Adolescence is a period of change between childhood and adulthood, typically between the ages of 10 and 19 [1]. The gynecological problems experienced by adolescent girls differ from those of adult women. The fundamental differences in gynecological changes during adolescence typically begin with the production of steroid hormones, which facilitate breast development, uterine growth, and the development of pubic hair. Menarche, on the other hand, refers to the onset of cyclic ovarian hormone production, leading to menstrual bleeding [2].

Adolescent gynecology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on adolescents' reproductive health and gynecological issues. It addresses young girls' unique needs and concerns during the transitional period from childhood to adulthood.

In this field, healthcare providers are trained to provide comprehensive care for adolescents, including preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of gynecological conditions. They address a wide range of issues such as menstrual problems, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and concerns related to sexual development [3].

Adolescent gynecology also encompasses the management of reproductive health concerns specific to teenagers, including education about healthy sexual practices, Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, counseling on contraception and family planning, and addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of sexual development [4]. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends the initial reproductive health visit between 13 and 15 years [5]. Gaining proficiency in the appropriate methods for the initial examination plays a crucial role in forming a lasting connection with individuals within this age group [4].

Adolescent gynecology is a subspecialty within the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

This study aims to emphasize the significance of adolescent gynecology by analyzing the gynecological reasons for which the adolescent population seeks medical care. Additionally, it aims to highlight the distinctions between adolescent gynecology and adult gynecological approaches.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study, conducted in a high-volume tertiary hospital. Electronic file records for patients who applied to the Gynecology and Obstetrics clinic between June 2021 and January 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients aged between 10 and 18 years who presented to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Emergency Department or outpatient clinic were included in the study. Patients with missing data in the electronic medical records were excluded from the study. The reason at patient admission was evaluated, whether due to pregnancy or gynecological complaints. Patients presenting due to pregnancy were not included in the analysis. The patient's age, complaints at admission, findings from the gynecological examination if performed, ultrasound findings, laboratory results, and the need for hospitalization were also analyzed.

Age values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Categorical variables are expressed with n (%). SPSS (IBM Corp. Released 2012. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows. Version 21.0. Armonk. NY: IBM Corp.) program was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 750 adolescent girls were included in this study (figure). Of the adolescents included in the study, 215 (28.7%) presented to the hospital due to pregnancy, while 535 (71.3%) sought medical care for gynecological reasons. The complaints reported by the patients at admission are presented in tab. 1. The majority of adolescents sought care with complaints of menstrual irregularities (n = 309; 57.6%), followed by dysmenorrhea (12.7%), vulvar itching/vaginal discharge (9.5%), pelvic pain (5.6%), and hirsutism (5.6%). Patients presenting with complaints of an adnexal mass (5.2%) consisted of individuals who had previously detected adnexal masses through imaging studies. In addition to the mentioned complaints, acne vulgaris (2.2%), contraception counseling (1%), and galactorrhea (3%) were among the other presenting complaints.

The results of the patient's clinical evaluations are presented in tab. 2. When questioning the patients about their menstrual history, it was determined that a total of 337 (62.9%) adolescent girls had menstrual irregularities. Among the patients with menstrual irregularity, 16 patients presented with amenorrhea. While 15 adolescents were describing secondary amenorrhea, one patient had primary amenorrhea. When the patient's hospital records were checked, secondary sex characters at the age of 16 showed normal development. As a result of ultrasonography and MRI, the uterus was not observed, and genetic consultation was requested.

Of the girls who underwent ultrasonography, PCO morphology was detected in 89 cases (16.6%), while normal sonographic findings were observed in 385 cases (71.8%). Unilateral unilocular anechoic cysts larger than 4 cm were found in 35 girls. Among the girls with unilocular anechoic cysts, 4 had cyst sizes ranging from 6 to 8 cm. No cases showed evidence of torsion, and all were followed up in the outpatient clinic. A total of 5 girls (0.9%) were diagnosed with corpus hemorrhagicum or corpus luteum. Among the girls with corpus hemorrhagicum, 3 reported pelvic pain and 2 had irregular bleeding as their presenting complaints. Four girls were diagnosed with mature cystic teratomas, and only 1 girl with a 6.5 cm endometrioma presented with dysmenorrhea.

The laboratory results are also presented in tab. 2. Hyperprolactinemia was detected in 31 (5.8%) adolescents in two separate measurements. Patients with elevated CA-125 levels were called for outpatient follow-up due to the presence of accompanying ovarian cysts. None of the patients were suspected of malignancy based on sonographic findings, and among these five cases, the highest CA-125 value was determined to be 166 U/mL.

