You're welcome 😊

[Opinion Owner]

I have a sister your age and she never has the pain you're describing.

[echoflowerrr]

I'll try to see a gynecologist, I'm not sure when, though. I don't want my dad to spend too much money on it bc of me.

[Opinion Owner]

This is pretty important. I'm sure your dad won't mind spending the money. Is there anyone else you can talk with about this? I'm not trying to be nosy just don't think you should let it go too long.

[echoflowerrr]

I could maybe talk to my step mom about it.

[Opinion Owner]

Like I said, I have a sister your age and if she had this problem I would want her to talk with me or our mom about it. I can understand if you're uncomfortable talking with your dad about it.

[echoflowerrr]

Thank you again. I'll try to talk to my dad or step mom when I'm able to.

[Opinion Owner]

Okay good luck 👍

[Opinion Owner]

Thanks for MHO

[CrimsonAngel09]

I'd go the Doctor, better safe than sorry.

I didn't get lower abdomen pain until I was 21, and lower back pain I didn't get until a few years ago. My lower abdominal pain would last a couple hours, and lower back pain I'd say one to two days.

They definitely aren't fun, and I try my best to distract myself which actually works. Distractions take away that pain because I'm not focusing on them. Blood flow for me is kind of all over the place, day one isn't bad. Day two and three can get the heaviest, before eventually the flow becomes light.

Again, go to the Doctor. Also explain any medicines you are taking, because SOMETIMES medicines can affect your period.

I hope you stay well, and breathe. You can do this.

[echoflowerrr]

Thank you. Do you mind telling me how you distract yourself? I've tried, but I'm never really sure what to do.

[Anonymous]

If you tried painkiller and heating pad doesn't work, I would get a Dr's opinion and let them know what you tried already. Backpain can happen during or around your period unfortunately some of us go through more pain then others at that time of the month.

[Whatthefluff]

If you’re experiencing that level of pain where you’re missing school, that’s a problem. You may have endometriosis or some other condition. You need to tell your PCP.

[Anonymous]

It's not normal, you are uncomfortable half of the time, possibly you need to give more care and there could be hidden health issue.

[Akam93]

Might have to see a doctor about that.

[Anonymous]

Considering your age, I would see a doctor.