Delayed Puberty

The article from 2010 examined delayed puberty, focusing on the maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and its implications. In boys, delayed puberty was defined as the absence of pubertal maturation by age 14, affecting about 2.5% of healthy boys, with constitutional delayed puberty (CDP) being the most common diagnosis. CDP was often hereditary and resulted in a delayed growth spurt but normal adult height. In girls, delayed puberty was defined by the absence of breast development by age 13, with common causes including functional gonadotropin deficiency and primary ovarian failure. Genetic factors like Kallmann syndrome and Turner syndrome were significant in delayed puberty. Diagnostic approaches involved hormone level assessments and family history. The article also discussed the psychological impacts, particularly in boys, and treatment options such as testosterone therapy for boys and estrogen therapy for girls, emphasizing the importance of early identification and treatment by healthcare professionals.