Dear Iris,

My daughter is 13, a freshman in high school and a cheerleader. She has a great coach for her squad, who believes the girls must be physically ready to perform their routines, and utilizes a disciplined workout routine. When she has her period she has normal cramping and heavy (I'm not sure how she defines the term "heavy") bleeding. Her cheer coach tells her that exercise will reduce both of these concerns during her period and that she should attend workouts. What do you think?

Coach Greg S.


Dear Coach,

I agree with your daughter's coach. MODERATE exercise will help with menstrual cramps. Your daughter's flow may not be affected by the exercise, so she should use a super tampon (for heavy flow) and a pad as a back-up.

Iris