A total of 4 patients (0.7%) were hospitalized. Two of the hospitalized patients were admitted due to heavy menstrual bleeding. Treatment involved the administration of intravenous tranexamic acid and an estrogen-progesterone combination regimen. In a patient who presented with dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain, an ultrasound evaluation revealed a 5.5 cm septated cyst in the right ovary and a 3 cm unilocular anechoic cyst in the left ovary. No signs of the acute abdomen were observed during the abdominal examination. The patient's medical history indicated a previous benign ovarian cyst excision surgery performed 5 years ago. Due to the presence of elevated CA-125 levels (594 U/mL) three months ago and the persistence of elevated levels in the current presentation (166 U/mL), a consultation with gynecologic oncology was requested. The patient's Lactate dehydrogenase level was determined to be 110 U/L, and the Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was found to be 3.8 IU/L. The Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) level was found to be normal three months ago. Considering the newly detected 5.5 cm septated cyst in comparison to previous imaging, it was presumed to be a corpus hemorrhagicum, and analgesics were administered. The fourth hospitalized patient presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and was admitted following an ultrasound examination that revealed a 4 cm unilocular anechoic cyst and a 3 cm fluid collection in the abdomen. The patient was discharged on the third day of admission with no decrease in hemoglobin/ hematocrit values during the hospital follow-up.

DISCUSSION

In our study, menstrual irregularities were the most frequent reason for adolescents seeking gynecological care (57.6%). Abnormal bleeding is a common complaint in adolescent gynecology [6]. Young girls and their parents may not have enough information about normal bleeding periods, so the age of menarche and the order and duration of menstrual periods should be questioned [2]. Menarche usually occurs within 2–3 years after thelarche (breast budding) [7]. Although there can be variations, the average age of menarche is 12–13 [8]. However, due to immaturity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and anovulation, menstrual cycles can be irregular, but they usually occur every 21–45 days and last for 7 days or less [2 ,9].

The assessment of heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescents is crucial for the diagnosis of an underlying bleeding disorder [10]. The PALM-COEIN system should be utilized for the classification of heavy menstrual bleeding: Polyp, Adenomyosis, Leiomyoma, Malignancy and hyperplasia, Coagulopathy, Ovulatory dysfunction, Endometrial, Iatrogenic, and Not otherwise classified [11]. However, structural causes are not a very common cause of heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescents [10]. While bleeding disorders occur in approximately 1–2% of the general population, the prevalence of bleeding disorders is 20% among adolescents experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding [12, 13]. In our study, 24 adolescents (4.5%) were admitted to the hospital due to heavy menstrual bleeding. A total of two adolescents were hospitalized and treated due to heavy menstrual bleeding in our study. Adolescents who are hemodynamically unstable and have heavy bleeding should be hospitalized as in these cases [10]. The monophasic combined oral contraceptive and tranexamic acid combination was administered to both patients by the guidelines [10, 14].

The initial management of acute bleeding is medical treatment, which is determined based on the patient's hemodynamic status and the potential etiology of the bleeding. In our study, medical treatment, as applied to the two patients admitted internally, can be implemented as hormonal, nonhormonal, or combination therapy [13]. The primary treatment for acute bleeding is intravenous conjugated estrogen therapy administered every 4–6 hours. Alternatively, monophasic combined oral contraceptives should be administered every 6-8 hours until the bleeding stops. For adolescents who cannot tolerate estrogen, a progestin-only regimen can be applied, such as oral medroxyprogesterone 10–20 mg every 6–12 hours or norethindrone acetate 5–10 mg every 6 hours [15].

Adolescents who have not reached the menarche by 15 years of age or have not menstruated within 3 years of the thelarche should be evaluated for primary amenorrhea. The absence of breast development until 13 years of age should also be evaluated for delayed puberty [16]. Adolescents with more than 3 months between menstrual cycles who were menstruating regularly or absence of menses for more than six months should be evaluated for secondary amenorrhea [17]. In our study, one patient presented with primary amenorrhea. The uterus was not observed as a result of ultrasonography, and Mullerian agenesis was considered as a result of pelvic MRI. Androgen insensitivity syndrome, distal vaginal agenesis, transverse vaginal septum, imperforate hymen, and cervical agenesis should be included in the differential diagnosis of the patient presenting with primary amenorrhea [18]. Additionally, evaluation for renal anomalies is necessary for these patients [18].

