Parents Puberty and gymnasts

[maryRS]

Sooo, my daughter is 11 and in 6th grade. I got my period at 12 (in 6th grade). At her 11 y/o checkup ped told us based on her growth pattern and development at this point, he estimated she had another year or two. So, I was pretty happy with that, thought it made sense, he is usually on with his estimates about that kind of stuff. Odd thing happened after that appointment, she really grew, hips grew, though I think she is taking after my husband's side of the family, and they are not particularly hippy so it's not so noticeable. I was still going along with the two year estimate at that point, cause he said so right
Well, she ended up getting very light spotting in December, guess when? Yes, meet day. Ugh, so much to deal with, and I kept thinking it can't be that! But it was. And do you know what her luck is? Meet in January and February (this past weekend) she had to deal with it. She is adjusting better. It is super light, what I would call spotting that just lasts on and off for about 3-4 days. I really just hate dealing with this at meets - she is stressed enough and it has added a new stress.

I'm kind of wondering how you deal with this at meets? She ended up asking for tampons, and I hate the idea, but really, at a meet, she doesn't have much choice. Right now she is very light, but that won't last forever. To my surprise she doesn't seem to have a problem with the tampon and did wear one at her last meet, with a thin panty liner. Hate that we are dealing with it now but I guess it is inevitable eventually.

The other thing, she doesn't want to discuss it with anyone. I had suggested she ask some of the girls that she knows have it, what they do, but she will not do that. So since she won't ask in person....I'm looking for some guidance here.

Oh and whoever says that sports makes it happen later, well, this is a kid who does gymnastics 3 days a week and practices soccer 2 days for two hours with tons of running plus games - she is super active, up until the day she got her period all she really had were little buds, and really still doesn't have much up top. So much fun this is!!!

 

[Krystan]

A while back there was a great "sticky" thread about periods on the parent forum, but I don't see it there any more. I'm sure if you search you'll come across it and lots of other great suggestions. I'm open to hearing them too! I have an almost-11 year old and am worried about this, which I'm sure is sooner in my future than I'd wish...

 

[Ingwe]

I have no advise as my DD has not had hers yet. I know it is coming sooner rather then later and I just keep praying that she gets though meet season before it does

 

[gymgal]

Dd is same age/stage as yours. I really figured she had at least a couple years to go. And she still could but this thread is not making me feel better. She is only 72 lbs so I hope we have at least another year. She'll be training 20 hours once the summer begins.

Have you spoken with the ped about it? There may be a hormone imbalance. There usually is a pretty reliable pattern of development and need for a certain amount of body fat. If she hasn't reached those yet, there may be something else going on.

 

[maryRS]

I have spoken with the ped. It is apparently all in the realm of normal. She is 5'1 and about 85-90 pounds. Solid, muscular build, but by no means a skinny minny with no body fat. I know a lot of people say you have to reach 100 pounds, but I think that is not quite right because with some people, their body type and size, they are not going to hit 100 pounds in their youth. I didn't hit 100 pounds until I was 18 (of course you'd never know that now sadly!).

Dd is same age/stage as yours. I really figured she had at least a couple years to go. And she still could but this thread is not making me feel better. She is only 72 lbs so I hope we have at least another year. She'll be training 20 hours once the summer begins.

Have you spoken with the ped about it? There may be a hormone imbalance. There usually is a pretty reliable pattern of development and need for a certain amount of body fat. If she hasn't reached those yet, there may be something else going on.

 

[Esoteric]

At 11 it makes sense she is uncomfortable speaking with people about this. Heck, I know plenty of grown women that are uncomfortable talking about their "moon time." My oldest dd was also 11, and was mortified by the thought of tampons at first, but when she realized limitations- not only gym but she loves swimming as well- she quickly made the choice on her own. I actually had a Menarch party thing for her when she started menstruating. It was a slumber party with girls/women- family and friends that she was comfortable with and a couple of her cousins and friends that had also gone through puberty. We talked all night pretty openly about bodies and sex and products and unwanted hair growth and all that related stuff, and I think she felt a lot better after and less of an oddity. I am looking forward to a similar thing when my little one comes of age.

