Adolescent & Teen Health

Why Adolescent Health Care is Different

Teenagers aren’t just small adults—your health needs are unique.

What Makes Teen Health Special

Physical changes:

• Rapid growth and development
• Hormonal changes affecting everything from mood to skin
• Establishing menstrual patterns
• Brain development continuing into mid-twenties

Emotional and social development:

• Developing independence from parents
• Peer relationships and pressures
• Identity formation
• Mental health challenges often emerge in teen years

Healthcare needs:

• Preventive care and education
• Managing period problems early (don’t normalise suffering)
• Sexual health education and contraception
• Mental health support
• Confidential care that respects developing autonomy

Our Approach to Teen Care

We treat you with respect:

• You’re a person with valid concerns, not “just a kid”
• We explain things clearly without talking down to you
• Your questions are never stupid or embarrassing to us
• We support your growing independence while involving parents appropriately

Confidentiality matters:

• What you discuss with your doctor is private
• We won’t tell your parents unless you want us to (with important exceptions—see below)
• You have the right to confidential healthcare if you’re mature enough to understand the treatment

When we might need to involve others:

• If we’re seriously concerned about your safety
• If someone is hurting you
• If you’re at risk of significant harm
• We’ll discuss this with you first whenever possible

Puberty and Development

Puberty is the process of physical changes through which a child’s body matures into an adult body.

What’s Normal in Puberty

Typical age range: 8-13 years for girls (average around 10-11)Sequence of changes (usually):

1. Breast development (usually first sign)
2. Pubic hair growth
3. Growth spurt (rapid height increase)
4. First period (usually 2-3 years after breast development starts)
5. Continued development (breast growth continues, body shape changes)

Other changes:

• Underarm hair
• Body odour (sweat glands become active)
• Oily skin and acne
• Vaginal discharge (clear or white, normal part of development)
• Mood changes
• Interest in relationships and sexuality developing

When Puberty is Early or Late

Precocious puberty (early puberty):

• Breast development before age 8
• Pubic hair before age 8
• Period before age 9
• Needs assessment to determine if treatment needed

Delayed puberty:

• No breast development by age 13
• No period by age 15 (or within 3 years of breast development starting)
• Needs investigation for underlying causes

If concerned about timing of puberty, see your GP.

Body Changes and Body Image

Puberty changes your body significantly:

• Weight gain is normal and necessary
• Body fat redistributes (hips, thighs, breasts develop)
• Everyone develops at different rates (comparing yourself to peers is natural but not helpful)
• Bodies come in all shapes and sizes—there’s no “right” way to develop

Body image concerns:

• Common in teenage years
• Social media makes it worse (filtered, edited images aren’t reality)
• If concerns about eating, weight, or body image are distressing or affecting your life, please talk to someone

Periods: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Your first period (menarche) is a significant milestone—and comes with lots of questions.

Your First Period

When to expect it:

• Usually 2-3 years after breasts start developing
• Average age in Australia: 12-13 years
• Normal range: 9-16 years
• Earlier if you started puberty early, later if you started late

What to expect:

• Might be very light at first (just spotting)
• Might be irregular for first year or two (totally normal)
• May have cramps (mild to moderate)
• Usually lasts 3-7 days
• Might feel different each month initially

What you need:

• Pads, tampons, or period underwear (your choice)
• Pain relief if cramping (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
• Knowledge that it’s normal and healthy

Period supplies:

• Pads: Different sizes for different flow, change every 3-4 hours
• Tampons: Safe to use from first period, change every 4-8 hours, don’t leave in overnight
• Menstrual cups: Reusable, safe, learning curve to use
• Period underwear: Reusable, absorbent underwear

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS):

• Rare but serious infection associated with tampon use
• Use lowest absorbency needed, change regularly, don’t leave in overnight
• Symptoms: sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, rash
• If these occur while using tampons, remove tampon and seek immediate medical care

What’s a Normal Period?

