TeenThreads mission: Stigma-free, teen-friendly health facts you can actually use — for you and your Support Squad (parents, teachers, counselors, friends).

Important: This page is educational and does not replace medical care. If symptoms are severe, sudden, or scary, get help right away.

Quick Jump (All Topics Included)

• Acne & Skin Care
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Anxiety Disorders
• Asthma in Teens
• Body Image
• The Period Guide
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Cyberbullying & Safety
• Depression Facts
• Healthy Eating & Fuel
• Endometriosis
• Fitness & Movement
• HPV Vaccine (The Shield)
• HIV/AIDS Education
• PCOS Facts
• Safe Relationships
• STIs & Testing
• Sleep & Brain Power
• UTI Prevention
• Vaping & Substance Info

Often normal (common teen stuff):

• Some acne and skin changes during puberty
• Mood swings that come and go, especially with stress and sleep changes
• Periods that are a bit irregular in the first years after the first period
• Feeling self-conscious sometimes (it’s common — not fun, but common)
• Needing more sleep (most teens do best with 8–10 hours)

Get checked soon (red flags):

• Feeling “stuck” in sadness, hopelessness, panic, or fear for weeks
• Sudden major weight change, fainting, or feeling weak a lot
• Severe period pain that regularly disrupts school/sleep, or very heavy bleeding
• Breathing trouble, frequent wheezing, or asthma symptoms that limit activity
• Any STI symptoms (or exposure concerns) — testing is normal and smart

MedlinePlus – Adolescent Health

Acne is super common in teens because hormones can increase skin oil and clog pores. It’s not a “dirty” problem — it’s biology + skincare habits.

• Helpful basics: gentle cleansing, don’t pick, use non-comedogenic products, give treatments time.
• Get help if: painful cysts, scarring, or acne affects confidence a lot.

MedlinePlus – Acne
GirlsHealth.gov – Acne

Anorexia is a serious eating disorder that can involve intense fear of weight gain and harmful restriction. This is a health condition — not a personality flaw.

• Warning signs: major weight loss, dizziness/fainting, feeling cold often, intense food fear, skipping meals, obsession with body size.
• Best move: talk to a trusted adult and get medical + mental health support early.

Office on Women’s Health – Anorexia Nervosa
NIH (NIMH) – Eating Disorders

Anxiety is more than “being nervous.” Anxiety disorders can cause intense worry, panic feelings, sleep issues, stomach problems, and avoidance.

• Try this first: sleep support, regular meals, movement, stress skills (breathing, journaling), and talking to someone.
• Get help if: anxiety blocks school, friendships, or daily life.

NIH (NIMH) – Anxiety Disorders
MedlinePlus – Anxiety

Asthma can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath — sometimes worse with exercise, colds, smoke, or allergies.

• Power skill: know triggers and follow an asthma action plan.
• Urgent: trouble speaking, blue lips, or severe breathing trouble = emergency help.

CDC – Asthma
MedlinePlus – Asthma

Body image is how you feel about your body — and social media can seriously distort what “normal” looks like.
A healthier goal is body respect: taking care of your body because it’s your life vehicle.

• TeenThreads tip: follow accounts that make you feel stronger, not smaller.
• Get support if: body thoughts are constant, harsh, or driving harmful behaviors.

Office on Women’s Health – Body Image & Mental Health

Periods are a normal body process. What matters is knowing your pattern, managing symptoms, and spotting red flags (like severe pain or very heavy bleeding).

• Often normal: mild cramps, some mood changes, cycles still becoming regular early on.
• Get checked if: pain regularly stops school, bleeding is very heavy, or you feel dizzy/faint.

GirlsHealth.gov – Your Period
Office on Women’s Health – Menstrual Cycle
MedlinePlus – Menstruation

Bulimia is an eating disorder that can involve cycles of binge eating and harmful behaviors to “undo” eating. It can seriously affect health and deserves real support.

• Get help if: eating feels out of control, you feel intense shame, or behaviors are harming your body.
• Best treatment: medical + mental health care (you don’t have to fight this alone).

Office on Women’s Health – Bulimia Nervosa
NIH (NIMH) – Eating Disorders

Cyberbullying can affect sleep, mood, grades, and safety. Saving evidence, blocking/reporting, and getting trusted adult help is the smart move.

• Protect your peace: privacy settings, don’t share passwords, and take breaks from toxic spaces.
• Get help now if: threats, stalking, extortion, or fear for safety.

StopBullying.gov – What Is Cyberbullying?
StopBullying.gov – Get Help Now

Depression is more than “sadness.” It can affect sleep, appetite, energy, motivation, and how you feel about yourself.
Support works — and getting help is a strength move.

