Julia Thomson - Footer

Julia Thomson-article-articleHeader

Julia Thomson articlebody

While many of us experience irritability or moodiness during our periods, helping your daughter through puberty means keeping an eye on the extremity of her mood swings.

If she shows ﬁve or more of the following symptoms to a worrying degree, she may have a syndrome called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD):

- Deep sadness or despair, with possible suicidal thoughts
- Crying
- Fatigue
- Lasting irritability and anger issues
- Disinterest in daily activities and relationships
- Low energy
- Lasting feelings of tension or anxiety
- Trouble thinking or focusing
- Food cravings or binge eating
- Panic attacks
- Feeling out of control or overwhelmed

Thankfully, PMMD can be managed with treatment so, if you think your daughter may be suffering from it, speak to your GP to get a diagnosis.

Extreme mood swings

As much as she might not want it to happen, a certain amount of weight gain is normal. Part of helping your daughter through puberty involves providing reassurance that this is natural, because adult women have more body fat than young girls.

However, if she’s gaining a lot of weight, you’ll need to support her in adopting a healthier lifestyle. Rather than focusing on the scales, encourage her to eat well and stay active to keep herself physically (and mentally) ﬁt.

Weight gain during puberty

Julia is a __general paediatrician__ with expertise in __paediatric cardiology__. Since 2009 she has also supported the training of junior doctors to enhance the continuing professional development of GPs and other health professionals working with children. 

She has recently returned to __NHS work__ and is focussing her efforts on her role as a __trustee and senior volunteer instructor for the charity NICHE international__, focusing on teaching newborn cases in West Africa and training local instructors.


Julia Thomson

While puberty is often an exciting time, it can be difﬁcult to know what to do when your daughter gets her period early or late. Click here for our tips!

A124 What To Do When Your Daughter Gets Her Period Early Or Late?/period-hub/first-period-and-puberty/

What To Do When Your Daughter Gets Her Period Early Or Late?

Always FlexProtect

A124 What To Do When Your Daughter Gets Her Period Early Or Late?

Confidence at puberty

First Period Guide

A125 Helping Your Daughter Through Puberty

Supporting Your Daughter Through Early Or Late Puberty

While puberty is often an exciting time for a girl, it can be difﬁcult to know what to do when your daughter gets her period early or late.

And what does ‘early’ or ‘late’ puberty actually mean – and if your daughter’s ﬁrst period is late, how can you support her?

A124 - CT01 - Early Or Late Puberty?

Early Or Late Puberty?

A125 - T05 - Weight gain during puberty

Is it Normal?

A002 - What are Always pantyliners made of?

What are Always pantyliners made of?

When to see your GP

A004 Skin Health Alliance For Always

Skin Health Alliance for Always

Julia Thomson-contentpage

Nothing is guaranteed to make her toes curl more than you tiptoe-ing round the subject.

When starting to explain puberty, avoid euphemisms. Using phrases like ‘foof’ or ‘front bottom’, or replacing words like ‘period’ with ‘time of the month’, can send out subtle messages that periods are something to be embarrassed about.

Be clear that puberty is something that everyone goes through – mums, dads and brothers included!

Be matter of fact

Always Maxi

The Always My Fit sizing chart can be found on the top of all Always’ pad packages and the numbered size is found on the front. The better it ﬁts, the better it protects!

A117 - C04 - Find your size 

A125 - T02 - Hair sprouting everywhere!

Hair sprouting everywhere!

Always Infinity FlexProtect Long (Size 2) sanitary pads

Always Daily Fresh Normal Pantyliners

Skin Health Alliance For Always

A117 How To Explain Periods And Puberty To Your Daughter

Read the full article below

Find helpful resources about periods categorised into subtopics. Get informed with expert insights, navigate your period journey with confidence.

First Period & Puberty

Period Hub: Explore Period Articles by Category | Always UK

Period Hub - PH01 - First Period & Puberty

Caurosal - A117 - How To Explain Periods And Puberty To Your Daughter

How To Explain Periods And Puberty To Your Daughter

## Is it Normal?

During puberty, it can be hard to know what’s “normal” and what’s not. In this article we share some of girls’ most common concerns, with expert advice so you can be sure you’re helping your daughter through puberty in the right way – and seeking support when she needs it.

