Online menstruation counselling service available for tweens, teens and their parents in SA

Periods are a normal part of growing up, but menstruation is often something that both young girls and their parents are nervous about.

Two young female doctors are addressing this with easy-to-access online counselling, through their paediatric healthcare practice Health Hive in Cape Town.

Dr Nasreen Akoo and Dr Tennille Thomas studied medicine together and share a passion for child health.

They decided to open a practice where they could do what they love while creating a space where parents feel heard and supported to talk openly about "anything and everything" that might be important to their child's health, explains Dr Akoo.

This also allows them to be part of preventing future health issues, Dr Thomas adds.

The approach of the practice includes preventative care, education and empowerment, aiming to shift healthcare from reactive to proactive, they say.

Their period counselling service covers cycle education, symptom management and personalised support for any period-related concerns.

As it is online, this personalised service is available anywhere in South Africa.

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They welcome a "joint" 30-minute session if both the child and parent(s) are comfortable to be part of this conversation, says Dr Akoo. You can also book separate sessions.

"We would provide information on products, your anatomy, what's going to be happening, how to prepare yourself and what to expect."

They also try to open up that conversation earlier than the awkwardness that comes with teenagehood, adds Dr Thomas, so in fact just before a girl's first period.

"It's a safe space from the comfort of your home where ANY question is allowed. We welcome parents even if it's without your child if you're wanting to know how you navigate this conversation... We're happy to guide parents and girls alike."

Visit the Health Hive website, healthhivecpt.co.za, for more information on the service and how to book a session.

To listen to Nasreen Akoo and Dr Tennille Thomas  in conversation with Saskia Falken on CapeTalk's Weekend Breakfast, click on the audio link below: