Pediatric Endocrinology
Delayed Puberty
Puberty refers to the transition the physical body goes through en route to
becoming a reproducing adult. In the process, the brain sends hormone signals to
the gonads (testes and ovaries). The gonads respond by producing an array of
hormones that stimulate the reproductive organs, breasts, skin, muscle, brain,
and bones to growth and development. The normal ages of puberty are between 8
and 13 for girls and 9 and 14 for boys.
Causes of Delayed Puberty
The underlying cause for delayed puberty is that the gonads are not secreting
their sex hormones.
However, most children late in developing may be experiencing a
constitutional delay of puberty (late bloomers). Other children can have a
medical condition causing the problem.
Illnesses such as brain tumors, hypothyroidism or anorexia may be preventing
the brain from stimulating the gonads to produce the hormones needed.
There might also be a problem with the ovary or testicle itself, pituitary or
thyroid glands or even a chromosome disorder like Turner Syndrome.
Symptoms of delayed puberty are basically that development is not occurring
as it normally should. Delayed sexual development to a reproducing adult is the result.
If the child senses they’re late in developing, they need to speak with their
parents or guardians to make a doctor’s appointment.
Delayed Puberty Diagnosis
Whether it’s delayed puberty in girls or delayed puberty in boys, the primary
physician may be able to reassure the patient their development will come a
little later. If the doctor finds a problem, he or she might refer the patient
to a pediatric endocrinologist for further testing including x-rays or blood work.
Delayed Puberty Treatment
What’s tough for delayed puberty in teens is dealing with not developing at
the same pace as their peers. People may joke about small stature or flat
chests. It doesn’t matter that the teen may be just a late bloomer, abnormal
puberty can cause anxiety and even depression.
That’s why treatment may include speaking with a counselor or therapist. They
can help sort out feelings and suggest constructive ways to cope with them.
To develop other treatment, if necessary, the doctor will study family growth
patterns, medical history, medications being taken and blood tests. The
treatment may be as simple (although hard to do) as waiting it out.
In other cases, a short regimen of hormone medications may be prescribed to
jump start development.
