Menstrual Problems in Adolescents
Our specialist pediatric OB-GYN physicians can diagnose and treat, if necessary, menstrual conditions for adolescents.
Our Adolescent Gynecology clinics in Omaha and Council Bluffs are the only two in the area that are dedicated specifically to providing special gynecologic care to teens and young girls.
When an adolescent girl first has her period (known as menarche) it is not uncommon to have many questions and concerns about her cycle. At this stage, it is common for periods to be sporadic and sometimes involve heavy bleeding coupled with menstrual cramps.
Common menstrual conditions affecting adolescents that require the care of an OB/GYN or other healthcare provider include lack of periods (amenorrhea), partial periods (dysmenorrhea), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is characterized by absent menstrual periods for more than three monthly menstrual cycles. It may be classified as primary (signs of no menstruation despite the presence of other outward signs of puberty) or secondary (the cessation of menstruation anytime after menarche).
Causes
Possible causes of amenorrhea include:
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Pregnancy
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Anatomical abnormality, birth defect or other medical condition
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Eating disorder
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Over-exercise or too much strenuous exercise
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Obesity
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Thyroid disorder
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As a normal aspect of early adolescence
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of amenorrhea begins with your adolescent’s gynecologist evaluating her medical history followed by a physical examination in order to rule out any other medical conditions.
Treatment
Treatment is determined by the physician based on your adolescent’s age, overall health, extent and cause of the condition, her tolerance for medications and therapies, as well as expectations, opinions and preferences. Treatment may include correction of an underlying medical condition, hormone treatment, dietary modifications or weight loss. If amenorrhea is found to be a normal aspect of early puberty, observation may be recommended.
Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is characterized by pain associated with menstruation. It may be classified as primary (from the beginning of menstruation) or secondary (later onset with the painful menstrual periods possibly caused by another medical condition).
Causes
Common causes of Secondary Dysmenorrhea include:
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Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
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Abnormal pregnancy (such as ectopic)
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Infection, tumors or polyps in the pelvic cavity
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Endometriosis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of dysmenorrhea begins with your adolescent’s gynecologist evaluating her medical history followed by a physical examination. All other menstrual disorders, medical conditions or medications that could be causing or aggravating the condition must be ruled out before diagnosing the condition. Additional diagnostic procedures may include:
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Ultrasound
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Laparoscopy
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Hysteroscopy
Treatment
Treatment is determined by the physician based on your adolescent’s age, overall health, extent and cause of the condition, tolerance for medications and therapies, as well as expectations, opinions and preferences. Treatment may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory inhibitors (such as naproxen or ibuprofen), hormone treatment, exercise or dietary modifications.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Some women have a broad range of symptoms that can last from a few hours to multiple days during and before their menstrual cycle that can temporarily disturb normal functioning. Though the type and intensity of symptoms vary, the group of symptoms is referred to as premenstrual syndrome or PMS.
Symptoms
Nearly 85% of women during their reproductive years experience at least one of the common PMS symptoms. There are a wide range of symptoms that may include:
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Psychological, such as nervousness, irritability, anger, sleep disturbances, forgetfulness, moodiness and emotional hypersensitivity.
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Fluid Retention, such as edema (swelling of extremities), periodic weight gain and breast fullness and pain.
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Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramps, constipation, nausea, diarrhea and backache.
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Skin problems such as acne, itching and aggravation of other skin disorders.
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Neurologic and vascular symptoms such as a headache, numbness or heightened sensitivity in extremities, heart palpitations and muscle spasms.
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Appetite changes, food cravings and diminished libido.
Causes
The cause of PMS is unclear, but it appears to be related to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels in the body. However, social, biological, cultural and psychological facets have been identified as possible contributors.
Treatment
For some women, lifestyle changes such as a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep and not smoking help to reduce the occurrence of PMS. However, your adolescent’s OB-GYN or doctor can counsel her and may possibly prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory inhibitors (such as aspirin or ibuprofen), oral contraceptives, diet changes, vitamin supplements, antidepressants or hormone treatments.