Menstruation and its disorders in adolescence.

This monograph has presented a review of menstrual disorders in adolescents. It has been emphasized that health care professionals who deal with youths should consider a comprehensive approach that places the youth with a menstrual problem within the framework of her adolescent and pubertal development. Thus, a discussion of psychologic growth as well as important aspects of puberty were presented. A thorough medical history and carefully done pelvic examination remain the basis for any evaluation of these young women even in this age of rapidly-advancing medical technology. Many of the menstrual dysfunction problems are related to the sequential, physiologic events of puberty and can be effectively handled by the well-trained general clinician. Specific, complex situations should be referred to the appropriate specialist, preferably someone with an understanding of adolescence. Three basic types of menstrual disorders have been considered: dysmenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding and amenorrhea. Our conclusion is that there is much the general clinician can do for the adolescent who presents with menstrual dysfunction.