Lily Evans

Cohorts: Teens-20s

Condition: Primary Dysmenorrhoea

Snapshot

Name: Lily Evans
Age range: 15
Life stage: Adolescent / school years
Location: Suburban town in SE UK
Occupation: Secondary school student (Year 10)
Relationship and family context: Lives with parents and younger brother; close group of school friends but doesnʼt talk openly about her pain

Health Context

Relevant condition(s): Primary dysmenorrhoea (painful periods due to hormonal imbalance)
Density of condition(s): Very common in teenagers (affecting 50-90%)
Key symptoms experienced: Severe abdominal cramps, lower back pain, fatigue, nausea during periods
Severity and duration: Severe pain lasting 1-3 days each month; occasionally misses school due to symptoms
Diagnosed or suspected: GP diagnosed dysmenorrhoea; doctor suggested the pill as treatment
Current treatments or management: Over-the-counter painkillers, hot water bottle, light exercise when possible; reluctant to start on the pill due to side effects
Comorbidities or related factors: Social embarrassment; low mood during periods; academic stress when missing school days

Triggers and barriers

Main triggers that worsen symptoms: Period onset, stress, lack of exercise, poor sleep
Barriers to seeking care: Embarrassment; fear of being judged as “weak”; doesnʼt know alternative treatments beyond the pill
Information gaps and misconceptions: Believes sheʼs abnormal compared to friends; doesnʼt know progesterone or lifestyle support can help
Emotional drivers and concerns: Wants validation and reassurance that her experience is real and common; craves confidence to talk to friends and family without shame

Goals and needs

Primary health goals: Manage period pain so she doesnʼt have to miss school or social events; understand whatʼs happening in her body
Secondary lifestyle goals: Fit in with friends and feel “normal”; build confidence in navigating puberty; keep up with studies and hobbies
What “better” looks like to them: Being able to cope during periods without feeling isolated; having reliable ways to manage pain and reassurance that her symptoms have a cause

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