Always Platinum Secure Night (Size 4) pads with wings

Dr Nihara Krause

A117 How to explain periods and puberty to your daughter - Related Articles

Period Hub - PH01 - ADP - First Period And Puberty - Related Articles 

A124 What To Do When Your Daughter Gets Her Period Early Or Late? Head Image

Back

A117 Explain periods to daughter

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A004-Skin-Health-Alliance/00-Skin-Health-Alliance-Accreditation-For-ALWAYS.jpg

Skin Health Alliance For Always Seo Image

A117 - T01 - Start talking early

Start talking early

There’s no need for your daughter to go to the doctor when she gets her ﬁrst period. However, you should book an appointment if she:

- Has severe [menstrual cramps](/en-gb/period-hub/symptoms-explained/why-are-you-tired-before-period/) or any other extreme [pelvic pains](/en-gb/period-hub/symptoms-explained/symptoms-before-your-period/)
- Experiences bleeding that is unusually heavy or lasts more than seven days
- Has vaginal itching, redness, sores, swelling, an unusual odour or discharge
- Is thinking of becoming sexually active and needs to discuss contraception and safe sex habits
- Might be pregnant
- Notices a change in the regularity of her periods after more than a year
- Experiences frequent urination or a burning sensation when she urinates
- Has any injury to her pelvic area
- Has had non-consensual sex or may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease.

Feeling uncomfortable during your period? Try wearing [Always Platinum](/en-gb/feminine-products/sanitary-towels/always-platinum/always-platinum-normal-sanitary-pads-wings/) period pads with wings, designed to provide you not only with the effective protection thanks to the enhanced core with great absorbency. They are also designed to be as comfortable as possible - that's why they have two-layer top sheet made of soft non-woven material with hundreds micro-cushions, serving as leakage barriers.

A004 - T01 - Skin Health Alliance Accreditation

Research has shown that when a mother relays her own experiences to help explain puberty, it gives her daughter a framework with which to understand the world.

It doesn’t matter if your story is about something difﬁcult, such as feeling embarrassed because of your period in the school changing rooms. As long as there’s a positive resolution, your experiences can provide valuable lessons, and help her feel like she can talk to you.

Share your experiences

Always Ultra Night

Dr Julia Thomson

As soon as you notice the ﬁrst signs of puberty, start having regular talks to help your daughter understand the changes she’s experiencing & how to cope.

If you’ve noticed signs of vaginal discharge in her underwear, reassure her that it’s completely normal. Talk to her about using [pantyliners](/en-gb/feminine-products/panty-liners/), which can help her feel fresh all day long. This is also the perfect time to explain periods to a child.

A117 - T01 - SUB01 - Start talking early

Always Platinum

Always products are made of safe and reliable materials that give you the ultimate protection without sacrificing your health. Click here to learn more!

We care for your safety | Always

Always Safety Information | Always

Always Infinity FlexProtect Night (Size 3) sanitary pads


Puberty, with its physical and emotional changes, can be a rollercoaster ride for girls, so it’s important to have honest and open conversations. How you explain puberty to your daughter will set the tone for the next few years (no pressure!).

If you think it’s time to explain puberty to your daughter and have the ‘period talk’, follow these tips.

A117 - T01 - Having "The Talk"

Having "The Talk"

A117 - T05 - Write her a note

Write her a note

Always Daily Fresh Odour Lock Normal Wrapped Pantyliners

The Skin Health Alliance dermatological accreditation involves a scientific review of a product’s research and data regarding its ingredients, clinical trials data and proof of efficacy. This scientific review is performed by a team of independent dermatologists.

- __Science Based:__ The scientific review by a team of independent dermatologists reassures consumers that there is thorough and credible science behind a product and that claims are based on scientific evidence.

- __Skin Safe:__ Provides consumers with confidence that a product has been verified as skin safe by leading dermatologists and skin experts.

- __Efficacious:__ Consumers know that any claims of effectiveness made by a product have also undergone independent scientific review.

- __Responsible:__ The Skin Health Alliance ensure that a product is not harmful to the environment at any stage of its development, manufacture or disposal so that consumers know they are making a responsible choice.

A004 - T02 - What does it mean to have a Skin Health Alliance Accreditation?

