Adolescent care

Adolescence, spanning ages 10-19, is a crucial period marked by significant mental and physical changes in girls. Puberty, the transition to sexual maturity, includes growth spurts, breast development (thelarche), the emergence of body hair (pubarche), and the onset of menstruation (menarche).

Every girl develops at her own pace, these changes can start as early as 9 years and usually most girls get their periods or menstruation by the age of 16. The breast development usually starts a few years early. You should meet your doctor if you've not started menses by the age of 15.

Girls develop at varying rates, with some starting as early as 9 years old. Most girls begin menstruating by age 16, with breast development typically starting a few years earlier. It's advisable to consult a doctor if menstruation hasn't started by age 15.

Menstrual cycles may be irregular in the first few years. Consulting a doctor is recommended if periods occur every 15 days or are absent for up to 2 months.

Period pain, or dysmenorrhea, is common and usually manageable with heating pads, massage, rest, and pain relief medications. Maintaining an active lifestyle, a healthy diet, regular exercise, a consistent sleep routine, and stress management can reduce menstrual pain. If pain persists, a visit to a gynecologist is necessary.

Menstrual hygiene is vital for adolescents to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, prevent rashes in private areas, ensure good reproductive health, and minimize the risk of cervical cancer. Girls should:

• Maintain cleanliness of the vaginal area.

• Wear comfortable, clean underwear.

• Avoid using two pads simultaneously.

• Properly clean reusable pads

• Change pads every four hours

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is another common issue, with psychological symptoms like tension, irritability, fatigue, aggression, low mood, anxiety, and emotional sensitivity. Physical symptoms include breast swelling or pain, abdominal bloating, swelling of the feet or hands, weight gain, and headaches. These symptoms typically worsen before menstruation and improve afterward. Managing PMS can involve reading about it, discussing it, exercising, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, cutting down on carbohydrates, and avoiding water-retentive foods. Supplements such as primrose oil, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6, along with simple painkillers, can also be helpful.

Commonly, girls may experience delayed cycles (6-8 per year), lighter periods, acne, male-pattern hair growth (on the upper lip, chin, neck, sideburns, chest, upper or lower abdomen, upper arms, and inner thighs), weight gain (in about 50% of girls), and sometimes anxiety and depression. These issues can often be managed with lifestyle modifications, exercise, weight loss (5% to 10%), healthy eating, and sometimes medication.