ADOLESCENT'S FIRST GYNAE VISIT

 A teenager’s first gynaecology visit can be quite daunting. The most common reason for their check-up is usually dysmenorrhea or heavy menstrual bleeding. Some girls even get admitted to the hospital with severe anemia to receive a blood transfusion. Some mothers bring along their young daughters to familiarize them with gynae visits, while others come for birth control counseling. We rarely get consults for early or delayed puberty.   

Puberty typically begins between the ages of 10-14 and lasts around 2-3 years. During this time the girls experience physical and emotional changes as their bodies develop and prepare for reproductive maturity. The breasts begin to grow and develop, and there is hair growth in the pubic and axillary regions. Hormonal changes lead to acne on the face and the body. Girls experience a growth spurt, gaining weight and height. The final step in the girl’s puberty is the onset of menses.

It is important that every girl develops at her own pace, and some may start puberty earlier or later than others. Due to an ovulatory cycle, the periods may be irregular and the girls might miss a period and bleed for weeks the following month. It is important to obtain a good history from the girls and ask them to keep a diary and track their menstruation. It might seem difficult but it is important to ask the girls if they are sexually active and what they use for birth control. It is important to ask if they have missed any school days due to severe pain or bleeding.

A few baseline investigations can help rule out anemia, bleeding disorders or thyroid dysfunction. If all these appear normal we can offer these girls several options such as conservative management along with iron supplements and medication that reduce the menstrual blood flow, or if the teenager is keen we can start some sort of combined contraceptive such as the pill or patch. It can help regulate the menses, reduce acne, and prevent the progression of endometriosis if they have a bit of it lastly it is a reliable contraceptive agent.

 

That is me, being the bookworm teenager in grade 8. Always busy with my books. I wasn't into sports or anything else. 



That is me in the first year of medical school continuing what I love the most. 




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