Cycle length:

• Time from first day of one period to first day of next period
• Normal: 21-35 days (28 days is average but not everyone)
• First few years: Irregular is common and normal
• After 2-3 years: Should become more regular

Period length:

• Normal: 3-7 days
• Shorter or longer occasionally is okay
• Consistently very short (<2 days) or very long (>7 days) worth discussing

Flow:

• Light, moderate, or heavy varies between people
• Changing pad/tampon every 3-6 hours is typical
• First 2-3 days usually heaviest
• Clots are normal (especially in morning or when flow is heavy)

Symptoms:

• Mild to moderate cramping is normal
• Mood changes before period common
• Breast tenderness, bloating, headaches can be normal
• Fatigue is common

Period Problems That Need Assessment

See your GP if:Heavy bleeding:

• Soaking through pad/tampon every 1-2 hours
• Bleeding lasting longer than 7 days
• Passing large clots (bigger than 50-cent coin)
• Bleeding causing anaemia (fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath)

Severe pain:

• Pain so bad you miss school or activities regularly
• Pain not controlled by standard pain relief
• Pain interfering with daily life
• Pain getting progressively worse over time
• Pain during other times of month, not just periods

Irregular periods (after first 2 years):

• Periods more than 35 days apart regularly
• Missing periods for 3+ months (and not pregnant)
• Bleeding between periods
• Unpredictable cycles making life difficult

Other concerning symptoms:

• Excessive hair growth (face, chest, abdomen)
• Severe acne not responding to treatment
• Significant weight changes
• Very painful periods from the very first one

Don’t assume bad periods are just something you have to deal with. They’re not.

Period Pain: What’s Normal vs Concerning

Normal period pain (dysmenorrhoea):

• Cramping in lower abdomen
• May radiate to lower back or thighs
• Usually worst first 1-2 days of period
• Manageable with standard pain relief
• Uncomfortable but doesn’t stop you from activities
• Improves with heat, rest, pain medication

Concerning period pain:

• Pain so severe you regularly miss school or activities
• Pain starting before period and continuing after
• Pain not helped by standard pain medication
• Pain with bowel movements or urination during period
• Pain during or after sex (when sexually active)
• Pain between periods
• Getting worse over time

This level of pain could indicate endometriosis or other conditions and deserves investigation.

Acne and Skin Changes

Acne affects about 85% of teenagers—you’re definitely not alone.

Why Acne Happens

Hormonal changes during puberty:

• Increased androgen hormones
• Stimulates oil glands in skin
• Excess oil + dead skin cells + bacteria = acne
• Typically starts around age 11-12
• Can continue into 20s or beyond

Types of Acne

Mild acne:

• Whiteheads and blackheads (comedones)
• Few inflammatory spots
• Usually responds to over-the-counter treatments

Moderate acne:

• More numerous spots
• Some inflammatory papules and pustules
• May need prescription treatment

Severe acne:

• Many inflamed spots
• Nodules or cysts (deep, painful lumps)
• Risk of scarring
• Definitely needs medical treatment

Treating Acne

What you can do:

• Gentle cleansing twice daily (don’t scrub hard—worsens acne)
• Over-the-counter treatments (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid)
• Oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup and skincare
• Don’t pick or squeeze (causes scarring)
• Be patient (treatments take 6-8 weeks to work)

When to see a GP:

• Over-the-counter treatments not helping after 2-3 months
• Moderate to severe acne
• Acne causing scarring
• Acne affecting your confidence or mental health

Prescription treatments:

• Topical treatments (stronger than over-the-counter)
• Oral antibiotics (for inflammatory acne)
• Hormonal treatments (contraceptive pill for girls—very effective for hormonal acne)
• Isotretinoin (for severe acne—very effective but needs specialist monitoring)

Acne is medical condition, not poor hygiene:

• Not caused by dirty skin, chocolate, or greasy food (myths)
• Is caused by hormones, genetics, and biology
• Treatable with proper medical care

Contraception and Sexual Health

If you’re thinking about sex or already sexually active, this information is for you.

Talking About Sex and Contraception

It’s okay to:

• Ask questions about sex and contraception
• Want information even if you’re not sexually active yet
• See a doctor without your parents knowing (confidential care)
• Change your mind about sex at any time
• Say no to sex, always

You deserve:

• Accurate information about sex and contraception
• Access to contraception if you choose to be sexually active
• STI testing and treatment if needed
• Judgement-free healthcare
• Confidential care

Contraception Options for Teens

See our Contraception & Family Planning page for detailed information on all methods.Most common methods for teenagers:Combined contraceptive pill:

• Daily tablet
• Very effective if taken correctly
• Regulates periods, reduces period pain, improves acne
• Need to remember to take daily
• Requires prescription

Contraceptive implant:

• Small rod in upper arm, lasts 3 years
• Very effective (don’t have to remember daily)
• Can make periods irregular or stop them
• Easily removed if you don’t like it

Condoms:

• Only method that prevents STIs AND pregnancy
• Important to use even if on other contraception (to prevent STIs)
• Available without prescription
• Need to use correctly every time

Important facts:

• You can get pregnant the first time you have sex
• You can get pregnant even if he “pulls out”
• You can get pregnant during your period (unlikely but possible)
• Emergency contraception available if unprotected sex or condom breaks

