Adolescence is a time of change
Adolescence is the time when a child goes through many physical and emotional changes.
Children with developmental disabilities go through the same changes during puberty. These children may have extra challenges that can make puberty difficult.
You can help your child cope with menstruation
On average, people who menstruate usually get their first menstrual period when they are about 12 or 13 years old.
Some parents and caregivers worry how their child with a disability will cope with menstruation, including hygiene and managing discomfort.
Sometimes, parents are concerned about sexuality and consider suppressing menstrual periods to protect against pregnancy.
There are many factors that can influence how a teen manages periods. Depending on their abilities, some young people may need different types of support than others. Give your child as much information as they can understand. Some caregivers do not find menstruation as much as an issue as they thought it might be. If it does become difficult for your child, there are some things that can be done to help.
Medicines for painful periods
Pain medicine can help with period cramps. Medicines called
non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) work very well. NSAIDs work best if you use them regularly during the times of pain, rather than waiting for cramps to become uncomfortable.
Ibuprofen is a common NSAID that is available over the counter (without a prescription). You can buy it at the drugstore.
Sometimes it is hard to know when to give pain medicine, especially if your child has difficulty communicating. If your child is not acting like themself, or behaving strangely, it may be because of pain.
Sometimes your child might need stronger medicine. If NSAIDs do not help enough, talk to your child's doctor. To get stronger medicine, you need a prescription. Examples of stronger medicines are Anaprox DS or Naprosyn.
Birth control pills or other hormone pills can also help decrease painful periods. They are especially helpful if the pain medicine is not enough on its own. Talk to your child's health-care provider about these pills.
Menstruation can be suppressed or stopped altogether
Sometimes, parents ask doctors if it is possible to suppress menstruation. That is, to stop menstruation or make it happen less often.
It is possible to suppress menstruation, but there are risks.
Wait until your child's first period
Wait until your child gets their first period before you make a decision. Sometimes, young people do not have the problems their parents think they will have.
Hormonal therapy is an option
Contraceptives are medicines that are used for birth control. They can also decrease menstrual flow, reduce menstrual pain and increase the time between periods. Contraceptives can be birth control pills, patches, needles or implants.
These forms of birth control do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
There are different benefits and side effects with each form of contraceptive. To read more about contraceptives, please see
Menstrual suppression.
Suggestions for helping your child
- On a calendar, write down when your child's periods begin and end. Also write down how heavy they are. Many young people have heavy blood flow. Many young people have irregular periods for the first five years of menstruation. That is, the periods do not come every month, or at the same time every month. Sometimes, irregular periods make daily life hard. If this is the case, ask your child's health-care provider about medicine that can help.
- Some young people have painful cramps, backaches, headaches or other problems. Medicines can help. Exercise and physical activity also help.
- Pads are cheaper than diapers. If your child wears a diaper, put a pad inside the diaper. Change the pad when it is soiled so you do not have to change the diaper as often.
- Pubic hair should not be removed in children and adolescents. If bothersome to your child, the hair can be trimmed. Shaving, waxing and hair removal creams can make the skin more sensitive and prone to irritation.
- Some young people can learn how to care for themselves during their periods. Your child might need you to teach them. They might also need time to learn. Be patient.
Making the right decisions for your child
Each child with a developmental disability is unique. How you decide to handle your child's menstrual periods depends on many things, including:
- your family's situation
- your child's educational and social situation
- the level of your child's abilities
- if your child takes other medications
- your own abilities
- what will be best for your child's health and quality of life
The last point is the most important one. What will give your child the best possible quality of life?