- Persona
Hannah Lewis
Cohorts: Puberty (10 -19)
Condition: Pubertal menstrual irregularity
“I thought my periods would have sorted themselves out by now… but three years later, I still never know whatʼs going to happen.”
Snapshot
- Name: Hannah Lewis
- Age range: 18
- Life stage: Late adolescence / young adult
- Location: Nottingham, UK
- Occupation: Sixth form student, part-time café job
- Relationship and family context: Lives with parents; close with one best friend but doesnʼt discuss health openly
Health Context
- Relevant condition(s): Pubertal menstrual irregularity (persisting >3 years)
- Density of condition(s): Common in early puberty but less typical if highly irregular after 3+ years
- Key symptoms experienced: Skipped cycles, unpredictable timing, variable flow (sometimes very heavy), occasional cramps and fatigue, anxiety around unpredictability
- Severity and duration: Ongoing since age 15; still irregular after 3+ years
- Diagnosed or suspected: GP suggested it might “settle”; hasnʼt pursued further referral yet
- Current treatments or management: Uses painkillers for cramps, always carries excess period supplies “just in case”; inconsistent period tracking; no formal hormonal treatment
- Comorbidities or related factors: Stress from exams; social anxiety linked to fear of leaks in public, and the fear of the unknown
Triggers and barriers
- Main triggers that worsen symptoms: Academic stress, disrupted sleep, diet changes
- Barriers to seeking care: Embarrassment; assumes doctor wonʼt take it seriously; fears being prescribed the pill without explanation
- Information gaps and misconceptions: Believes sheʼs abnormal; doesnʼt know when irregularity stops being “normal”; unaware of links between hormones, lifestyle, and cycle regulation
- Emotional drivers and concerns: Wants reassurance sheʼs healthy; fears condition could affect her long-term health; doesnʼt want to miss school/work due to unpredictable periods
Goals and needs
- Primary health goals: Understand why her cycles havenʼt normalised after several years; get a clear medical opinion
- Secondary lifestyle goals: Manage periods confidently at school/work; reduce stress and embarrassment; maintain energy during exams
- What “better” looks like to them: Feeling reassured and validated; predictable or at least explainable cycles; knowing her next steps medically
- Relevant Resources
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