Female Diseases - Children and Adolescence

Acne

Our teenager has more body hair than expected. What should we do?

Excess body hair (hirsutism) may be distressing for any lady and this may be particularly worrying for a teenager who is just becoming aware of her sexuality. The assessment, investigation and treatment of excess body hair is discussed in detail in Chapter 8. Frequently, examination will show that there is only marginal excess hair and some simple investigations of hormone levels and an ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries may provide reassurance that there is no major problem.

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Q 5. 1 Our baby has had a little vaginal bleeding. Is this worrying?
Q 5. 2 What are intersex states?
Q 5. 3 Our toddler does not seem to have a normal opening down below. What should be done?
Q 5. 4 My little girl has a vaginal discharge. What might be the cause?
Q 5. 5 What is puberty?
Q 5. 6 What is precocious puberty?
Q 5.7 Our teenage daughter's periods have not started yet. When should we seek medical advice?
Q 5. 8 Our daughter's periods are occurring infrequently. Should we be concerned?
Q 5. 9 What is adolescence?
Q 5. 10 What is acne and how can acne be treated?
Q 5. 11 Our teenage daughter seems to have more body hair than we would expect. What should be done?
Q 5. 12 Our teenage daughter's periods are so heavy that she has to be absent from school. What can we do?
Q 5. 13 How does the doctor determine the treatment of heavy periods for an adolescent?
Q 5. 14 How long should treatment of heavy periods be continued with an adolescent?
Q 5. 15 Should a D and C (cervical dilatation and curettage Q 24.12) be performed for an adolescent with period problems?
Q 5. 16 Are there any particular worries about a teen pregnancy?
Q 5. 17 What should be the purpose of sex education?
Q 5.18 My adolescent daughter is being difficult. Could she have an underlying hormone problem?
Q 5. 19 Are there any special contraceptive considerations for teenagers?
Q 5. 20 What contraceptive options are available to adolescents?
Q 5. 21 Are there any medical worries if a young teenager takes the oral contraceptive pill?
Q 5. 22 Can a teenager use emergency contraception?
Q 5. 23 Where can I obtain more information?
Q 5. 24 Could I have some child support groups and teen support groups?
Q 5. 25 Could I have some acne support groups?

Do you have an unanswered women's health question?

Please let us have your general question on our NEW FORUM / MESSAGE BOARDS facility and we will try to answer it for you. I am sure that you will appreciate that we cannot offer advice on the management of an individual's specific problem.

DISCLAIMER

The aim of this web site is to provide a general guide and it is not intended as a substitute for a consultation with an appropriate specialist in respect of individual care and treatment.
Answers to FAQs on women's health, patient information and medical advice by David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (Gynecologist - OBGYN), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Whipps Cross Hospital, London