Emergency Contraception

If unprotected sex or contraception failure:Emergency contraceptive pill (“morning after pill”):

• Available from pharmacy without prescription (any age)
• Most effective when taken within 24 hours (but works up to 72-120 hours depending on type)
• Sooner is better
• Won’t harm you or affect future fertility
• Not as effective as regular contraception (don’t use as regular method)

Sexual Health and STI Prevention

If you’re sexually active, you need to know about STIs (sexually transmitted infections).Common STIs in young people:

• Chlamydia (most common—often no symptoms)
• Gonorrhoea (often no symptoms)
• Genital warts (HPV)
• Herpes
• Others

Protecting yourself:

• Condoms for every sexual encounter (vaginal, oral, anal)
• Regular STI testing if sexually active (at least annually, more if multiple partners)
• HPV vaccination (free for all Australians up to age 25—protects against cervical cancer and genital warts)
• Knowing that you can’t tell if someone has an STI by looking

Getting tested:

• Confidential testing available
• Usually urine sample and/or swabs
• Some blood tests
• Results in about a week
• Treatment available if anything found

See our Sexual Health page for more information.

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Mental Health in Teenage Years

Teenage years are when many mental health conditions first emerge.

Common Mental Health Challenges

Anxiety:

• Excessive worry
• Physical symptoms (racing heart, feeling sick, difficulty breathing)
• Avoiding situations due to anxiety
• Social anxiety (fear of judgement, embarrassment)
• Panic attacks

Depression:

• Persistent low mood or sadness
• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling hopeless or worthless

Eating disorders and body image issues:

• Preoccupation with weight, food, or body shape
• Restrictive eating
• Binge eating
• Purging behaviours
• Excessive exercise
• Body image significantly affecting self-esteem

Self-harm:

• Deliberately hurting yourself (cutting, burning, hitting)
• Often a way of coping with overwhelming emotions
• Needs professional support

Important: These are medical conditions, not weakness or attention-seeking.

When to Seek Help

See your GP or talk to a trusted adult if:

• Feeling sad, anxious, or worried most days
• Mental health affecting school, friendships, or activities
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Not coping with daily life
• Using alcohol or drugs to cope
• Worried about eating or body image

Crisis support (24/7):

• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (up to age 25)
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Emergency: 000

See our Mental Health page for more information.

Nutrition and Eating Well

Teenage years are time of rapid growth—your body needs fuel.

What Your Body Needs

You need more calories and nutrients during teenage years than any other time except pregnancy:

• Supporting rapid growth (height, developing body)
• Brain development
• Bone development (building bone density for life)
• Energy for school, activities, social life

Restrictive diets are harmful during teen years:

• Can stunt growth
• Can delay or stop periods
• Can affect bone development (leading to osteoporosis later)
• Can trigger eating disorders
• “Clean eating” and wellness culture can be dangerous

Healthy Eating for Teens

What actually helps:

• Regular meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Snacks if hungry (you’re growing, you need food)
• Variety of foods (no foods are “bad” or forbidden)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Adequate protein
• Calcium-rich foods (dairy, fortified alternatives)
• Staying hydrated
• Eating when hungry, stopping when full

What doesn’t help:

• Skipping meals (especially breakfast)
• Restrictive diets or “detoxes”
• Labelling foods as “good” or “bad”
• Comparing yourself to others
• Following diet advice from social media influencers

If you’re vegetarian or vegan:

• Totally fine, but need to plan to get enough protein, iron, B12, calcium
• Consider supplements (especially B12 if vegan, iron if heavy periods)
• See GP or dietitian for guidance

Sports and Exercise

Being active is great for physical and mental health.

Exercise Benefits

Regular physical activity:

• Improves mood and reduces anxiety
• Helps sleep
• Builds strong bones (critical in teen years)
• Maintains healthy weight
• Improves fitness and energy
• Boosts self-esteem
• Social benefits (team sports, friends)

How much: Aim for 60 minutes moderate-vigorous activity most days

Sports-Related Concerns

Periods and sports:

• You can exercise during your period (if you feel up to it)
• Swimming with period: Tampons or menstrual cups work
• Some athletes have lighter or no periods with intense training (not always healthy—discuss with GP)

Sports bras:

• Important for comfort and support
• Reduce breast pain during exercise
• Different support levels for different activities

Overtraining:

• Too much exercise can be harmful
• Can cause injuries, fatigue, loss of periods
• Can be sign of eating disorder
• Balance is important

Female athlete triad:

• Combination of: low energy availability (not eating enough for activity level), loss of periods, low bone density
• Serious health condition
• Needs medical treatment
• Not a sign of being a “good” athlete

Weight and Body Image

Teenage years are when body image concerns often develop.

