Puberty is a time in a child's life when they undergo several significant changes in their physical bodies as they prepare for adulthood. They also have to navigate behavioral and mental shifts. Understand adolescent medicine's role in managing puberty changes in children when you talk to Dr. David Yip and his staff at Angel Pediatrics in Anthem, AZ.

Understanding Puberty Changes

Puberty is the stage in a child's development when they begin to connect with their sexual nature and reproductive system. The changes are physical, mental, emotional, and hormonal and affect the genders differently. For instance, girls begin their menstrual cycles, and boys grow more hair in multiple body areas. Children also often go through growth spurts during puberty.

Adolescent Medicine and Puberty

Adolescent medicine is focused on the care and treatment of patients who are in the age range of 11 to 24 years old. Children and young adults in this age range are often beginning or completing the process of puberty and need specialized care. That includes:

• Gynecological care for girls.
• Guidance on menstruation, including hygiene and irregular periods.
• Dealing with developmental delays for puberty.
• Diagnosing and treating mood disorders, depression, and anxiety.
• Managing social or behavioral disorders.
• Contraception and STDs.

Adolescent Medicine Tests, Treatments, and Therapies

Your Anthem, AZ, pediatrician is the point of contact for all of your child's needs when it comes to adolescent medicine. Tests, treatments, and therapies you may want to inquire about include:

• Pap smear tests with a gynecologist.
• STD testing, treatment, and education.
• Behavioral and family therapy for disorders like ADHD and depression.
• Vaccinations (may include shots for chickenpox, HPV, measles, mumps, and hepatitis.
• Nutritional and dietary counseling.
• Referral to a dermatologist for acne symptoms (common during puberty).

Get Help for Your Adolescent Child

The best thing you can do as a parent of an adolescent child is to learn more about adolescent medicine and how it can benefit your child during puberty. Call (623) 551-0442 today for knowledge and advice about adolescent medicine from Dr. David Yip at Angel Pediatrics in Anthem, AZ.