A Note From Jody
Every summer I have moms bring their daughters in with the same worried look on their face.
“Is this normal?”
It is one of the most common questions I hear, and it makes sense. Periods are confusing even for adult women, let alone a teenager experiencing one for the first time. Add in birth control questions, and most young women and their moms are left guessing, googling, or just hoping things sort themselves out.
This month is about taking the guesswork out of it.
This Month’s Women’s Health Check-In Focuses On:
- Moms wondering if their daughter’s cycle is normal
- Teens and young women experiencing period changes or irregularity
- Young women exploring birth control for the first time
- Anyone who wants clear answers instead of vague reassurance
A good first visit can set the tone for how a young woman feels about her health for years to come. That matters to me. At KS Women’s Health Clinic in Andover, we regularly care for teens and young women from Wichita and surrounding communities who have questions about irregular periods, painful cycles, birth control, and their first gynecology visit. Our goal is to provide a comfortable, judgment-free environment where both patients and parents feel heard.
Clinic Corner
We are gearing up for the WichitaBridal Expo at Century II on July 25-26. If you or your daughter are planning ahead for preconception care, birth control changes, or simply want a provider relationship in place before a big life transition, this is a great time to connect.
A quick update for new and existing patients: KS Women’s Health Clinic will be relocating this summer, and we are staying in Andover. My last day at the current Sakura Health and Wellness location will be July 24. The new clinic address is 215 S Andover Rd., Suite E. I expect to be seeing patients at the new location on August 11. If you have not yet completed a Release of Records or would like to view the Transition of Care document, please click on the links. Questions? Call us at 316-247-0402.
KS Women’s Health Clinic offers unhurried, judgment-free visits for teens and young women. Whether it is a first GYN visit, a period concern, or a birth control conversation, every visit is treated with the same respect and privacy as any other patient.
Common Questions We Hear
- Is it normal for my daughter’s periods to be irregular?
- When should a teen see a gynecologist?
- Does every first visit require an exam?
- Is birth control only used to prevent pregnancy?
- What if my daughter’s periods are very painful?
Teen Period Problems: What’s Normal, What’s Not
It is common for a teen’s cycle to be irregular in the first couple of years after her first period. That said, there are some patterns that are worth a closer look.
Generally normal:
- Cycles that are irregular for the first one to two years
- Some cramping and mood changes
- Cycle length varying from month to month
When should you schedule a visit:
- Periods that last longer than seven days. While some variation is normal, prolonged bleeding may be a sign that your provider should evaluate for hormonal or other underlying causes.
- Bleeding heavy enough to soak through a pad or tampon every hour. Very heavy bleeding is not considered normal and should be evaluated to rule out anemia or other medical conditions.
- Missing periods for three months or more after cycles have started. Once periods have become fairly regular, missing several in a row may indicate a hormonal imbalance or another health concern worth discussing.
- Severe pain that interferes with school or daily activities. Pain that keeps a teen from participating in normal activities should not be dismissed as “just part of having periods.”
What Happens During a Teen’s First Gynecology Visit?
Many parents are surprised to learn that a first gynecology visit is often simply a conversation.
- discussing menstrual cycles
- answering questions
- reviewing medical history
- talking about birth control options
- providing education
A pelvic exam is not routinely required for most first visits.
Jody’s Practical Tips for Parents
- Track her cycle together using a simple app or calendar. Patterns are easier to spot over time.
- Encourage her to come to the appointment and ask questions herself. It builds confidence.
- Bring a list of questions, even ones that feel small. Nothing is too minor to ask.
- A first GYN visit does not have to include an exam. It can simply be a conversation.
Most period irregularities in the teen years are normal. But when something feels off, getting it checked early brings peace of mind for both of you.
Birth Control for Teens and Young Adults: Starting the Conversation
Birth control conversations with young women are about more than preventing pregnancy. Birth control is often prescribed for medical reasons unrelated to pregnancy prevention, including heavy periods, painful menstrual cramps, irregular cycles, acne, and hormonal regulation. Often, the goal is cycle regulation, managing heavy bleeding, reducing acne, or easing painful periods. Choosing the right method depends on her health history, lifestyle, and comfort level, not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
Common starting points for these conversations include:
- What different birth control options actually do in the body
- How each option affects periods, mood, and side effects
- What to expect in the first few months of starting a method
- How to switch methods if the first choice does not feel right
Jody’s Approach
I never lead with a recommendation before understanding the full picture. Every conversation starts with listening, not a prescription pad. The goal is for your daughter, or you, to leave the visit feeling informed and confident, not pressured.
Book a Visit or Stay Connected
If your daughter is experiencing painful periods, irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, or has questions about birth control, we’re here to help. KS Women’s Health Clinic provides unrushed, education-focused visits where teens and young women can ask questions in a respectful, supportive environment.
Visit our Services page to book the a First GYN visit for Teens & Young Women here. Or, learn more about our Birth Control Options visits here. Have more questions or need help, call (316) 247-0402.
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Disclaimer
This newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical concerns.