Late-puberty in children: What parents need to know

Late- puberty in children: What parents need to know

Late-onset puberty is a condition in which a child reaches puberty later than expected. This can be a cause of concern for parents, as it can lead to social and emotional problems for the child.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of late-onset puberty include:

• No signs of puberty by age 14 for boys and 13 for girls
• Short stature
• Lack of pubic, armpit, or facial hair
• Lack of testicular growth

Causes:

The causes of late-onset puberty include:

• Genetics: Late-onset puberty can be inherited from parents.
• Chronic diseases: Some chronic diseases, such as thyroid problems, can delay puberty.
• Medications: Some medications, such as chemotherapy, can delay puberty.
• Eating disorders: Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, can delay puberty.
• Exposure to radiation or chemotherapy: Exposure to radiation or chemotherapy can delay puberty.

Diagnosis:

Late-onset puberty is diagnosed by a doctor through a physical exam and blood tests.

Treatment:

The treatment for late-onset puberty depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is a hormone deficiency, the doctor may prescribe hormone therapy.

Prevention:

There is no sure way to prevent late-onset puberty. However, parents can help reduce the risk by providing a healthy diet and regular exercise.

When to see a doctor:

Parents should see a doctor if their child shows no signs of puberty by age 14 for boys and 13 for girls.

Additional information:

In addition to the symptoms listed above, parents may notice the following signs of late-onset puberty in their child:

• A small penis or testicles
• Lack of muscular development
• A high-pitched voice

Treatment for late-onset puberty:

Hormone therapy is the most common treatment for late-onset puberty. Hormone therapy helps to stimulate the growth and development of the sex organs and secondary sex characteristics.

Outlook:

The prognosis for children with late-onset puberty is generally good. With treatment, most children will achieve normal growth and development.

Conclusion:

Late-onset puberty can be a challenging condition for parents and children. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, most children will have a normal childhood and adolescence.

Additional information for parents:

There are a number of things that parents can do to help their child cope with late-onset puberty. These include:

• Talking to the child about puberty and the normal timeline.
• Providing emotional support and reassurance.
• Encouraging the child to participate in age-appropriate activities.

Parents can also find support groups and online resources to help them learn more about late-onset puberty and how to support their child.

Download App now
• 
•