I have heard a lot of fuss about body fat and specific prerequisite weights- but I don't buy into that. When the fruit is ripe it will drop. I was on the "late side" and almost 13, a Class 1 gymnast with very little body fat and maybe 90- 95 pounds. All of the other girls at the gym had started much earlier, and I was one of the largest girls at 5'2" at the time. (when I quit gym a year later I grew another 3" in a year!)

I wouldn't hate the fact she uses tampons- just make sure she uses them properly and only get ones free of dyes/perfumes. Good luck to your dd, and best wishes to you sailing through these new waters.

 

[maryRS]

It's not so much hating tampons with her, it's just the whole idea, tampons seem so grown up, and I look at her and she still has a baby face! Fun stuff!

At 11 it makes sense she is uncomfortable speaking with people about this. Heck, I know plenty of grown women that are uncomfortable talking about their "moon time." My oldest dd was also 11, and was mortified by the thought of tampons at first, but when she realized limitations- not only gym but she loves swimming as well- she quickly made the choice on her own. I actually had a Menarch party thing for her when she started menstruating. It was a slumber party with girls/women- family and friends that she was comfortable with and a couple of her cousins and friends that had also gone through puberty. We talked all night pretty openly about bodies and sex and products and unwanted hair growth and all that related stuff, and I think she felt a lot better after and less of an oddity. I am looking forward to a similar thing when my little one comes of age.

I have heard a lot of fuss about body fat and specific prerequisite weights- but I don't buy into that. When the fruit is ripe it will drop. I was on the "late side" and almost 13, a Class 1 gymnast with very little body fat and maybe 90- 95 pounds. All of the other girls at the gym had started much earlier, and I was one of the largest girls at 5'2" at the time. (when I quit gym a year later I grew another 3" in a year!)

I wouldn't hate the fact she uses tampons- just make sure she uses them properly and only get ones free of dyes/perfumes. Good luck to your dd, and best wishes to you sailing through these new waters.

 

[Gymmonkeymomma]

My older DD was in 6th grade, started a month after her 12th b'day. She had been showing signs of puberty, was on the tall side... 15 hours of training per week did nothing to slow her growth. She was very lucky and for 2 years, never had her period on a meet day, although she did stress about it.... I also did not like the idea of her having to use a tampon so young, but what else can you do? She handled it very well, and since she never had her period during a meet, she didn't need to use a tampon till she was 14.

My "baby" is now also 11, 6th grader turning 12 in July. I dread this more... I think because she is so "little" (4 ft 3 and about 65 lbs)...so I'm hoping and praying that her 20 hours WILL slow things down, lol.

Talking w/our team moms, most of the older girls were older - 14 to 16, before they got theirs, although one of our 12 yr olds (13 in May) just got hers. We are lucky that our 2 female coaches are very open with the girls, so hopefully when DD's time comes, it won't be traumatic for her (just for me!)

 

[EastCoast]

I'm glad to see this thread on puberty. I have an extreme case with my DD. Her ped. sent her to see an endocrinologist at our nearest children's hospital because she is growing SO fast. She is 8yo, second grade and training 17.5 hrs. per week. I dont think the sports are hindering her development. She is 4'11 and 88 lbs. - At 8ys 3 mo. old! Almost solid muscle mind you, but after all the xrays and bloodwork was done, they placed her at a "skeletal and hormonal" age at 11 yrs. old. They said to expect her to start her monthly cycles within 6 months. We were told this 3 months ago and we are still waiting.. Her body has changed so incredibly much over the course of the last year. I talked to her school nurse and she sent home the body awareness package that she hands out in health class beginning in 5th grade. She doesnt look like any other 8 yr old I have ever seen and I really cringe at the though of making her wear tampons. I'm so not ready for this. She recognizes that she is different from the others but it doesnt seem to bother her too much. She has started asking for more privacy and doesnt want to share locker room time with others.

