Symptoms associated with menstruation

Symptoms associated with menstruation during the teenage and young adult years may represent a spectrum of possibilities varying from a relatively benign deviation from normal to a serious life-threatening disease. Nevertheless, even for the young woman found to be without serious disease, menstrual problems have special meaning associated with the fear of being different from peers, concern about being less than complete or wholesome, and anxiety regarding future functioning as a normal woman. The physician must be aware of the adolescent's sensitivity in this area. Her apprehension should influence the manner in which the various abnormalities of menstruation are evaluated and managed. The physician must understand and appreciate the potential for profound emotional effects and psychological implications of menstrual conditions. The manner in which we care for the adolescent with menstrual symptoms will determine to a significant degree how successfully the patient will cope with abnormalities of menstruation.