Teenage
Gynecology
A safe, judgment-free first experience for teens who deserve to be heard, not dismissed.
A Story We Hear
Too Often
You take your teen to her first gynecologist seeking help for heavy, painful cycles. She doesn’t want to miss cross country practice or dance team. She doesn’t understand why her friends aren’t home in bed with a heat pack every month.
“The doctor said painful periods are normal and she must just want birth control for her skin. He said her retroverted uterus would likely leave her unable to carry children. We left in tears.”
The Result
Instead of trusting their own bodies to know when something is wrong, teens suffer through pain or discomfort, often told by family or teachers to tough it out. It doesn’t have to be this way.
The Alternative
We built ESSE Care to support women and girls throughout their lives. We approach every visit—especially those with teens who may be particularly nervous—with compassion and care. Our goal is to educate teens and empower them to speak up for what they need.
What We Treat
We investigate root causes, not just symptoms. No pelvic exam required, no judgment, and no question too small to ask. We see teens from their very first period conversation through diagnosis, excision surgery (if needed), and ongoing annual care, all within our teenage gynecology package.
Cycle & Period
Pelvic Pain
A Note to Parents
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about when—or whether—to bring your teen to a gynecologist. Many parents come to us simply because they want their child to have a safe place to ask questions, learn what’s normal, or get checked out when something doesn’t feel quite right.
There’s no pressure and no expectation at ESSE Care; just real guidance from experts who understand teens. Just like you’d see a dentist for a toothache, coming to a women’s health specialist for clarity and support is both appropriate and empowering—no embarrassment required.
We’re here to support your teen (and you!) with whatever information you need.
Symptoms Teens May Be Experiencing
Most teens experiencing their first menstrual cycles don’t know what’s “normal,” so it can be hard to ask for help. We create a safe space for teens to tell us everything they’re feeling—physically and emotionally.
Heavy Menstrual
Bleeding (HMB)
20-47% of women suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding, defined as a period lasting longer than 7 days or soaking through one or more pads/tampons an hour. HMB can be a sign of a deeper issue and is always worth investigating. Learn more.
Painful Periods
(Dysmenorrhea)
Painful periods are the most common complaint among adolescents and young adults. But that doesn’t mean teens are overreacting. If at-home remedies don’t help, it’s time to explore why. Learn more.
Chronic Pelvic
Pain (CPP)
Teenagers’ pain should be taken seriously. At least two-thirds of adolescents with pelvic pain that does not respond to standard therapies will be diagnosed with endometriosis at the time of laparoscopy. Learn more.
Bowel & Bladder
Symptoms
Missing School
or Activities
Dysmenorrhea is the leading cause of recurrent short-term school absenteeism for adolescent girls. Regularly missing school or practice because of period pain is a clinical red flag. It should not be the monthly norm.
Chronic
Fatigue
Chronic fatigue affects up to 50% of women with endometriosis. Other symptoms include heavy bleeding, back pain, leg pain, and nausea—often dismissed or misdiagnosed.
Frequent Ovarian
Cysts
Up to 44% of endo patients have endometriomas (chocolate cysts). Studies suggest that women with endometriosis also have a higher prevalence of ovarian dermoid cysts than the general population.
Frustration
and Stress
Being told by doctors their pain is “normal” can be the start of years of frustration and suffering for many teens. It’s completely understandable to be upset, but we want you to know that a better way exists, and proper care is possible.
A Supportive & Educational Setting for Teen Gynecology
ESSE is a haven where teens can speak freely about their periods and pelvic symptoms without judgment. Every question gets a real answer.
Our founder went through it herself and is a mother of two young girls. That experience shapes everything about how ESSE works. Teens are given the podium, privately first, then with their families.
“Your period shouldn’t stop you from competing in a competitive sport or from going to school. It shouldn’t be so painful and debilitating that you have to stay home for one or two days every cycle. That’s not normal.”
Dr. Karli Provost Goldstein, ESSE Care Founder
How We Approach
Teen Appointments
We use abdominal ultrasound, not an internal exam, for accurate diagnostics and no discomfort. This is standard for every young patient at ESSE.
No Pelvic
Exam Required
Visual Education
Included
Age-appropriate pictorials walk your teen through what is happening in her body, what is normal, and why her symptoms matter. Knowledge is part of the care.
Private Time
& Family Time
Teens get one-on-one time first, then families join. Teens feel heard on their own terms while caregivers stay part of the plan.
A Real Plan, Not
Just a Prescription
Birth control is not our default. We find the cause, then build a plan: monitoring, integrative support, hormone management, or further workup as needed.
Integrative Support
When Helpful
We connect teens with trusted ESSE partners who specialize in adolescent wellness. Pelvic floor therapy, nutrition, acupuncture, and other therapies can all be helpful.
Lifelong Care
Relationship
For most of our teenage patients, this is the start of a longer relationship. We build trust early so your teen has an expert in her corner through adulthood.
Where Are You in Your Journey?
Something
Isn’t Right
Symptoms feel off, but no one has listened. You want a doctor who will actually investigate.
Already
Dismissed
Told it’s normal, handed a prescription, or left with even more questions than answers.
Ready for
Answers
Newly diagnosed or starting from scratch, you want a specialist who will build a real plan.
Why Patients Choose ESSE Care
Relief &
Restoration
Definitive
Care
Integrative
Support
Minimally
Invasive
Fertility
Preservation
Surgical
Excellence
Getting Started with ESSE Care
Insurance Verification
Submit your insurance and ID information over the phone or through our online form. We’ll verify your benefits and let you know what’s covered before your appointment.
First Office Visit
Want to know what to expect when you come into one of our offices for an in-person appointment? We’ve got you covered. Find out what to bring and how to prepare.
Surgical Planning
Our team is dedicated to taking the headache out of planning for your surgery. We’ll coordinate all the necessary expertise behind the scenes while you focus on your path to healing. Learn more.
Travel Support
Our patients travel from all over the world for treatment at ESSE Care. We provide comprehensive concierge travel support to make the process stress-free for you. All you have to do is show up. Learn more.
Your journey to relief begins now.
We’re with You Every Step of the Way
Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain
ESSE's excision specialists offer precise, compassionate care that targets the root cause of endometriosis.
Gynecologic Surgery
We treat fibroids, uterine anomalies, polyps, and more with expertise and intention.
Fertility Optimization
We address the conditions that may be interfering with your fertility while coordinating with fertility specialists.
Comprehensive & Partner Support
ESSE Care offers comprehensive gynecologic care for all ages, as well as integrative therapies via our trusted partners.
Have more questions?
