The ability to manage menstrual periods after a brain injury will depend
on a young woman's pre-injury experience with periods,
and the degree of their physical and learning
difficulties after the injury.
When a girl/young woman with a brain injury starts
menstruating, it can be a challenging time for her and her
family.
Sometimes after a brain injury, the following may
happen:
- a girl may start getting
her period earlier than expected
- a girl who already has her
period may take some time to start having regular
periods
Who can provide information and support?
If there are any concerns about period management, you can discuss these with your child's GP in the first instance. Your GP may then suggest talking about this with your child's rehabilitation doctor or paediatrician.
What can be done to help?
Medical intervention may need to be considered if, for example, periods
are irregular, very heavy, difficult to manage or if they impact on your
child's quality of life.
Another
professional who may become involved is an occupational therapist. It is
important to help a young woman prepare for menstruation by giving her an
opportunity to practise the skills she will need when she gets her period. The
strategies used will vary depending on the specific skills and
difficulties of each individual.
For example, repeating the steps and using prompt sheets may be
helpful for a young woman with significant memory, planning and
organisational difficulties. Difficulties with upper limb
coordination may mean trying out a variety of sanitary pad options
to see which one is the easiest to use or most
suitable.
More information
Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, based on the Period management fact sheet produced by the Brain Injury Service, The Children's Hospital Westmead. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.
Reviewed August 2020.
Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.