Healthy Weight for Teens

Everyone’s body is different:

• There’s no “ideal” weight or body type
• Genetics play huge role in body shape and size
• Bodies change significantly during puberty
• Weight gain during puberty is normal and necessary
• BMI charts for adults don’t apply to growing teenagers

Focus on health, not weight:

• Are you eating regular, balanced meals?
• Are you active and energetic?
• Are you getting regular periods (after first 2 years)?
• Are you sleeping well?
• Can you do activities you enjoy?

These matter more than a number on a scale.

Body Image and Social Media

Social media makes body image harder:

• Filtered, edited photos aren’t reality
• Comparing yourself to curated, fake images is harmful
• “Influencer” bodies are often digitally altered
• Diet and fitness culture can be toxic
• “Fitspiration” and “thinspiration” can promote eating disorders

Protecting your mental health:

• Limit time on appearance-focused social media
• Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself
• Remember that what you see online isn’t real
• Focus on what your body can do, not just how it looks

When to Be Concerned

See your GP if:

• Preoccupied with weight, food, or body shape most of the time
• Restricting food or skipping meals regularly
• Binge eating
• Exercising excessively (more important than school, friends, rest)
• Purging behaviours (vomiting, laxatives)
• Rapid weight loss or gain
• Loss of periods
• Body image significantly affecting mood or activities

Eating disorders are serious medical conditions:

• Not a choice or phase
• Not about vanity
• Can affect anyone (all genders, sizes, backgrounds)
• Treatable—earlier help = better recovery

Hygiene and Personal Care

As your body changes, hygiene needs change too.

Daily Hygiene

Body odour:

• Sweat glands become active in puberty
• Daily shower or bath
• Deodorant or antiperspirant
• Clean clothes daily (especially underwear, socks)

Genital hygiene:

• Daily washing with water (external area only)
• Don’t use soap inside vagina (self-cleaning, soap disrupts natural balance)
• Wipe front to back after toilet
• Change underwear daily
• Cotton underwear better than synthetic

Period hygiene:

• Change pads every 3-4 hours
• Change tampons every 4-8 hours (never leave overnight)
• Wash hands before and after changing products
• Shower or bath daily during period

Vaginal discharge:

• Clear or white discharge is normal (especially mid-cycle)
• Changes throughout menstrual cycle
• Keeps vagina healthy
• Only concerning if: strong odour, yellow/green colour, itching, unusual amount

Immunisations for Teens

Vaccines protect you from serious diseases.

HPV Vaccination

Human Papillomavirus vaccine (Gardasil 9):

• Protects against HPV (causes cervical cancer and genital warts)
• Free for all Australians up to age 25
• Usually given in high school (Year 7-8)
• Two doses (6-12 months apart) if under 15
• Three doses if over 15
• Safe and very effective
• Best given before sexual activity starts (but still beneficial after)

Other Teen Vaccinations

Booster vaccines:

• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) booster around age 12-13
• Usually given at school

Meningococcal:

• May be offered depending on state program
• Protects against meningococcal disease (serious infection)

Influenza:

• Annual flu vaccine recommended for everyone
• Especially important if chronic health conditions

COVID-19:

• Recommended for all teenagers
• Protects against serious illness

Confidentiality and Your Rights

Understanding your healthcare rights as a teenager.

What is Confidential?

Your conversations with your doctor are private:

• We won’t tell your parents what you discuss unless you want us to
• Applies to contraception, sexual health, mental health, and other concerns
• You have right to see doctor without parent present
• You can ask parent to leave the room

When Confidentiality Has Limits

We may need to involve others if:

• We’re seriously worried about your safety
• Someone is hurting or abusing you
• You’re at immediate risk of significant harm
• Legal requirements (some situations)

We’ll discuss this with you first whenever possible.

Mature Minor Consent

You can consent to your own healthcare if:

• You understand the treatment being offered
• You understand the risks and benefits
• You understand what happens if you don’t have treatment
• You can make the decision voluntarily (not being pressured)

Age isn’t a fixed number:

• Maturity to consent assessed individually
• Many teenagers can consent to contraception, STI testing, mental health treatment
• More complex treatments may need parent involvement

Getting the Most from Your Appointment

It’s okay to:

• Bring a support person (friend, parent, other trusted adult)
• Ask to see a female doctor if that makes you more comfortable
• Write down questions beforehand so you don’t forget
• Ask the doctor to explain things you don’t understand
• Say you’re nervous or embarrassed (we understand)

Before your appointment:

• Think about what you want to discuss
• Write down symptoms, questions, concerns
• Know your menstrual cycle (when last period started, how long between periods)
• Bring any medications you’re taking

For Parents: Supporting Your Teen’s Health

How parents can support healthy adolescent development.

