What are puberty and menstrual concerns?

Also known as: menstrual problems, menstruation in girls and adolescents, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, menorrhagia, oligomenorrhea, cramps, heavy menstrual bleeding, premenstrual symptoms, PMS.

Puberty is that time when a child is changed into an adult. As children reach the age of adolescence and puberty, a variety of concerns can arise for both boys and girls as their bodies mature sexually. In girls, these concerns usually take the form of problems with their menstrual cycle.

Menstruation (also called a “period”) is the monthly passing of blood from the uterus through the vagina that usually starts between 12-13 years of age and approximately 2 years after the beginning of breast development (breast buds). African-American, Hispanic and overweight girls tend to start puberty earlier (nutrition and other factors may also play a role in the timing of menstruation onset).

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM