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Educational article

How to Talk at an Appointment About Growth and Puberty When Something Concerns You

Endomédicos

Endomédicos medical profile

Published 6 min read

Educational content. It does not replace an individual medical assessment and should not be used for self-medication.

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An adolescent asks a health professional questions while their caregiver listens during an appointment about growth and puberty.
Making space for an adolescent’s questions helps support a conversation about growth and puberty during a clinical evaluation.

An appointment is also a place to share concerns

When questions arise about growth or pubertal changes, an appointment can be a chance to talk about how the adolescent is experiencing those changes and what questions they have. Variations in development are not a problem in themselves; having a concern does not confirm an illness or automatically mean treatment is needed.

Topics you can discuss

You can talk about the pace of the changes, what has caught your attention, and whether the concern affects daily activities, comfort, or relationships with other people. It is also valid to mention embarrassment, family disagreements, or fear of the response. You do not need to arrive with a medical explanation.

Before the appointment: write down questions and observations

A short list can help if it is difficult to talk because of nerves. Write down what concerns the adolescent and the caregiver, when you noticed a change, or what situation is causing concern. Record observations without drawing conclusions. If you have previous growth information or reports, you can bring them; there is no need to gather special information.

Describe changes without comparing or labeling

Specific statements, such as “we’re concerned that the pace of growth seems different” or “this change makes them uncomfortable during certain activities,” can help explain the concern. Labels such as “behind” or “abnormal,” or simple comparisons with siblings and classmates, do not explain what is happening on their own. The care team considers the individual’s history and context.

Ask about privacy and participation

The adolescent can say which topics they would like to discuss alone and ask how confidentiality will be handled. The conditions depend on age and clinical context; it is best not to assume there is absolute confidentiality or that the same rules apply in every situation. If appropriate, the care team can explain how to organize the conversation and what role the caregiver will have.

Questions that can guide the conversation

Some useful questions include: “What aspects of my history help explain these changes?”, “What can be evaluated today, and what information is missing?” and “What kind of follow-up would make sense in my case?” The adolescent can speak directly, ask the caregiver for help explaining something, or request a pause. There is no single right way to participate.

Evaluation and follow-up: what to expect

The appointment provides an opportunity to review the context, address questions, and consider whether follow-up or additional evaluation is needed. There may not always be an immediate explanation or a specific intervention. Depending on the care team’s findings, primary care may coordinate an evaluation with pediatric endocrinology; this coordination is not needed in every case.

When to seek guidance

You do not need a comparison, a perfect measurement, or a likely cause to seek guidance. Avoid minimizing what the adolescent is feeling or presenting bodily changes as a problem in themselves. If the concern persists, affects their well-being, or is difficult to discuss within the family, you can talk it over with a health professional. This article provides general information and does not replace a consultation.

When to seek medical care

If symptoms persist, test results are abnormal, or you have questions about medication, arrange an individual assessment. Do not change treatment or doses without medical guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Can an adolescent ask to speak with the professional alone?

They can express that preference and ask whether it is possible in their situation and how confidentiality will be handled. The care team will explain the applicable conditions based on age and clinical context.

What should we bring to the appointment?

A short list of questions and specific observations may be helpful. If you have previous growth information or reports, you can bring them; there is no need to compare the adolescent with other people.

Does concern about puberty mean treatment is needed?

Not necessarily. An evaluation helps clarify the context and determine whether any additional steps are needed. Follow-up or an intervention depends on each individual case.

Does this topic resonate with you?

Every case is different. Book a consultation to review your history, test results and goals with a personalized plan.

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