Why Can Teen Periods Be So Tough?
This is a great question, and there are several reasons.
They are unpredictable. A lot of girls, especially when they first start their periods, aren’t actually ovulating. So, it can be very difficult to know when it can show up. And that just adds to the frustration level!
Teens often make more prostaglandins, which are the chemical messengers that cause the uterus to contract. This means more painful cramping.
Check out this handout for more information on managing (and you could also share with your teen)!
Testimonials
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“We’ve been blown away by Dr Harrington’s responsiveness, attention to detail, and extraordinary care. We use the subscription texting regularly, and we’ve also taken advantage of video visits, which have been incredibly helpful. We are an MD/APRN (pediatric) family, so we’re particular about who we trust and what we expect. Kate always supports her guidance with both data and deep clinical experience. She has a remarkable ability to speak to us in both worlds—honoring our medical/nursing backgrounds while understanding that we’re parents first. Her communication is always calming, thoughtful, and deeply informative.
Kate treats all of our children by speaking to them directly, which creates a level of connection — especially for younger kids who are still learning to feel seen and heard.
We have four kids (ages 9, 6, 4, and 1), and she’s helped us through RSV, endless colds and viruses, chronic strep and tonsillitis, questionable staph, cold sore meds, sleep issues, and most recently, navigating the need for tonsil removal. The reassurance she’s given us has been absolutely invaluable. We’re so grateful for her and for this service!”
-Emily & Matt (children ages 9, 6, 4 & 1)
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“Dr. Harrington was a lifesaver when my daughter was very sick, and our pediatrician couldn’t provide answers. She gave us a much-needed second opinion, which allowed us to advocate for our daughter and get her the proper diagnosis quickly. Thanks to Dr. Harrington, she was on the road to recovery much sooner. We are so grateful for her expertise and care!”
-Jen (child age 11)
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“Your Pediatrician Friend has been an invaluable service to our family. Dr. Harrington is truly one of a kind- so thorough, knowledgeable, and reassuring- everything you'd want in a pediatrician! She has been incredibly helpful to our family and has saved us so many trips to the doctors office and even the ER. Dr. Harrington is super responsive (even when she's on the other side of the world!) and so caring. I can't recommend her enough. This service is worth every penny!”
-A. Leung (children ages 4 & 2.5)
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“Our teen experienced severe facial swelling while on Spring Break. Initially, I talked to the nurse line at our regular pediatrician’s office. They offered solutions that included three types of medications and discussed us making a trip in to see a doctor. I decided to get a second opinion from Dr. Harrington. Not only did Dr. Harrington provide a detailed explanation of what was happening inside the body to cause the swelled appearance, she offered a solution that did not involve any medication. My teen followed her advice and was noticeably better within hours and has had continuous improvement since. We saved a trip to the doctor’s office and avoided unnecessary medication! Thank you, Dr. Harrington!”
-Mom of 16 year old
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“So thankful for Dr. Kate Harrington and this service. She has been a great resource and second opinion for several illnesses/medical concerns that we have had. She is thorough, empathetic, quick to respond and follow up, and very knowledgeable on every concern/illness that we have discussed with her. Being able to text a pediatrician to help make medical decisions for our children has been such a valuable service to us and we look forward to being clients for years to come!”
-Emily Eppel (children ages 4, 2 & 7 months)
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“As a Mom to two busy boys, managing all the things can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, since I started using Dr. Harrington’s texting service, the mental load has significantly lightened. This service is a game-changer for busy parents like me.
The convenience of being able to text a pediatrician anytime with questions or concerns is invaluable. Whether it's about symptoms, medication, or general advice, Dr. Harrington provides prompt, reliable, and reassuring responses. The peace of mind knowing that expert help is just a text away has made a world of difference.
I highly recommend Dr. Harrington’s texting service to any parent looking for help with managing the mental load around kids' health questions, it's been a game changer for me! “
-Sophie A. (children ages 7 & 5)
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“I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Harrington. She is approachable, an excellent listener, and never makes you feel like an overanxious parent. Her guidance is always clear, thoughtful, and genuinely helpful. She has a remarkable way of putting your mind at ease and reminding you that you’re not alone in facing health or behavioral challenges with your child. Thank you, Dr. Harrington—you’re truly the best!”
-Meghan K. (children ages 7 & 3)
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“Navigating a new ADHD and learning disability diagnosis for our child felt overwhelming - until we connected with Dr. Harrington.
She answered every question with clarity and compassion, provided us the information we needed to make confident decisions, gave advice for how to talk with our daughter, and helped us build a plan that felt thoughtful, doable, and full of hope. We left our first virtual visit with a deep sense of relief - a feeling of, "we’ve got this." Her warmth, care, and steady guidance have been an incredible gift during a time that initially felt so uncertain. We’re planning to continue with Dr. Harrington for a few months as we get our feet under us, as it gives us real peace of mind knowing she’s in our corner!”
-Anonymous
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"There is no other doctor we trust more than Dr. Harrington. She has taken care of our two girls, ages 9 and 12, since birth. There is no one more experienced or informed than her. If your kiddo has a tricky health concern, I’m sure she’s seen it before…more than once. She approaches every situation with a kind and calm voice. Her demanor makes our girls and us so comfortable and confident in their treatment. They look forward to their appointments with her. We would highly recommend Dr. Harrington.”
-Alyssa
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“We love Dr. Harrington! We have missed Dr. Harrington since leaving our pediatric clinic, but we have been so thrilled to still have her guidance and expertise as we navigate the baby and toddler years through her unlimited texting membership. She is prompt, incredibly diligent and detailed in her questions and responses, and has been an immense help for our family!”
-Maggie (children 2 & 3 months)