Dysmenorrhea is the most common menstrual symptom in the literature among adolescent girls, with a prevalence ranging from 50% to 90% [19]. Furthermore, our study revealed that dysmenorrhea was the most frequent reason for adolescents seeking gynecological care after menstrual irregularities (12.7%). Dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, can significantly impact the daily activities and quality of life of adolescent girls and it is a common cause of school absenteeism [20]. Primary dysmenorrhea involves painful menstruation without any pelvic pathology. Prostaglandins play a role in the etiology. Secondary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, refers to painful menstrual periods attributed to pelvic pathology or a medical condition. In adolescents, the most common cause of secondary dysmenorrhea is endometriosis [21]. In our study, however, an endometrioma was detected sonographically in one patient. Within the study population, there are likely more cases of endometriosis; the diagnosis of peritoneal endometriotic lesions can only be established through a laparoscopic intervention. The etiology of secondary dysmenorrhea includes other factors such as adenomyosis, infections, Müllerian anomalies, obstructive tract abnormalities, fibroids, and ovarian cysts [20].

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) frequently manifests with symptoms during adolescence, primarily characterized by ovulation dysfunction and androgen excess (hyperandrogenism) [22]. Adolescents with the presence of hirsutism or treatmentresistant inflammatory acne, accompanied by menstrual abnormalities (amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, or excessive menstrual bleeding), acanthosis nigricans, and/or obesity, should be evaluated with consideration of a PCOS diagnosis [22]. Ultrasonographically, the finding of polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM) can also be commonly observed in normal adolescents; therefore, it is not included in the 2015 PCOS diagnostic criteria for adolescents [23]. In our study, a total of 89 adolescents were found to have sonographically detected PCOM; however, it is important to emphasize that this is not a diagnostic criterion for PCOS during adolescence.

Vulvovaginitis is a common gynecologic concern among adolescents and is characterized by discharge, pain, swelling, itching, and discomfort [24]. The etiology of adolescent vulvovaginitis can be multifactorial, encompassing poor hygiene practices, chemical irritants, infectious agents, and hormonal changes associated with puberty. In adolescents, the most prevalent causes of vaginitis encompass bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and Trichomonas vaginalis infection [24]. Within our study cohort, 51 adolescents (9.5%) presented with complaints of vaginal discharge or vulvar itching. Apart from infectious agents, etiological factors include poor hygiene practices, chemical irritants, and feminine hygiene products. In adolescents, obtaining a comprehensive medical history and inquiring about sexual activity is imperative for accurate diagnosis and effective management.

In adolescents, ovarian masses can be incidentally identified during imaging or may give rise to symptoms such as pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, or findings suggestive of precocious puberty [25]. The majority of ovarian masses encountered in adolescent girls are either physiological ovarian cysts or of a benign nature. In our study, an adolescent presenting with abdominal pain was found to have a 5,5 cm septated cyst and an accompanying 3 cm unilocular anechoic cyst on ultrasonography. The patient was admitted to the hospital, received medical treatment, and underwent evaluation for malignancy.

In the treatment of adnexal masses in adolescents, priority should be given to preserving the ovaries to maintain fertility [26]. Surgical indications include suspicion of malignancy, ovarian torsion, persistent mass, and acute abdominal pain [26]. According to a meta-analysis published in 2020, the reported rate of malignancy is approximately 10–20% of patients who underwent surgical intervention due to ovarian cysts [27]. Germ cell tumors are the most common malignancies of the ovaries in children and adolescents, and AFP, β-hCG, and lactate dehydrogenase should be tested for the assessment of suspected germ cell tumors [28, 29]. The reason for the absence of surgical cases in the patient group included in the study is that patients presenting with abdominal pain or an acute abdominal condition tend to seek treatment in the field of Pediatric Surgery or have their treatment directly coordinated with Pediatric Surgery by the Pediatrics department.

Our study has some strengths and limitations. The retrospective design and single center nature of our study may limit the power of our study. Strengths of the study include conducting it in a high-volume tertiary hospital and enrolling a large number of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent gynecology differs from adult gynecology due to the physiological and psychological specificities of the adolescent period. Considering the potential psychological impacts of the first gynecological examination on adolescents, understanding appropriate examination techniques is crucial. In our study, adolescents most commonly sought medical attention due to menstrual irregularities. It is important to distinguish normal menstrual patterns encountered during the pubertal period from abnormal menstrual bleeding. Conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis can manifest during adolescence and may have implications for future fertility. Congenital female reproductive tract anomalies can be detected in adolescents, either symptomatically or asymptomatically. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for preserving future fertility and has significant psychological and social implications. Our study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of gynecological issues among adolescents, which can inform healthcare strategies and interventions for this vulnerable population.