Q: My mate's had her period for 6 months
Dear Dr. Mel
my m8 at skl has been on her period for nearly 6 mnths. ive told her hundreds of times that she needs to go see a doctor but she just keeps sayin no cause shes scared they'll examine her.
wat shud i do? and wat cud be worng wiv her?
Astrid, 14
A: Dear Astrid
Why can't everyone have a mate like you?
First up: The Bleeding.
You're right, everyone with a six-month period should be checked by a doctor. Two reasons:
1 To figure out why. There's lots of explanations. That doesn't mean something's badly wrong.
2 To stop it happening. Whatever's causing it, the doc can help put things right.
Next: The Doctor.
Your mate may not need to be examined. She can choose a female doc, if she prefers. She could also make the appointment and go without her mum.
Finally: What to do.
. Offer to go with her. Nothing is scary with someone to hold our hand.
. Buy her some Bournville: All the bleeding will mean her body's low in iron. Red meat, green veg and dark chocolate should be on her menu.
. Give her some tampons. After all, her sanitary bill must be ginormous.
. Respect her choice. You know what you (and your mum) would do in her shoes. But she has the right to be different. Plus however good a mate she is - we can never know the whole story. So if you've offered to help and she's said no, fair enough. She's still your mate.
End of.
*Dr Mel is a GP in east London