A125 - T06 - Early or Late developer

Early or Late developer

Find your perfect fit - Comparison chart - PADS 

Find your perfect fit

A125 - T04 - Spotting between periods

Spotting between periods

Period Hub - PH01 - First Period and Puberty -  Our most read Articles

Our most read Articles

Julia Thomson - article list

Articles reviewed

Julia Thomson is a general paediatrician with expertise in paediatric cardiology.

Julia Thomson - Consultant Paediatrician

Product Recommender

The more you can encourage everyone in the household to be open about puberty and periods, the better.

- Send Dad to pick up pads or tampons from the shop, or ask your son to put your period products in the bathroom when unpacking the shopping.

- Mention to other members of the family that you have your period so that your daughter understands that periods are not a taboo subject.

A117 - T06 - SUB01 - Encourage period openness

Dr David Nunns

Article reviewed by

Helping Your Daughter Through Puberty

Period Hub - PH01 - First Period and Puberty - Related Products

Related Products

Try one of our bestselling products

A015 How to Manage Period Pain and Cramps

Period pains and cramps

Heavy, painful periods

A010 -  How to Calculate Your Menstrual Cycle

Calculate your menstrual cycle

Friendships can be a challenging part of puberty. Your daughter may not be particularly sociable, but if she seems generally happy there’s no need to worry. However, if she ﬁnds social situations tough, these tips on how to help your child through puberty can help:

Encourage her to plan an activity – like having a sleepover with a friend or playing football in the park.

Give your daughter lots of praise for her efforts to help build her self- esteem.

If she lacks conﬁdence, help her identify other kids who share similar interests, or suggest she joins a club where she might meet like-minded people.

Try not to pressure her about friends or constantly discuss the situation.

Problems making friends

A117 How to explain periods and puberty to your daughter

A003 Safety and Innovation

Safety and Innovation

Strong emoji

Strong

A125 - T03 - Extreme mood swings

A017 What Does Your First Period Look Like?

What Does Your First Period Look Like?

ABOUT US - C02 - We care for your safety

We care for your safety

A125 - T01 - Heavy, painful periods

A004 Skin Health Alliance For ALWAYS

Puberty usually starts between 9 and 13 years old. During this time, your daughter will experience most or all of these changes:

 - __Developing breasts__
 - __Weight gain__
 - __Spots / acne__
 - __Body hair growth__
 - __Greasier hair__
 - __Sweating / body odour__
 - __Vaginal discharge__
 - __Mood swings__
 - __Broadening of the hips and thighs__

Reassure her that she shouldn’t be self-conscious as all of her friends are going through these changes – or will be soon!

If she hasn’t shown any of the signs of starting puberty by the age of 13, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP for advice.

A117 - T01 -SUB02 - 9 signs she’s hitting puberty

9 signs she’s hitting puberty

Julia Thomson- content2column

Consultant Paediatrician
# Julia Thomson 
## BA BM MSc FRCPCH MacadMEd

### What causes early puberty?
Early-onset puberty is increasingly common. The reasons for it are not fully understood, but factors may include:

- Genetics – if you, or her siblings, experienced early puberty, she may too.
- Being overweight – evidence suggests that obesity could be a driving factor.

### Should I be worried?
If the signs of puberty come early and your daughter starts her period at 9, this shouldn’t be cause for concern. However, if your daughter gets her period at age 7 or 8, you should consult a doctor, as she may have a condition called precocious puberty, which is a medical condition caused by an abnormality in the brain and the way it releases hormones.

### How can I support her?
Starting puberty before everyone else can be tricky for a girl – and it can be hard to know what to do when your daughter gets her period early. The most important thing is to talk to her about these changes and help her understand that there is nothing ‘wrong’ with her.

- Before your daughter starts her period, read the [Always Changing & Growing Up Parents’ Guide](https://assets.ctfassets.net/aqfuj2z95p5p/68eXx4LANNLT4eI83VjWxC/761760a537ac3dc4484ea06a308515ea/PARENTS_booklet_final.pdf) so you can explain what’s happening to her body and reassure her that everything is normal.
- Talk to her about periods well before they arrive. Watch [Your Menstrual Cycle & Periods video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS4hpqu37ms) together and remind her that you’re always here to answer any questions she may have.
- Explain that going through puberty and periods early is a little like getting to a birthday party early. It can feel a little uncomfortable at ﬁrst, but once everyone else has arrived, it’s actually pretty fun.
- Encourage her to carry period products in her schoolbag so she’s prepared. [Always Ultra pads](/en-gb/feminine-products/sanitary-towels/always-ultra/) are a great choice for when your daughter starts her period because they use special technology that turns liquid into gel – for up to 100% leakage protection, so she can stay protected and conﬁdent.

