Adolescent Gynaecology
Teenagers frequently endure period problems for years because nobody asked and they did not know it was worth mentioning. Heavy bleeding, pain that stops school and irregular cycles are all common and all treatable, and internal examination is very rarely needed.
- Internal examination rarely needed
- Ultrasound instead where imaging is required
- Parent present or not, as the girl prefers
- Pain that stops school is not normal
Stay
Outpatient
Duration
About 30 minutes
Anaesthesia
Not applicable
About Adolescent Gynaecology
Adolescent gynaecology covers the years after periods begin, when cycles are often irregular and problems are frequently dismissed as normal. Some irregularity is expected in the first two years. What is not expected is pain that stops normal activity, bleeding that causes anaemia, or periods that have not started by 16. Those deserve assessment.
- Some cycle irregularity is normal in the first two years
- Pain that stops school is not normal and is treatable
- Diagnosis is usually made without internal examination
- PCOS often first appears in the teenage years
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about adolescent gynaecology. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest adolescent gynaecology.
- Periods that have not started by 16
- Very heavy or prolonged periods
- Period pain that interferes with school or activity
- Irregular cycles beyond the first two years
- Signs of PCOS including acne, weight gain and excess hair
- Delayed or early puberty
- Questions about vaccination or contraception
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Consultation
A history of cycles, pain, growth and development. The young person is spoken to directly, with a parent present or not as she prefers.
Examination
General examination only in most cases. Internal examination is very rarely necessary and is not done routinely.
Investigation
Blood tests for anaemia, thyroid and hormones where indicated, with abdominal ultrasound rather than internal imaging.
Treatment
Pain relief, cycle regulation, iron for anaemia or treatment for PCOS, with a follow-up to see whether it has worked.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Note the pattern of cycles for a few months if possible, including dates and heaviness
- Note how much school or activity is being missed, as it matters
- Bring any previous blood tests or scans
- Decide beforehand whether she would prefer part of the consultation alone
- Bring a list of any medication or supplements being taken
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Treatment for period pain usually works within one or two cycles
- Cycle regulation takes two to three months to assess properly
- Iron treatment for anaemia continues for several months after levels normalise
- Keep a record of cycles so the response to treatment can be judged
- Return if pain or bleeding is not improving rather than persevering
Why choose Humayun for adolescent gynaecology
Teenagers stop asking when they are dismissed, so the consultation matters as much as the treatment.
- Internal examination avoided, with abdominal ultrasound used instead where imaging is needed
- The young person spoken to directly rather than only to the parent
- Pain that stops school treated as a genuine problem rather than something to grow out of
- PCOS identified early, since it affects fertility and metabolic health for decades
Your Health Matters
Take the next step towards better healthcare.
Connect with our experienced specialists and find the right care for you and your family.
More in Gynaecology & Maternity
Normal Delivery
Vaginal birth supported by our obstetric team, with labour rooms and neonatal care on the same floor.
Caesarean Section
Surgical delivery performed in a modular theatre, planned in advance or carried out when labour needs it.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Keyhole removal of the uterus through small incisions, usually with a shorter recovery than open surgery.
Antenatal Care
Scheduled checks through pregnancy that follow your health and the baby's growth, and catch problems before they are felt.
High-Risk Pregnancy Management
Closer monitoring and specialist input for pregnancies where mother or baby needs more attention than routine care provides.
Postnatal Care
Care for the mother after delivery, covering recovery, feeding, mood, contraception and the checks that prevent readmission.
Pregnancy Emergency Management
Urgent obstetric assessment for bleeding, pre-eclampsia, reduced movements, preterm labour and problems after delivery.
Menstrual Disorder Management
Investigation and treatment of heavy, painful, irregular or absent periods, most of which are readily treatable.
Menopause Care
Assessment and treatment of menopausal symptoms, and attention to the bone and heart health that changes with it.
Hysteroscopy
A thin camera passed through the cervix to examine the inside of the uterus, and to treat polyps and fibroids.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy
Keyhole examination of the pelvis and abdomen to find causes of pain and infertility that scans cannot show.
Operative Laparoscopy
Keyhole surgery to treat endometriosis, adhesions, ectopic pregnancy and other pelvic conditions.
Management of Fibroids
Treatment for fibroids causing heavy bleeding, pain or pressure, ranging from medication to keyhole removal.
Ovarian Cyst Surgery
Keyhole removal of ovarian cysts, preserving healthy ovarian tissue wherever possible.
Endometriosis Management
Diagnosis and long-term treatment of endometriosis, a common cause of severe period pain and infertility.