Expert: Norman Solberg - 7/20/2011

Question
Hi I have a 13 year old daughter that just started to have her cycle at the beginning of this year. Just a couple questions: Is it normal for them to be irregular some are like a couple weeks long and some dont come on time. Just wondering if that regulates as she gets older? The other question is that she is getting very bad cramps, to the point of crying and rolling on the floor. Is there a medication that can help her or something she can try? We do a heating pad and midol but she cant swallow pills so we crush them and she hates it. Do I need to take her for an appointment? she just seems to young for that? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Answer
It's common for periods to be irregular for the first few years after a girl starts her period.  Usually they will become regular in 1-3 years.
For the menstrual cramps, I would try ibuprofen 600 mg 3-4 times a day.  It comes in liquid form.  If that doesn't give her much relief, birth control pills will take away menstrual cramps in 90% of women.  Consider taking her to her doctor to discuss the possibility.