Delayed puberty

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

This is the absence of pubertal development in:

girls >13 yrs

boys >14 yrs

Question 2

Management

Answer 2

If familial or constitutional (delayed growth and bone age), no investigation.

If in doubt order;

• a bone age X-ray.

Manage according to findings (e.g. chronic asthma)

• or refer to a paediatric endocrinologist

Treatments include testosterone in boys and oestradiol in girls.