Expert: Diane Cheryl - 2/4/2009

Question
I have a 16 year old who has extremely severe cramping before and during her periods which are very irregular.  I have researched dealing with this and she is seeing her doctor later this month and if we need to I will have her see a OBGYN.  She is not sexually active.  I know one of the treatments for severe, irregular periods is to put her on birth control.  I have been on Seasonale, where you have a period quarterly and was put on it at 45 because of erratic periods, hormonal headaches, etc.  It has been wonderful for me.  I was wondering if there is any research or studies or opinions about teens who have to be put on a pill, using a three month pill?

Answer
Hi Meribeth,

No, I don't know any studies or statistics about this with teens. I personally don't recommend hormonal birth control because of the health risks. I don't believe it is natural to put doses of hormones into our bodies. You say that you are on hormonal birth control but do you have any side effects from it. I certainly would not recommend this for your 16 year old. I would rather research nutrition or some other means to help her with her periods instead of putting her on the pill. That is just my opinion, of course. Maybe you could do a search online to see if there are any natural products or supplements that would help in her case. Let me know what you think. I would be glad to correspond with you by private email. My email address is DCHERYL51@yahoo.com and hope to hear from you.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl