Is bleeding after 10 days of periods normal in a 17-year-old?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 17-year-old daughter had her period last month, as normal, for six days. After 10 days, she suddenly started bleeding again. Apparently, it looks like periods. Is it normal? She had this problem of having her periods occurring quite frequently, twice a month, but since last year, it has been going fine. Once a month, just those first two days are very painful with vomiting. I am worried if I need to take her to the hospital for a checkup.

Kindly guide.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

These are teenage menstrual cycles. They can have frequent cycles and anovulatory cycles with premenstrual syndrome (having multiple cyclic symptoms near and around periods, like abdominal cramps, mood variations, vomiting, nausea, etc. Yes, you should have a check-up as well, but take some precautions also. When she is having periods, she can have a simple tablet Ponstan (Mefenamic acid) 500 mg from day two to day five, or if symptomatic, can have for a total of five days, eight hourly. It will not only reduce pain but also improve blood flow. For vomiting as well, she can have an antiemetic like tablet Cyclizine 50 mg, eight hourly, half an hour before meals. There are many hormonal medications to prevent symptoms as you described, but along with Ponstan on menses day, you can give her tablet Primolut N (Norethisterone) 10 mg twice daily from day five to day 24 for a total of three cycles to regulate cycles. She should have it on supplements to prevent a nemia, as she has recurrent bleeding.

She should have a complete blood count, thyroid function test to check any abnormality in thyroid and any clotting disorder or anemia. Better to have one abdominal scan if not sexually active with a full bladder. I have considered her a virgin. For sexually active patients, there are different investigations (like transvaginal scan, cervical smear, high vaginal swab, etc). Have a healthy, nutritious diet with less salt, sugar, oil, and spice. Have daily exercise, yoga or a walk. Have recreational activities to have nice emotional health. Collect laboratory reports and discuss with the gynecologist here or locally.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.