Your Role

What helps:

• Open, non-judgmental communication
• Letting them lead conversations about their health
• Respecting growing need for privacy and independence
• Being available when they want to talk
• Providing accurate information (or helping them find it)
• Normalising discussions about periods, bodies, sex, mental health
• Knowing when to step back and when to step in

What doesn’t help:

• Dismissing concerns (“you’re too young to worry about that”)
• Forcing conversations when they’re not ready
• Embarrassing them about body changes
• Comparing them to siblings or peers
• Making them feel ashamed about normal development

When to Encourage Professional Help

Encourage them to see GP if:

• Severe period pain interfering with school or activities
• Very heavy or irregular periods
• Significant acne affecting self-esteem
• Concerns about sexual health or contraception
• Mental health struggles (anxiety, low mood, eating concerns)
• Any health concerns causing distress

Support their privacy:

• They may want to see doctor alone (that’s healthy)
• Don’t demand to know everything discussed
• Trust that doctor will involve you if necessary for safety

Red Flags to Watch For

Seek help if your teen shows:

• Significant mood changes or withdrawal
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Changes in eating or weight (rapid loss or gain)
• Excessive exercise or restrictive eating
• Self-harm
• Talk of suicide or self-harm
• Substance use
• Dramatic changes in friend groups or behaviour
• Avoiding school regularly
• Severe period pain consistently

Frequently Asked Questions

“I’m too embarrassed to talk to a doctor about periods/sex/etc. What do I do?”

Remember that doctors talk about these topics every single day. What feels embarrassing to you is completely routine for us. We won’t judge you or think your questions are stupid. You can even say “I’m really embarrassed to ask this” and that’s totally fine.

“Can I see a doctor about contraception without my parents knowing?”

Yes. You can access confidential healthcare including contraception if you’re mature enough to understand the treatment. We won’t tell your parents unless you’re in danger.

“Will my parents find out if I get an STI test?”

Not if you ask for confidential care. Test results won’t be sent to your home. However, if you’re on your parents’ healthcare card, they may see that you had an appointment (but not what it was for).

“Is it normal to have really bad period pain?”

Mild to moderate cramping is normal. Severe pain that makes you miss school, causes vomiting, or doesn’t respond to standard pain relief is NOT normal and should be investigated.

“When should I start seeing a doctor for ‘women’s health’ stuff?”

Anytime you have questions or concerns. Common reasons: period problems, contraception, sexual health, skin issues, mental health. You don’t need to wait until you’re sexually active or older.

“My periods are really irregular—is something wrong?”

In the first 1-2 years after your first period, irregular cycles are completely normal. After that, if your periods are consistently very irregular (more than 35 days apart or unpredictable), it’s worth getting checked.

“I think I might have an eating disorder. Will the doctor tell my parents?”

We’ll discuss this with you. If you’re in immediate danger (severely underweight, medical complications), we’ll need to involve your parents for your safety. But we’ll talk to you first and help you have that conversation.

“Do I need a pelvic exam to get the pill?”

No. You don’t need a pelvic examination to start the contraceptive pill. We’ll discuss your health history and blood pressure, but internal examinations aren’t needed.

Helpful Resources

Support Services for Young People

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7, for anyone up to age 25)

• Phone, webchat, email counselling
• Any issue, any time

ReachOut Australia: au.reachout.com

• Mental health information and support
• Peer support forums

Headspace: headspace.org.au

• Youth mental health services
• Centres across Australia for ages 12-25

eheadspace: 1800 650 890

• Online and phone mental health support

YACWA (Youth Affairs Council of WA): yacwa.org.au

• Youth support and advocacy (WA)

Family Planning: fpnsw.org.au / fpv.org.au (varies by state)

• Sexual health information
• Confidential services

Book Your Appointment

Questions about periods, skin, contraception, mental health, or anything else?Our Ovara specialists provide confidential, respectful healthcare for adolescents and teens across 110+ clinics in Australia. We create a comfortable space where you can ask anything—we’ve heard it all before.You can book yourself, or a parent can book for you. Either way, we’re here to help.Book online or call your nearest Family Doctor clinic to see an Ovara women’s health specialist.Book Your Appointment →