Talking period care with teenagers

Period care isn’t one-size-fits-all. If your teenager has had their periods for a few years – or if their routine is changing to include more activities – it’s helpful to keep talking about how they manage their periods.

The goal isn’t to make decisions for them, but to make sure they have accurate information and the confidence to ask for what they need.

You can make a plan together. Periods don’t have to get in the way of sport, education or socialising.

What is period care?

Period care is how someone looks after their body, comfort and hygiene during their period. This includes managing bleeding, everyday activities and any period symptoms, such as pain.

Choosing period products

When it comes to period products, some people prefer to start with pads when they first get their periods, as they can be easier to use.

If your teenager has had their periods for a few years, plays a lot of sport or is starting to become sexually active, they might feel comfortable trying out tampons.

Menstrual cups, discs and period undies are also good alternatives.

What someone uses to manage their period often comes down to preferences, stage of life and routine.

Read more about period products and what to consider when choosing products.

How to talk about adjusting period care

A lot of young people start with pads or period undies and progress to tampons or other insertion products when they are ready.

Your teenager might also want to try different products if their periods become heavier.

It can be helpful to give teens choices and say something like, “Let’s try a few different products to see what suits you best.”

Nurse and sexual health educator Vanessa Hamilton explains that it is important to talk about products in age-appropriate ways. “A lot of young people love the sustainability of period cups and undies,” she says.

“But at the same time, a young person might not to be able to use a period cup early on. You really need to be familiar with your body to do that.”

It’s important your child feels comfortable talking to you about changes to help guide their options.

Here are some basic, open-ended questions you could ask your teenager to see whether their current period products are meeting their needs.

Helpful questions to ask:

• How do pads feel on your body? Do they ever irritate or bother you?
• How do you manage using pads at school or when you’re out? Are you going okay with that?
• What can I do to help you plan for activities, such as swimming, athletics or a sleepover, when you have your period?
• I heard about menstrual discs (or period undies) for the first time the other day. I had no idea they existed! What do you know about them? How do you feel about us buying some to try?

If you notice that your teen feels uncomfortable or embarrassed, you might also say something like:

• It’s OK if this feels hard to talk about. I just want to help. No one ever spoke to me about this when I was your age and I don’t want that to happen to you.
• You don’t have to figure this out alone. I’m here if you want some advice.
• You can write it down or text it to me if you’re feeling uncomfortable. Let me know what’s best for you, and here is a book for your room – it’s up to you if you read it.

Let your teenager know they can always ask questions later as well. If they are having trouble with hygiene, disposal or changing products, it’s important they know you’re available to help answer questions.

Staying active with periods

In a recent survey, about 2 in 3 parents reported their child’s periods had stopped them from taking part in everyday activities such as school, studying, sport, swimming, social events or work.

The reasons varied but they included period pain, heavy bleeding, fatigue and concerns about bleeding through clothing.

For some young people, they might be unsure about activities like swimming or playing sports when they have their period, or how to manage pain and period products during the school day.

Helpful questions to ask:

• Do you have to change your pad more often than you would like?
• What is your level of cramping or period pain? This is a heat pack and here are pain relief tablets, how do you feel about trying them?
• Periods sometimes stop people from doing things they want to do. Has this happened to you?

If your teenager’s periods are impacting their everyday activities or quality of life, it’s important to talk to your family doctor together.

Just remember that there’s no single, perfect way to have these conversations, but it’s better that your teenager talks to you rather than to Dr Google.