Every year, a young girl presents to the office with the impending start of her menses (period).  This is obviously a new chapter in their life that must be a little intimidating to say the least. A little time of education between the young woman and a loving mother, or even a caring physician can go a long ways in dispelling the fears they may have.

This week was not any different than another as Carrie presented with the same situation. She had noticed a discharge in her undergarments and had brought it to the attention of her young mother. This prompted an office visit where a bit of education and encouragement was given. All seemed well as she left the office much less concerned than when she had first come in.

I saw her mother a week later and heard the rest of the story. Once Carrie got home, the tears began to flow. I had told her that her period would probably start some time this summer, and that they usually end when you are about 51 years old (giving a little information to her young mother during the same visit).  Carrie interpreted that to mean that her swimming days were soon over. She thought that once she started bleeding, she bled forever.  We had forgot to tell her that these periods stop. Once she realized that she would only bleed 5-7 days per month, things seemed better.