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Your child’s primary physician can review concerns about heavy menses or symptoms during periods. A complex care clinician and gynecologist can review menstrual suppression options if needed or desired.
Menstruation
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Menstruation is the onset of monthly menses (periods). Care needs to anticipate include possible heavy bleeding and recurrence of pain or irritability during periods. Management of menstrual problems includes treatments similar to those used by women without disabilities.
ESP Routine symptoms prior to and during menses, like cramps, can often be managed. Tracking and anticipating periods will help you build strategies for managing cramps and other symptoms. Your child’s primary physician can be helpful in this process.
An oral contraceptive pill (OCP), IUD or a birth control implant, which is a small rod inserted under the skin in the upper arm and typically replaced every four years, are sometimes used to manage the following:
- Monthly symptoms that are more significant
- Significant menstrual blood loss
- Bodily hygiene, which can be especially challenging with girls who require daily bladder catheterization (cathing)
- Seizures that sometimes worsen with menses
There are risks associated with nearly all treatments and processes to control menses, including deep vein thrombosis, or DVTs (blood clot in the leg or elsewhere in the body). However, most birth control methods are safe to use. Discuss these risks with your medical team.
ESP The onset of menstruation often sparks emotions for parents because our society so closely associates it with the beginning of adulthood. You may experience renewed feelings of anticipatory grief as your child begins to menstruate. Her monthly period may be a reminder that she will likely not experience the “typical” teen activities that you may have dreamed about or eventually have children. You may have feelings about changing her diaper or pad during menses. It is understandable to feel discomfort, and it’s important to discuss your concerns with your child’s medical team. Other parents of children with serious medical issues can also offer practical strategies for coping with the daily realities of managing menstruation.