Are any other mothers dealing with this? Daughter too young for period!?

Question

My daughter just turned nine and is about to start her period. She has been complaining of her back hurting and more recently of her stomach as well. The moods swings have become unbearable. We have talked about this and I bought her the best book about how her body is changing. She's just too young! Anybody else dealing with this? Advice?

We have had many talks and we read the book together. She also has been wearing a training bra since age 6 because she was shining through her shirt. This all just alarms me because she is so young. I didn't start unitl I was 12. I have talked to her pediatrician and she reassures that this is normal but I just worries me. Am I overreacting?

THANKS! for all the great feedback. Much appreciated!

BTW, the name of the book is " The care and keeping of you" by Valorie Schaefer. This is an awesome book for young girls. It explains every thing from brushing their teeth properly to periods and pubic hair. It was woth the money. Avialable at walmart.com

Answer 1

Yes..I dealt with it. My daughter was 9 1/2 when she started her menstrual cycle. Her little body didn't look ready. She barely had any pubic hair down there, and her chest had tiny little bumps, like elbows. To top it off her mood swings seemed almost psychotic..not dangerous mind you, just unpredictable. Her mood could change at the drop of a pin. She would wake me out of a deep sleep and insist I sleep in her bed, but we had to keep the lights on. We got through it. As a women, it's hard to explain I just understood, although I insisted we sleep in the dark. I took her to see her pediatrician on more than one occasion for support. We even talked to a physiologist...unfortunately no one ever suggested any books for us to read, but we did get some really helpful advice.
Word of caution....my daughter loved dairy products growing up. Cows have way to many additives in their feed. I really think it had a lot to do with her early development. Since we cut back on dairy and started eating less animal products and more organic foods we (she is now 19) both notice that both of us have fewer issues with premenstrual syndrome and uncomfortable periods. Organics foods today are much easier to get then 5 to 10 years ago (although we live in California). Many major grocery chains in our area carry organics. It wouldn't hurt to talk to someone about looking at dietary changes that you could make that could possibly make the process easier..

Answer 2

I started mine when I was eleven, my best friend never started til she was 16. So it all depends on the persons system. We are all born with a certain number of eggs already determined by our gene make -up . If you think that she may be having bleeding due to a health problem have her checked out. Other wise just let her know all women go thru this some of us earlier than others. And get her some thing for the discomfort . Hope it helps ?

Answer 3

My little sister started her period at that age as well. I think it is more common these days for girls to start their periods at a younger age than in the past. I'm sure diet (food additives/chemicals/etc.) has a lot to do with it. Just make sure you have her get checked out by an OB/GYN on a regular basis. I'm sure you will find that you have nothing to worry about--just reassure your daughter that it is completely normal and that some girls start developing at a much earlier age than others.

Answer 4

You arent overracting but there is nothing you can do to stop her body from changing. Having back pains, etc could be another problem. Did she really get her period already? If she didnt talk to the doctor. If she did then just talk to her constantly about her body and tell her not to share what is going on with her body with other kids because they wont all understand until they are a little older. Just tell her your values now and explain to her that periods are awful but she needs to try and control her behavior. Every woman deals with it and she needs to learn how to handle it as she gets older. Just relax and take one day at a time. Be patient.

Answer 5

i think girls are developing earlier at an alarming rate. but perhaps you should talk to a doctor just to make sure it isn't something else. start having talks with her, just don't give a book and expect her to understand what all of this is about, perhaps you should read the book and the discuss what is in it. If in gact she is about to start her period talk to your gynocologist and ask for some tips on how to discuss this with her. despite being a woman yourself that doesn't always mean we know what is best way to talk about these things. Good luck!

Answer 6

First, make sure she knows that its a natural body function. Make sure she knows to go to the nurse at school if she starts and isn't carrying a pad. Teach her how to double over toilet paper and stick in her underwear to help hold the blood until she can get to a pad.Then help her physically with medicines. Talk to the doctor about mentrual medicines that she can use at her age. And I know its gonna sound screrwed up, but you might need to consider birth control. Not for sex, but to help her periods not be as heavy, painful, and uncomfortable. As if this wasn't bad enough, you gotta have a sex talk with your 9 year old!

Answer 7

I can understand your concerns. My daughter is almost 9 and I must admit, what you are going through is my worst nightmare. I think you are doing all the right things. You are being open and honest with her. I always think books and leaflets are the way to go as well as talking. They can explain things better. Let her know if she needs anything, you are there.

Other than that, I don't think there is much more that you can do.

Good luck!

Answer 8

My youngest daughter was like this for a few years before hers actually started. My husband and I always said she had the longest case of pms we had ever seen. And as others have stated, girls are beginning their periods much earlier than we did.

Answer 9

I started when I was 8. I remember my mom freaking out and drove to the hospital only for the doc to tell her that I started menstruating. It all depends on biology.

She's at a normal age for menstruation...

Answer 10

unfortunatly it does happen at an early age. the best thing i can say is talk with her and be understanding. remember, we went through the same thing maybe not at a young age. that's why she really needs you right now, just be patient, both of ya'll will get through it.