title: Menstruation in adolescents: what do we know? And what do we do with the information?
abstract: The menstrual cycle has been recognized as a vital sign that gives information about the overall health of an adolescent or young adult female. Significant deviations from monthly cycles can signal disease or dysfunction. This review highlights the evidence based parameters for normal puberty, menarche, cyclicity, and amount of bleeding. The review addresses sources of information available online, noting inaccuracies that appear in web sites, even and especially those targeting adolescents. The review includes a call to action to provide accurate information about the menstrual cycle as a VITAL SIGN.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA.
authors.forename: Paula J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Adams Hillard
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008572:Menarche; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D008598:Menstruation / Q000502:physiology*; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000503:physiopathology; D011627:Puberty / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: adolescent menstruation; amenorrhea; menarche; puberty