One little glimmer of a positive is that as she gains and temporary loses skills now because of all the growth spurts, hopefully when she gets into training the more difficult skills, she will be done growing and not get too frustrated when she "loses" something she thinks she has mastered. IE; Leg Cut, Shoot Thru.... I have also told her to look at it as a blessing because all the things she is experiencing now, can help her help all her teammates when they get ready to go through the same. She knows that it will happen to everyone, so I'm putting the spin of "being helpful to others" on it. She loves to do things for other people so I think we will continue to focus on that!

 

[GymGirl's Mom]

East Coast I just want to give you and your DD a big hug right now. My DD is 8 and is 4'2" and 60 lbs and looks big compared to the rest of her team- even the 10 year olds and my DD is on the 75th percentile for height and weight. I feel for your DD. My DD feels awkward in a sport with teeny tiny girls who are 8 years old under 4 feet tall and 38 pounds. Have you discussed delaying puberty with her Dr.? 8 seems awfully young to be almost 5 feet tall and get her period. There are medications that can delay it and then she can go off of them at 12 and begin her period then. It may be something to do a little research about, and consult with a specialist about. I don't know if you are located near a big city with a good Children's Hospital, but you might want to consider seeing a specialist.

 

[marie83]

I'm glad to see this thread on puberty. I have an extreme case with my DD. Her ped. sent her to see an endocrinologist at our nearest children's hospital because she is growing SO fast. She is 8yo, second grade and training 17.5 hrs. per week. I dont think the sports are hindering her development. She is 4'11 and 88 lbs. - At 8ys 3 mo. old! Almost solid muscle mind you, but after all the xrays and bloodwork was done, they placed her at a "skeletal and hormonal" age at 11 yrs. old. They said to expect her to start her monthly cycles within 6 months. We were told this 3 months ago and we are still waiting.. Her body has changed so incredibly much over the course of the last year. I talked to her school nurse and she sent home the body awareness package that she hands out in health class beginning in 5th grade. She doesnt look like any other 8 yr old I have ever seen and I really cringe at the though of making her wear tampons. I'm so not ready for this. She recognizes that she is different from the others but it doesnt seem to bother her too much. She has started asking for more privacy and doesnt want to share locker room time with others.

One little glimmer of a positive is that as she gains and temporary loses skills now because of all the growth spurts, hopefully when she gets into training the more difficult skills, she will be done growing and not get too frustrated when she "loses" something she thinks she has mastered. IE; Leg Cut, Shoot Thru.... I have also told her to look at it as a blessing because all the things she is experiencing now, can help her help all her teammates when they get ready to go through the same. She knows that it will happen to everyone, so I'm putting the spin of "being helpful to others" on it. She loves to do things for other people so I think we will continue to focus on that!

If you weren't in the US I'd think you were the parent of one of my gymnasts!
She is 8yrs old and taller than one of the 13 year olds! Her leg hair is starting to grow darker and she has hair under her armpits. I'm expecting the dreaded period any time soon with that one! The others are all 10/11 and no sign of puberty in any area yet!

 

[EastCoast]

East Coast I just want to give you and your DD a big hug right now. My DD is 8 and is 4'2" and 60 lbs and looks big compared to the rest of her team- even the 10 year olds and my DD is on the 75th percentile for height and weight. I feel for your DD. My DD feels awkward in a sport with teeny tiny girls who are 8 years old under 4 feet tall and 38 pounds. Have you discussed delaying puberty with her Dr.? 8 seems awfully young to be almost 5 feet tall and get her period. There are medications that can delay it and then she can go off of them at 12 and begin her period then. It may be something to do a little research about, and consult with a specialist about. I don't know if you are located near a big city with a good Children's Hospital, but you might want to consider seeing a specialist.

