My 12 year old daughter had her first period in May. Just yesterday, she and I put the puzzle pieces together about something. For the last three cycles, we have noticed a pattern of her feeling like she is coming down with a cold a few days before she begins bleeding. She gets sneezy and stuffy/runny and quite tired and it seems like a full on cold but then seems to clear up pretty quickly once her cycle kicks in. Is this a PMS symptom that other people have experienced? It is really bizarre to me. She doesn't usually suffer from seasonal allergies and is otherwise a healthy kid.
I am wondering if other women or teens have this kind of experience before they start their period and if so, is there anything you do to help? She feels kind of awful and is not super thrilled about the idea that this "cold" may be a monthly ritual.
Thanks so much for your thoughts!
Any questions I have or have had related to my daughter's cycle I have taken to her doctor. My mom had uterine cancer so I don't play with anything cycle related for me or her. The first year is always weird, but still, you should ask her doctor.
Have you asked a doctor or a nurse in the field of OB/GYN? Most medical.offices have an advice nurse.
It could be hormone levels change before a period. Her immunity system could weaken a bit before her period. Does she take any vitamins? Perhaps she should. Contact your doctor and ask. Every person's body is different so what might not be for one might be for another. Besides, she is just starting her cycles and it does take time to regulate into a rhythm for them.
the other S.
I can tell you I dealt with this personally. I used to joke that I was allergic to my period. I never suffered from allergies or sinus issues so it was really strange.
Getting good rest helped me some. My mom was not a believer in vitamins, etc., so I never tried anything like that. I always thought my body didn't like my period for whatever reason. Many years later (after I had miscarried several times) I underwent extensive tests. Turns out I had an adenoma on my pituitary gland. I don't know if that had anything to do with that aspect or not, but I'm betting it did.
Sorry I'm not more help. Just wanted you to know I had the same exact issue.
Maybe keeping a journal of exactly what happens for a few cycles will help. Then you can take that info to the doctor. It may be they will refer you to an endocrinologist. I do wish I had investigated much earlier some of my issues.
Blessings!
I'm not a dr.. I'm wondering if it's just hormone related?
I mean, it's weird, but not that weird. Bodies do strange things, especially during PMS! I would mention it to an OBGYN when you go, but not worry about it really.
This happens to me. Almost every cycle I'm left wondering, "Is this my period on the way, or am I coming down with something?" Unfortunately, I don't really have a cure for the problem. Taking extra care to get enough hydration, rest, and good nutrition the week before has helped some. My doc says it's unusual but not alarming.
Does she have any pain with it? Or tenderness around her eyes or sinus cavity?
You can get migraines with PMS that feel like a sinus cold or allergies. You don't necessarily have to have the headache with it.
Does she notice that she retains water (pants a little tight, etc)? I'm thinking it could make sense, because lots of people retain water with PMS, which is why some PMS meds have mild diuretics in them. And retaining water can make your sinuses swell, leading to a stuffy/runny nose kind of feeling. But this is all pure speculation, and I would definitely talk to a doctor before giving her anything along these lines to treat it.
Yes! I start sneezing, my throat will hurt, and so do my joints, especially my lower back and my left knee. On occasion, I get terrible migraines. My nose also seems to get stuffy and most of the time, I suddenly catch colds that I was able to fight off weeks ago, as if it somehow affects my immune system. I also feel weak and lethargic during my period, my hair suddenly looks brittle and dry, and I bloat up significantly, to the point I have to wear flowy dresses or stretchy leggings with a tunic top to work because my pants won't zip anymore. I have PCOS, but it does not mean your daughter does too. I know that for some, the weakness, etc. is due to an iron deficiency due to loss of blood. I try to eat red meat or take iron pills during my period just to feel a bit more energetic.
I've felt the same way before my period starts, but not every month. It's like the start of a head cold but then I don't get sick, I just get my period. Sometimes I'll even get a low-grade fever the day before. I've never bothered to ask why? It's just always been this way and I've gotten used to it. Never seems to be a big problem. I have friends that get terrible cramps and I'll take a stuffy nose over those symptoms any day.
