In this episode we discuss menstruation in adolescents. We review typical ages for onset of menstruation, and the hormonal pathways that are involved with initiating puberty and menstruation. We discuss what is considered “normal” in terms of cycle length, amount of bleeding and associated symptoms. We also review conditions that may lead to delayed menstruation, or abnormal cycles (from very heavy, to irregular or absent) and talk about how to treat some of the commonly associated conditions.
We would like to thank Dr. Juliana Melo, OB-GYN with a particular interest in adolescent gynecology at UC Davis for reviewing this episode, although Dr. Lena & Dr. Dean take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.
Photo from the New York Times
