ABSTRACT
This chapter presents that the factors in the history, physical examination, and laboratory evaluation of the adolescent. It discusses the sequence of pubertal events before, during, and after menarche, so that menstrual disorders are presented in the context of normal development. There are special techniques, considerations and approaches that should be used when caring for an adolescent. The first pelvic examination is usually performed during the teenage years. Knowledge of the accompanying physiologic and psychologic events that comprise puberty is crucial in order to place a complaint, a question, or a disorder into the context of the normal sequence of development. The first pelvic examination may be performed as part of the evaluation of one of the menstrual disorders. Menstrual irregularities are so frequent during adolescence that it behooves all health professionals caring for teenagers to be familiar with the usual spectrum and problems associated with menarche and subsequent menses.