A124 - CT03 - Recognising early puberty

Always Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra (Size 4) sanitary pads

Due to our high safety standards, ALWAYS has been awarded the Skin Health Alliance ‘Dermatologically Accredited’ approval. Click here to learn what it means!

A004 Skin Health Alliance For Always | Always

Skin Health Alliance for Always | Always

Dr Julia Thomson BIO image round

A056 3 Stretches for Period Cramps

3 Stretches for Period Cramps

What does it mean to have a Skin Health Alliance Accreditation?


If your daughter hasn’t shown any signs of puberty by the ages of 13 or 14, and hasn’t started her period by age of 16, she is going through delayed puberty.

### What causes early puberty?
- A common cause of late puberty in girls is lack of body fat – which can be the result of involvement in extreme sports.
- Delayed puberty sometimes can be a sign of an endocrine, or hormone, problem.

### Should I be worried?
Generally speaking, there is nothing bad about starting puberty a bit later – each girl is on her own timeline. However, if your daughter hasn’t started her period by 16, encourage her to see the GP so you can work out a solution together.

### How can I support her?
Emotionally, it may be difﬁcult for your daughter to sit back and watch all of her friends developing before her. But remind her that we all end up in the same place – as strong, conﬁdent adults. How and when she gets there is part of the magic of being a unique individual.

__Question__: do you have heavy periods and want to feel more comfortable and protected? Your answer: Always Platinum period pads with wings! Reason: they are specifically designed to provide protection against heavy leaking. Method: enhanced core with more absorbent material combined with dual layer top sheet with micro-cushions. Effect: you feel comfortable and confident!

Recognising late or delayed puberty

While most girls expect hair to grow on their arms, legs and pubic area, your daughter might be surprised to ﬁnd it springing up in other places, too! From upper lips to nipples and chins, it’s normal and nothing to be ashamed of.

It’s up to her to decide whether she wants to remove it, but there are no rules. You can help by reassuring her that this hair growth is normal, and by discussing the different ways in which she can remove it, if that’s what she wants to do.

Spotting between periods can be confusing, to say the least.Spotting is light vaginal bleeding that happens between periods. If it’s happening just before or after her usual period, it’s most likely normal. However, if it’s happening often or unpredictably, consider taking her to the doctor.

A117 - T03 - Use tools to help

Use tools to help

A117 How to explain periods and puberty to your daughter - Our Bestsellers

Our Bestsellers

If you think it’s time to explain puberty to your daughter and have the ‘period talk’, visit our website and follow our tips!

PC 151x149

Always_EN_UK/Articles/Emoji/strong.svg

Always_EN_UK/Articles/Emoji/wondering.svg

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A124-What-To-Do-When-Your-Daughter/00-Early-Or-Late-Puberty-.jpg

Always_EN_UK/Articles/Doctors-images/Nihara_Krause_NEW.png

EP - Julia thomson

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A124-What-To-Do-When-Your-Daughter/02-Recognising-early-puberty.jpg

Always_EN_UK/Articles/Doctors-images/David-Nunns.jpg

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A124-What-To-Do-When-Your-Daughter/03-Recognising-late-or-delayed-puberty.jpg

Dr Julia Thomson image

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A117-Having-the-talk/Getting-her-period-ready.jpg

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A125-Helping-Your-Daughter-Through-Puberty/When-to-see-your-GP.jpg

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A125-Helping-Your-Daughter-Through-Puberty/00-Is-it-Normal.jpg

Julia Thomson BIO

Night Ultra Size 3 With Wings

08700216592468 C1N1

Most Read Articles

Always Ultra Night Size 4

Brown discharge

Always Ultra Normal Size 1

Why is my period late?

Bleeding before periods

Always Infinity Size 2

Bestsellers

Suggestion List

Articles reviewed

Skin Health Alliance for Always

Helping Your Daughter Through Puberty

What To Do When Your Daughter Gets Her Period Early Or Late?

Explain Periods and Puberty