Heavy periods are common in teens. Why? Well, here’s the science bit! A ‘period’ is the shedding of the lining of the womb. The thicker the lining, the heavier the bleeding. Hormones control the thickness of the lining and are normally in careful balance so bleeding is moderate. During puberty the body is adapting to becoming fertile and the levels of hormones can be erratic. This means the lining gets thicker than normal and bleeding is heavy. After a few years this usually settles down.

However, there are also medical reasons for heavy bleeding, such as thyroid problems, blood diseases or infections. Bleeding through towels designed for the heaviest flow could be the sign there’s an issue, so you must consult your GP to identify if you have any of these treatable problems. Even if you don’t, they can suggest other treatments that can reduce the heaviness such as hormones to decrease the thickness of the lining, or medications that reinforce the body’s natural mechanisms to stop bleeding. There’s no need to suffer in silence.

I understand it’s frustrating not to be allowed to do something when perhaps your friends are, but don’t let it have such a big impact on your life. It’s really not worth hiding away for the sake of a bit of make-up! Try discussing your feelings with your mum in a calm, adult way, and you may be able to reach a compromise. Being a teenager is stressful, and as your body changes you become more conscious of your appearance.

Make-up can be a fun way of expressing yourself, but there are other ways to stand out in the crowd. Try experimenting with your clothes instead, and be bold with colours and accessories. Most of all, remember that there is more to a person than the outer cover – get out there and let your personality shine!