• Common signs: losing interest, feeling hopeless, constant irritability, changes in sleep/appetite, trouble focusing.
• Get help if: symptoms last 2+ weeks or disrupt life.

NIH (NIMH) – Depression
MedlinePlus – Depression

Food is fuel for your brain, mood, sports, and growth. The goal isn’t “perfect eating” — it’s steady energy and enough nutrients.

• Simple win: protein + fruit/veg + whole grains + water most days.
• Get help if: constant fatigue, dizziness, or extreme dieting rules.

USDA – MyPlate for Teens
GirlsHealth.gov – Nutrition
MedlinePlus – Nutrition

Endometriosis can cause strong period pain and other symptoms that may disrupt school or daily life. Severe pain is not something you have to “just live with.”

• Clue: period pain that’s severe, worsening, or not improving with typical strategies.
• Treatment: a clinician can offer real options (pain plans, hormonal options, and more).

Office on Women’s Health – Endometriosis
MedlinePlus – Endometriosis

Movement helps mood, sleep, focus, and confidence. It doesn’t have to be intense — consistency beats perfection.

• TeenThreads move: find something you enjoy (walking, dance, sports, yoga, strength basics).
• Red flag: exercise used as punishment or done despite injury.

CDC – Physical Activity
GirlsHealth.gov – Fitness

The HPV vaccine helps prevent HPV-related cancers later in life. Getting vaccinated on schedule is a future-you protection move.

Why teens? The vaccine works best when given at the recommended ages.

CDC – HPV
CDC – HPV Vaccine Information

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. With modern treatment, people with HIV can live long lives.
Education reduces fear and stigma — and helps people protect themselves.

• TeenThreads rule: Stigma hurts people. Facts help people.
• Testing: is normal healthcare and can be confidential depending on location.

CDC – HIV Basics
MedlinePlus – HIV/AIDS

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common hormone condition that can affect periods, acne, and hair growth patterns.
You don’t need to self-diagnose — you just need to know when to ask for a check-in.

• Possible signs: very irregular periods, acne that’s hard to manage, or other hormone-related symptoms.
• Support: clinicians can help with symptom control and long-term health planning.

Office on Women’s Health – PCOS
MedlinePlus – PCOS

Safe relationships are built on respect, boundaries, and feeling emotionally safe. Control, threats, humiliation, and pressure are not love.

• Green flag: you can say “no” without punishment.
• Red flag: someone tries to isolate you, control your phone, or threaten you.

Office on Women’s Health – Relationships & Safety
CDC – Teen Dating Violence (Info & Prevention)

STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are common and often treatable. Many STIs can have no symptoms, which is why testing matters.
Getting tested is responsible healthcare — not shame.

• Go get checked if: new symptoms, possible exposure, or you’re sexually active and unsure.
• Smart move: ask clinics about confidential teen services (varies by location).

CDC – STDs/STIs (Information & Prevention)
Office on Women’s Health – STIs
HRSA – Find a Health Center (low-cost clinics)

Sleep is not “lazy.” It’s brain maintenance. Sleep affects mood, focus, memory, sports performance, and even how intense emotions feel.

• TeenThreads sleep hack: same sleep/wake window most days + lower screens before bed.
• Get help if: loud snoring, constant exhaustion, or falling asleep in class a lot.

CDC – Sleep and Sleep Disorders
GirlsHealth.gov – Sleep

A UTI (urinary tract infection) can cause burning when peeing, frequent urges to pee, and lower belly discomfort.
UTIs are common and treatable — and it’s better to treat early.

• Prevention basics: stay hydrated, don’t “hold it” too long, good bathroom hygiene.
• Get checked fast if: fever, back pain, or symptoms don’t improve — those can be signs it’s more serious.

MedlinePlus – Urinary Tract Infections
Office on Women’s Health – UTIs

Vaping can harm the lungs and can lead to nicotine addiction. “Just sometimes” can still wire the brain toward cravings.
Getting help to quit is normal and available.

• Reality: nicotine can change attention, mood, and stress response — especially in teen brains.
• Support: quitting tools exist and you don’t have to do it alone.

CDC – E-cigarettes (Vapes)
Smokefree Teen – Quit Support
SAMHSA – Substance Use (Education & Help)

Trusted “Search Any Topic” Libraries (Government + Medical Library)

• GirlsHealth.gov
• Office on Women’s Health – A–Z Topics
• MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)
• CDC
• NIH (NIMH) – Mental Health Topics
• HRSA – Find a Health Center