Thanks so much for the thoughts! Your DD's height and weight seem comparable stature for growth , just as my DD's is. (When you look at the difference of 9" and 22lbs.) We have access to some of the top pediatric specialists on the .. East Coast...
The endocrinologist said it was too late to start medication and it wasnt healthy to intervene at this point. Apparently if we had addressed it a year ago, they may have started a regimine to halt the estrogen. She started displaying body hair right around her 7th birthday. Last Saturday was one for her "baby"book. I had to finally teach her how to shave under her arms. Oh well. I appreciate your post so I feel like I'm not alone.

 

[gymmomtotwo]

Hi,

I was eleven and a competitive swimmer when I started. I had no other signs of puberty, no hair, breasts, anything. I was quite thin and it was quite unexpected. I immediately started wearing tampons as there was no other choice. I don't remember it being any big deal. I would think it would be the only option for gymnasts with maybe a panty liner to pretect against accidents. Leotards are just as revealing as swim suits, and any size pad would be pretty visible I would think Kids adjust to this stuff quickly. I do feel bad for the 8 year olds out there, as there is a big difference in maturity between a 8 and 11 year old. I'm sure DDs will have a much easier time with it all when it happens than I do. Weren't they just babies not long ago??

 

[MaryA]

Isn't there a "period" sticky on this site somewhere? I seem to remember that it had some pretty specific advice about brands of products, etc. I have looked for it and couldn't find it. We're not there yet, but we're getting close. We've discussed the basics, but I plan to go into more specifics, including buying supplies, before DD heads off to Woodward this summer. The only thing worse than getting your period for the first time when you're away from home would be getting it for the first time when you're away from home and not being prepared for it.

 

[Optionals United]

Here is the sticky thread. http://www.chalkbucket.com/forums/must-read/29979-all-about-periods.html

 

[Aussie_coach]

There are other things you can do if you speak to your doctor. When our kids compete they get a tablet from the doctor tha just stops the period for a day or two. You take it and stop the period and then the next day you don't take it and it goes back to normal. No side effects just a mild thing (called primolut N here). Very useful for dancers and competitive gymnasts.

 

[EastCoast]

Hi,

I was eleven and a competitive swimmer when I started. I had no other signs of puberty, no hair, breasts, anything. I was quite thin and it was quite unexpected. I immediately started wearing tampons as there was no other choice. I don't remember it being any big deal. I would think it would be the only option for gymnasts with maybe a panty liner to pretect against accidents. Leotards are just as revealing as swim suits, and any size pad would be pretty visible I would think Kids adjust to this stuff quickly. I do feel bad for the 8 year olds out there, as there is a big difference in maturity between a 8 and 11 year old. I'm sure DDs will have a much easier time with it all when it happens than I do. Weren't they just babies not long ago??

Thanks for the info. Yes, I know there really is no other choice except tampons. I have a thumbnail of her in my above post. I took this of her in October just 6 months ago. She was 7 then... I wasnt expecting changes so fast.... She seams to me, very mature emotionally and socially for her age too. Maybe she will be fine with the transition.

 

[3stars]

East Coast, for a second there I thought you were posting about my daughter. 8 years 2 months, 4 foot 7ish inches last time I checked, and wavers between 88-92 pounds. She has been showing the signs recently too (especially the emotional ones, oh boy have those been fun!). She is the tallest person on her team. I'm not ready to have to explain all of this too her.

 

[EastCoast]

East Coast, for a second there I thought you were posting about my daughter. 8 years 2 months, 4 foot 7ish inches last time I checked, and wavers between 88-92 pounds. She has been showing the signs recently too (especially the emotional ones, oh boy have those been fun!). She is the tallest person on her team. I'm not ready to have to explain all of this too her.

Hi 3Stars! - I am SO glad I'm not alone! My DD is the same size as most of the 12 and 13 yr olds. You probably have close to the same thing. Good luck to you. I will post changes my DD goes through as they happen. Hope we can help others when they get ready for the same thing