Dr Phil Kieran: Should I take my 13-year-old to our GP for her painful periods?

From the symptoms you describe, it sounds more like dysmenorrhoea rather than endometriosis

Research shows that up to 90% of women have pain during their periods, and that a significant number will need to take medication to help manage it. Picture: iStock 

My 13-year-old’s periods have become increasingly painful to the point where she is doubled over. Nurofen helps to dull the pain. She is also complaining of clotting. I’m worried that it could be endometriosis. Should I wait until she’s older in case her periods settle down or take her to see the GP?

Painful periods are, unfortunately, very common but that doesn’t mean there is nothing that can be done or that you should just be told to suffer in silence.