Resolved question:
My daughter is 13 and she started her period November 25th. This was her first period. She ended her period nov 29th. Then December 4th she started bleeding again. There have been little clots and some stringy blood. She is still bleeding today the 7th. This is her first time to have a period but to her she now thinks it will never end. She has had little to no cramps with this bleeding that just started.
Is this normal to have this break thru bleeding so long in between her next cycle?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
OBGYN
Hello,
Thanks for your consult at DoctorSpring.com.
Menarche is characterized by irregular menstrual bleeding, the same as menopause! Cycles would be irregular, with no definite pattern. It all streamlines within 3 - 6 months at the most, because the hormonal axis is stabilizing still. This is just her first period, and it is very common to see adolescent girls plagued with mid cycle spotting, menorrhagia ( increased menstrual bleeding ) etc.
Factor V Leiden mutation would not cause this generally. She needs to see a doctor only if she is bleeding profusely, and continuously, requiring treatment. Generally, if the periods are very irregular, oral contraceptive pills are prescribed for 3 - 6 months, those are contraindicated in girls with Factor V Leiden mutation.
Right now, please maintain a menstrual diary. In a couple of cycles, this bleeding should fall into a pattern. If it does not / heavy bleeding continues, see a gynecologist.
She can try taking Tranexamic acid - mefenamic acid combinations for the severe bleeding, in case it occurs. At present, since it is not heavy, just wait and watch.
To answer your question - yes, around menarche, such breakthrough bleeding and irregular cycles are very common. Do not worry.
Take care.
Please feel free to discuss further.