More often than not teen girls barely understand their health. As their bodies grow and change, the experience can be confusing.. However, not many people know how to guide them and help them safely learn about these changes. As their reproductive system develops, it is crucial that parents help them understand the importance of their health and well-being. However, how do you do that? Yet, even parents, because this topic was not openly discussed in the past, often struggle to address it.To tackle this, Dr. Holly Miller, a Gynecology Surgeon, shared a video on her profile, listing 5 important things adolescents should know. 5 Health Facts Teen Girls Should Know Titling the video ‘5 Things Every Mom Should Make Sure Her Teenage Daughter Knows’ adding the caption, ‘She deserves to know the whole truth’ under it. Severe Symptoms Are a Warning Sign Your daughter's period should not control her life. If she is missing school, constantly soaking through pads, or stuck in bed doubled over with pain, that’s her body signaling a problem. Teach her to listen to these signals. It's normal to have some discomfort, but extreme pain or heavy bleeding is not something she has to silently endure. These symptoms need to be discussed with a doctor, as they can sometimes point to underlying issues. Discharge is Healthy and Powerful Vaginal discharge is completely normal and healthy. It’s how the body naturally cleans itself. Tell her that the changes in discharge are normal, too. For instance, around ovulation (when the egg is released), she may notice more discharge that is clear and stretchy. This kind of mucus is a sign of fertility. Explain that her body is an amazing machine designed to protect itself and, one day, potentially support a baby—this is a powerful, incredible function, not something to feel embarrassed or "gross" about. Cramps Are Real Muscle Contractions When she feels cramps, tell her that the pain is real. It's not just "tummy ache"—it's her uterus, which is a large muscle, squeezing and contracting to push the blood out. The heavier the bleeding, the more work her uterus has to do, and the more intense the cramps might be. It is the same kind of muscle contraction that happens during labor, just much smaller! Yes, it can hurt, and yes, it is absolutely okay to take appropriate pain relief medication (like ibuprofen) to help manage the discomfort. Tracking Her Cycle Is a Tool for Power Encourage your daughter to track her cycle—and not just the days she bleeds. Tracking is a tool for learning her body’s patterns. Explain that her hormones shift throughout the month, which can affect her mood, energy levels, sleep, and even memory. When she tracks, she can start to connect these changes to the different phases of her cycle, like ovulation. This knowledge gives her power and control because she can anticipate how she’ll feel and plan her life accordingly. Favor Many Small Talks Over One Big Talk You don't need one "perfect conversation" about puberty. Puberty is a long process that happens in stages over many years, not in a single day. Instead, aim for hundreds of small, open conversations over time. Keep the door to communication wide open. When she asks a question, answer it simply and honestly right then and there. These "one-minute talks" create a safe space for her to share her fears, ask embarrassing questions, and feel supported as her body changes. Why Parents Must Encourage Their Daughters? Dr. Holly emphasized that parents should help their kids know their daughters emotionally as well. As a parent, you must remind her that she is incredibly strong, even if she feels emotional, confused, or physically weak sometimes. Help her find her strength by sharing yours, be honest about your own struggles, and how you overcome them.
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