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Adolescent Medicine Glossary

100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026

GAPS recommendation

Professional Technical IVT

Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services recommendation for specific preventive care practices in adolescent medicine.

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GnRH agonist

Professional Technical IVT

Medication that suppresses puberty by blocking gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

Technical Term Full entry →

gonadarche

Advanced Technical IVT

The activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis during puberty, triggering sexual maturation.

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growth velocity

Intermediate Technical IVT

The rate of linear growth over a specified time period, typically expressed as centimeters per year.

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gynecomastia

Intermediate Technical IVT

Benign enlargement of breast tissue in males, commonly occurring during adolescence due to hormonal changes.

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HEADSS assessment

Professional Technical IVT

A psychosocial screening tool for adolescents covering Home, Education, Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, and Suicide/depres...

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health care transition

Intermediate Technical IVT

Process of moving adolescents with chronic conditions from pediatric to adult-oriented healthcare systems.

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HEEADSSS assessment

Professional Technical IVT

Comprehensive psychosocial screening tool for adolescents covering Home, Education, Employment, Activities, Drugs, Sexua...

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HPV vaccination

Intermediate Technical IVT

Immunization against human papillomavirus, routinely recommended for adolescents to prevent cervical cancer and other HP...

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hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Professional Technical IVT

Condition where low sex hormones result from inadequate pituitary or hypothalamic stimulation.

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IGF-1

Professional Technical IVT

Insulin-like growth factor 1, a hormone that mediates growth hormone effects and is commonly measured in adolescent grow...

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LARC

Intermediate Technical IVT

Long-acting reversible contraceptive methods including IUDs and implants.

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mature minor doctrine

Advanced Formal IVT

Legal principle allowing adolescents to consent to certain medical treatments without parental involvement if they demon...

Legal Term Full entry →

menarche

Intermediate Technical IVT

The onset of menstruation and the first menstrual period in female adolescents.

Technical Term Full entry →

menstrual irregularities

Intermediate Formal IVT

Abnormal patterns of menstruation commonly seen in adolescent females, including cycle length, flow, or timing variation...

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menstrual suppression

Intermediate Technical IVT

Medical management to reduce or eliminate menstrual periods in adolescents.

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orthostatic vital signs

Intermediate Technical IVT

Blood pressure and heart rate measurements taken while lying down, sitting, and standing to assess for postural hypotens...

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PCOS

Intermediate Technical IVT

Polycystic ovary syndrome, a common endocrine disorder in adolescent females characterized by irregular periods, hyperan...

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peak growth velocity

Professional Technical IVT

The maximum rate of linear growth during the adolescent growth spurt, typically occurring around ages 12-13 in females a...

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peak height velocity

Intermediate Technical IVT

The maximum rate of linear growth during the adolescent growth spurt.

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peer health education

Intermediate Technical IVT

Health promotion strategy using trained adolescents to provide health information and support to their peers.

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PHQ-A

Intermediate Technical IVT

Depression screening questionnaire specifically designed for adolescent patients.

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precocious puberty

Professional Technical IVT

The onset of pubertal development before age 8 in girls or age 9 in boys, requiring medical evaluation.

Technical Term Full entry →

pubarche

Intermediate Technical IVT

The onset of pubic hair growth, typically occurring between ages 8-13 as one of the first visible signs of puberty.

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pubertal assessment

Intermediate Technical IVT

Clinical evaluation of an adolescent's physical and sexual development using standardized staging systems.

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