Delayed Sexual Development(Delayed Puberty; Delayed Sexual Maturation)
by
Patricia Kellicker, BSN DefinitionGirls enter puberty between the ages of 7-13. Boys enter this stage between the ages of 9-14. When this stage is late, it is called delayed sexual development. CausesThis condition can be caused by:
Risk FactorsFactors that may increase the chance of delayed puberty include:
SymptomsOne common symptom for both boys and girls is being short for their age. Other symptoms by gender include:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your child's milestones and growth record will be reviewed. An x-ray of the left wrist bones will be taken to assess bone age. This will help to assess if bone development is normal for your child’s current level of pubertal development. Your child's hormone levels will be tested. This can be done with blood tests. Images may be taken of your child's bodily structures if the cause needs to be further identified. This can be done with:
TreatmentNo treatment is usually needed for those who are healthy and just starting later than their peers. They will continue to be monitored. Other treatment depends on the cause. For those who have a chronic underlying disease, treatment is aimed at the specific condition. After the condition is treated, puberty often begins on its own. For others, treatments may include: Sex Hormone ReplacementSex hormones will help start sexual development. They will be given to those who cannot make their own, such children with chromosomal abnormalities. This can include Turner syndrome or Klinefelter syndrome. Hormones may also be given to teens who are severely delayed or overly stressed by their lack of development. They may stimulate the onset of normal puberty. Psychological SupportCounseling may be suggested for adolescents who are struggling with the delay. This may help the child cope with social pressures. Ongoing MonitoringYour child’s height, weight, and sexual development will continue to be monitored. This will help determine if any treatment has been effective. PreventionMost causes of delayed sexual development cannot be prevented. To help reduce the chance, make sure your child maintains a healthy lifestyle. This includes making sure your child is eating well and getting nutrients. Make sure any underlying illness is treated. RESOURCES:Family Doctor—The American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.healthychildren.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca References:Delayed puberty in boys: information for parents. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated November 21, 2015. Accessed March 19, 2018. Delayed puberty. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated January 2015. Accessed March 19, 2018. Delayed puberty. Patient UK website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated September 7, 2015. Accessed March 19, 2018. Delayed puberty/sexual development in children. Boston Children’s Hospital website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed March 19, 2018.
Female delayed puberty. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated January 9, 2018. Accessed March 19, 2018.
Male delayed puberty. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated January 9, 2018. Accessed March 19, 2018.
What causes normal puberty, precocious puberty, and delayed puberty. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated December 1, 2016. Accessed March 19, 2018. Last reviewed March 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Kari Kassir, MD Last Updated: 5/11/2015 | |
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation. This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days. |
Home |Terms and Conditions |Concerned About Privacy? |Accessibility |Careers |For Employers and Medical Plan Providers
Copyright © 2011 Caremark, L.L.C.
You may also be looking for: CVS/pharmacy | MinuteClinic | Specialty Pharmacy | SilverScript | Accordant