UNDERSTANDING PUBERTY

Dr. Karpagambal Sairam

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist, Kauvery Hospital, Chennai, India

*Correspondence: karpagambal@hotmail.com

Puberty is a normal physiological process in all animal species. We shall guide our children and parents sail through this process which can vary widely among children. There are many social, religious, and cultural taboos to certain aspects of puberty.

Pubertal changes in sequential order for girls

Thelarche
Adrenarche
Growth spurt
Menarche (about 2-3 years after Thelarche)

Physiology of menstrual cycles

Irregular menstrual cycles are very common in this age group and can persist upto about 3-5 years of Menarche.The immaturity of HPO axis and erratic hormonal secretions from the HYPOTHALAMUS and PITUITARY is the main reason It is usually not a cause for concern unless there is associated PUBERTY MENORRHAGIA which needs evaluation and so ultrasound scan or any other imaging is not needed as Ovaries appear MULTICYSTIC. Biochemical parameters need not be tested unless there clinical evidence of a pathological process like hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, Late onset CAH. ADOLESCENT PCO is an entity that needs to be ruled out( f presenting with features of INSULIN RESISTANCE AND HYPERANDROGENISM )

HAPPY TO HELP !!!

Let the children understand the process and we have to help the parents and children manage the generation gap crisis and have a great upbringing journey. They go through a lot of self-pressure, peer pressure and social pressure and need great moral support not only from parents, but also from siblings, teachers, friends and society.

Preparing kids and parents-??? The challenge

Preparing parents – the most important aspect
No comparison between generations
Being open and upfront
BUILDING MUTUAL TRUST
GAINING CONFIDENCE
Counseling

Let us prevent children and parents from taking EXTREME DECISIONS

Dr. Karpagambal Sairam Venugopalan

Obstetrician and Gynecologist

UNDERSTANDING PUBERTY