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Menstruation: Preparing your preteen for her period

Wonder how to introduce the subject of menstruation? What to tell your daughter about periods? How to ease her anxiety? Here's help covering the bases.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Most girls begin to menstruate when they're about 12, but periods are possible as early as age 8. That's why explaining menstruation early is so important. But menstruation is an awkward subject to talk about — especially with preteen girls, who seem to embarrass more easily than any other creatures on the planet.

So what's the best way to approach this ticklish topic?

Talk early and often

If your daughter asks questions about menstruation, answer them openly and honestly. Provide as many details as you think she needs at the time. It's OK to let your daughter set the pace — but don't let her avoid the topic entirely. If she's not asking questions as she approaches the preteen years, it's up to you to start talking about menstruation.

Don't plan a single tell-all discussion. Instead, talk about the various issues — from basic hygiene to fear of the unknown — in a series of short conversations. Consider it part of a continuing conversation on how the human body works. Remember, your daughter needs good information about the menstrual cycle and all the other changes that puberty brings. If her friends are her only source of information, she may hear some nonsense and take it for fact.

How to start talking

To introduce the subject of menstruation, you might ask your daughter what she knows about puberty. Clarify any misinformation and ask what questions she might have. It may be helpful to time your conversations with the health lessons and sex education your daughter is receiving in school — or you could broach the subject before a routine doctor's appointment. You can tell your daughter that the doctor may ask her whether she's gotten her period yet. Then ask if she has any questions or concerns about menstruation.

Girls might prefer to learn about menstruation from a female family member, but sometimes that's not possible. If you're a single father and you're not comfortable talking about menstruation, you might delegate these conversations to a female relative or friend. The key is to make sure the information is relayed somehow.

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References
  1. Menstruation and the menstrual cycle. The National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/menstruation.cfm. Accessed May 5, 2009.
  2. Menstruation. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp049.cfm. Accessed May 5, 2009.
  3. Parenting corner Q&A: Talking with your young child about sex. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_TalkSexChild.htm. Accessed May 5, 2009.
  4. Rees M. Presence or absence of menstruation in young girls. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2006;1092:57.
  5. Sifuentes M. Menstrual disorders. In: Berkowitz CD. Berkowitz's Pediatrics: A Primary Care Approach. 3rd ed. Washington, D.C.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2008:516.
  6. Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 11, 2009.

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Aug. 8, 2009

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