Adolescence is a critical developmental stage characterized by rapid physical, emotional, and reproductive changes. During this period, girls commonly experience gynecological issues that differ from those seen in adult women and require age-appropriate care. Menstrual disturbances are among the most prevalent concerns, including dysmenorrhea and heavy menstrual bleeding, which can significantly impact daily activities, school attendance, and quality of life. Hormonal disorders, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), are also frequently observed, presenting with irregular menstruation, acne, hirsutism, and weight gain, with potential long-term health consequences if left unmanaged. Pelvic pain, often associated with functional ovarian cysts or early endometriosis, is another important yet under-recognized problem in adolescents. Recent clinical approaches emphasize holistic and multidisciplinary care, addressing both physical symptoms and emotional well-being. Collaborative management involving gynecologists, endocrinologists, mental health professionals, and nutritionists is increasingly advocated. Preventive strategies, including HPV vaccination and comprehensive education on menstrual health, sexuality, and contraception, play a vital role in promoting reproductive health. The use of digital tools, such as menstrual tracking applications and telehealth platforms, has enhanced awareness, self-monitoring, and early diagnosis. Despite these advancements, barriers, such as social stigma, cultural myths, and limited access to adolescent-friendly healthcare services, continue to hinder timely care-seeking. Strengthening specialized adolescent clinics and improving provider training are essential to ensure accessible, confidential, and high-quality care, ultimately supporting healthy reproductive outcomes.

Keywords: Adolescence, adolescent gynecology, menstrual disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, reproductive health

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1. Waghmare BV, Jajoo S. Navigating the challenges: A comprehensive review of adolescent gynecological problems. Cureus. 2024 Mar 14;16(3):e56200. doi: 7759/cureus.56200. PMID: 38618317; PMCID: PMC11016329.
2. Agarwal M, Singh S, Jyoti C, Sinha S, Simran S. Understanding adolescent gynecological issues: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care center. Cureus. 2024 Apr 6;16(4):e57713. doi: 7759/cureus.57713. PMID: 38711716; PMCID: PMC11072692.
3. Cabral MD, Patel DR. Adolescent gynecology. Pediatr Med. 2019;2:37.
4. Rastogi R. Adolescent gynecology in the office setting. Pediatr Rev. 2021;42(8):427–38.
5. Guttmacher Institute. Adding it up: Investing in the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in India. 2025. Available from: https://www.guttmacher.org/report/adding-it-up-investing-in-sexual-reproductive-health-adolescents-india
6. UNFPA India. India launches national adolescent health strategy. 2025. Available from: https://india.unfpa.org/en/news/india-launches-national-adolescent-health-strategy
7. FRHS India. Adolescent support. Available from: https://www.frhsi.org.in/adolescent-support.php
8. Times of India. AIIMS Patna hosts national conference on tackling maternal anaemia. 2025. Available from: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/aiims-patna-hosts-national-conference-on-tackling-maternal-anaemia/articleshow/123509988.cms
9. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Comprehensive School Health Programs in Grades K-12. Schools & health: Our nation’s investment. Allensworth D, Lawson E, Nicholson L, Wyche J, editors. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1997. PMID:
10. Committee Opinion No. 710: Counseling adolescents about contraception. Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Aug;130(2):e74–e80. doi: 1097/AOG.0000000000002234. PMID: 28742675.

Adolescence is a critical developmental stage characterized by rapid physical, emotional, and reproductive changes. During this period, girls commonly experience gynecological issues that differ from those seen in adult women and require age-appropriate care. Menstrual disturbances are among the most prevalent concerns, including dysmenorrhea and heavy menstrual bleeding, which can significantly impact daily activities, school attendance, and quality of life. Hormonal disorders, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), are also frequently observed, presenting with irregular menstruation, acne, hirsutism, and weight gain, with potential long-term health consequences if left unmanaged. Pelvic pain, often associated with functional ovarian cysts or early endometriosis, is another important yet under-recognized problem in adolescents. Recent clinical approaches emphasize holistic and multidisciplinary care, addressing both physical symptoms and emotional well-being. Collaborative management involving gynecologists, endocrinologists, mental health professionals, and nutritionists is increasingly advocated. Preventive strategies, including HPV vaccination and comprehensive education on menstrual health, sexuality, and contraception, play a vital role in promoting reproductive health. The use of digital tools, such as menstrual tracking applications and telehealth platforms, has enhanced awareness, self-monitoring, and early diagnosis. Despite these advancements, barriers, such as social stigma, cultural myths, and limited access to adolescent-friendly healthcare services, continue to hinder timely care-seeking. Strengthening specialized adolescent clinics and improving provider training are essential to ensure accessible, confidential, and high-quality care, ultimately supporting healthy reproductive outcomes.

Keywords: Adolescence, adolescent gynecology, menstrual disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, reproductive health

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Waghmare BV, Jajoo S. Navigating the challenges: A comprehensive review of adolescent gynecological problems. Cureus. 2024 Mar 14;16(3):e56200. doi: 7759/cureus.56200. PMID: 38618317; PMCID: PMC11016329.
2. Agarwal M, Singh S, Jyoti C, Sinha S, Simran S. Understanding adolescent gynecological issues: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care center. Cureus. 2024 Apr 6;16(4):e57713. doi: 7759/cureus.57713. PMID: 38711716; PMCID: PMC11072692.
3. Cabral MD, Patel DR. Adolescent gynecology. Pediatr Med. 2019;2:37.
4. Rastogi R. Adolescent gynecology in the office setting. Pediatr Rev. 2021;42(8):427–38.
5. Guttmacher Institute. Adding it up: Investing in the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in India. 2025. Available from: https://www.guttmacher.org/report/adding-it-up-investing-in-sexual-reproductive-health-adolescents-india
6. UNFPA India. India launches national adolescent health strategy. 2025. Available from: https://india.unfpa.org/en/news/india-launches-national-adolescent-health-strategy
7. FRHS India. Adolescent support. Available from: https://www.frhsi.org.in/adolescent-support.php
8. Times of India. AIIMS Patna hosts national conference on tackling maternal anaemia. 2025. Available from: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/aiims-patna-hosts-national-conference-on-tackling-maternal-anaemia/articleshow/123509988.cms
9. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Comprehensive School Health Programs in Grades K-12. Schools & health: Our nation’s investment. Allensworth D, Lawson E, Nicholson L, Wyche J, editors. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1997. PMID:
10. Committee Opinion No. 710: Counseling adolescents about contraception. Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Aug;130(2):e74–e80. doi: 1097/AOG.0000000000002234. PMID: 28742675.