Just as neonatologists specialize in caring for infants and geriatricians cater for elderly adults, board-certified specialists in adolescent medicine specialize in health issues specific to adolescents such as eating disorders, chronic fatigue and POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome).
Adolescence is an exciting yet vulnerable time of rapid physical and emotional change, and our adolescents deserve high-quality healthcare that is safe, comprehensive and confidential.
For Adolescent care in Noida, opt for Niraamaya Clinic.
Gynaecological Issues
Adolescence is a period of rapid change and development – including many gynecological concerns. Gynecological visits for adolescents should be administered by a specialist with extra years of subspecialty training to provide them with care and attention during this period.
Menstrual problems are among the most prevalent gynecological concerns for adolescents and are the primary reason that girls seek medical advice from a gynecologist. Unstable periods could be indicative of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other abnormalities like fibroids or endometriosis that require additional medical treatment.
Gynecologists should conduct annual pelvic exams, including an assessment of the cervix and vulva. These exams help detect abnormalities early, providing early treatment before more serious health complications arise.
Gynecologists can also be an invaluable source for addressing any other gynecological concerns, including acne and vaginal discharge among adolescents, sexually transmitted diseases and any other issues pertaining to women’s reproductive health. Gynecologists also play an invaluable role in helping establish healthy patterns of eating, exercising and alcohol consumption while providing comprehensive sexuality education tailored specifically for each age group.
Eating Disorders
Adolescent medicine specialists specialize in caring for adolescents, teenagers, and young adults, treating the unique health needs that preteens, teenagers, and young adults present. Adolescent medicine specialists undergo extensive education and training in order to deliver excellent treatment services.
Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are complex mental and physical conditions that require special attention from our board-certified specialists in adolescent eating disorders. Our board certified experts also offer guidance and support for parents as well as patients and their families throughout this treatment journey.
Heavy menstrual bleeding can be an indicator of bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand disease and platelet function deficiencies or defects (thrombocytopenia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura). Adolescents who experience unexplained heavy menstrual bleeding should consult both an obstetrician-gynecologist and hematologist in order to assess its source and explore treatment options.
Teens today face many pressures and require access to comprehensive healthcare services that address their unique health needs, including sexuality issues. Our doctors specialize in treating adolescents and can offer sexuality testing, STD testing, birth control prescriptions, counseling services and referrals for specialty treatments such as abortion. Our school-linked health centers and diagnostic laboratories also offer these services for teens in their local communities.
Mental Health Issues
At any one time, one in five adolescents suffers from some degree of mental illness; by age 17, one third have serious psychiatric disorders that do not receive treatment1 2. Many risk-taking behaviors affecting physical and psychological well-being begin during adolescence 3, such as substance abuse or sexual risk taking; the suicide rate among young women is much higher compared with men4 5.
Family physicians commonly encounter adolescents suffering from behavioral disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder and oppositional defiance disorder 5. Such issues can create difficulties at school as well as relationships among family members and peers.
One in eight adolescents meet clinical criteria for an anxiety disorder at some point during their lives and these conditions are more prevalent in older than younger adolescents 6. Anxiety disorders can interfere with learning, working and socializing activities and may manifest physical symptoms that disrupt everyday functioning.
Family physicians should remain alert for signs of depression and suicidal thoughts in adolescent patients and ask about risk factors associated with suicide, such as declining school grades, chronic sadness, family dysfunction issues, sexual orientation or gender identity issues, drug or alcohol misuse and accessing means of self-harm. Should they detect such indicators they should refer them immediately to an agency offering mental health care despite breaches in confidentiality or laws against such referral.
Sexual Health Issues
Adolescence can be an exciting time of sexual experimentation and risk taking; however, this also leaves young people vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly HIV. Some young people may present to general physicians with systemic symptoms like hepatitis or arthritis but fail to provide information regarding sexual activity. All physicians must have been adequately trained in taking sexual histories and consenting for STI and pregnancy tests where applicable; safeguarding young people should also be a core responsibility for all healthcare professionals who come in contact with them; signs and symptoms of CSE should include abscesses, abdominal pain deliberate self-harm, deliberate self-harm and nipple discharge.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (SRH) services are critical components of adolescents’ well-being; however, adolescents face numerous barriers when trying to access them, including knowledge gaps about contraception or privacy concerns or mistrust regarding providers; lack of transportation options with convenient hours for teens and stigma associated with sexual health care services. Partnerships between schools and off-campus sexual and reproductive health service providers can offer cost-effective strategies for expanding access.
Breast exams are an integral component of women’s wellness exams and should be carried out by a gynecologist when necessary. An internal exam of the breasts helps physicians detect lumps, changes in shape or skin as well as any discharge in the nipple area.
