Zits. Periods. Pressure to do drugs, drink, or smoke. Too much growth in places you don’t expect — and not so much in places you do. There’s a lot going on health-wise during the teen years. It helps to have a medical team who understands.
Adolescent medicine specialists have extra training in the medical and emotional issues that many teens face. They’re taught to deal with topics like reproductive health, drugs, eating disorders, irregular periods, mood changes, questions about sexual identity, and problems at home or school.
Adolescent medicine specialists are doctors and other medical professionals, like nurse practitioners, who work alongside doctors to provide care. Seeing an adolescent medicine specialist is a great way to transition from childhood — where your parents controlled your health care — to adulthood, where you manage your own health and well-being.
Adolescent medicine specialists usually try to spend some time with their patients alone. That allows the two of you to talk about confidential issues without other family members in the room. Some doctors will let you make and go to appointments by yourself, without an adult.
