A girl may expect some discomfort when her period starts. Missing school every month, needing to lie down for hours or feeling unable to participate in ordinary activities is a different matter. The aim of a consultation is to help her function and to look for an underlying cause when the pattern suggests one.
What should she write down?
Note when pain begins relative to bleeding, where it is felt, how many days it lasts and whether it is getting worse. Record missed school, vomiting, faintness, heavy bleeding, bowel or bladder symptoms, and what she has tried. A simple monthly note is enough; the goal is to give her a voice, not another task to manage.
Heat can be soothing. Some people benefit from suitable pain medicines, but medication choice depends on age, medical history and other medicines. A clinician should advise if she has asthma, stomach ulcers, kidney problems or other concerns. Persistent or worsening pain may warrant evaluation for a condition such as endometriosis.
When should you get help?
Book a visit when pain regularly disrupts school or is becoming more intense. Seek urgent assessment for sudden severe pain, fainting, fever, persistent vomiting or pain with a possible pregnancy. Severe pain should not be written off as something a teenager must tolerate.
At an appointment with Dr. Rina, let the teenager describe the impact in her own words. The first assessment may lead to treatment advice, follow-up or specialist gynaecology referral.