Health Tip: Talking With Your Daughter About Menstruation

Oct. 25 -- (HealthDay News) -- Discussing menstruation and puberty may be difficult, but necessary, topics of conversation between parents and teenage daughters.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions:

• Use a book or DVD that can help you with your explanation. This also may be more comfortable for your daughter.
• Ask your child's pediatrician for advice on how to approach the subject.
• Do your research. Make sure you are factual and can answer any questions she poses.
• If you hear her talking about the menstrual cycle, ask her gently about where she heard the information. This is a great way to correct any misconceptions she has.
• Before a doctor's appointment, talk to your daughter about questions the doctor may ask her -- including whether she's gotten her period.