Late puberty has many causes, from genetics to pathology, and may require intervention for optimal brain and physical development.
Puberty is the process by which a child's body changes into that of an adult. Most girls begin puberty between the ages of 8 and 14, and boys between the ages of 9 and 15. If a child does not experience any physical changes at this age, puberty is likely to be delayed.
Symptom
Girls can start showing signs of puberty as early as age 8. The main changes in their bodies include breast development, growth in height, the appearance of underarm and pubic hair, the beginning of menstruation, and wider hips and curves. Most girls start showing these signs before age 14, and if they don't, they have delayed puberty.
Changes during puberty in boys include an enlarged penis, growth of facial, underarm and pubic hair, rapid growth in height, broader shoulders and muscle development, and voice changes. A boy has delayed puberty if he does not show these signs by age 15.
Reason
Family : If a parent has late puberty, the condition may also occur in the child.
Endocrine : The pituitary gland does not secrete hormones to stimulate the ovaries or testicles. Estrogen or testosterone are not produced and puberty is delayed.
Chronic diseases : Cystic fibrosis, diabetes, kidney disease, asthma, celiac disease, and others can cause delayed puberty. Proper treatment can control the disease and help puberty progress.
Malnutrition : Not eating enough, a poor diet can reduce growth. Excessive physical activity, eating disorders or an unbalanced diet can also cause delayed puberty.
Genetic disorders : Chromosomal disorders such as Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome can prevent or delay puberty.
Other causes include chemotherapy or radiation therapy, disease or surgery on the ovaries or testicles, metabolic disorders such as galactosemia. Certain medications can also delay this process.
Girls usually reach puberty between the ages of 8-14, boys between the ages of 9-15. Illustration: Freepik
Treatment
The doctor will perform a complete physical examination and perform some tests and bone X-rays on the child with delayed puberty. If an underlying medical cause is found, treatment of that cause is usually successful.
At this stage, children need a scientific diet, exercise, and rest regimen, and can increase their height by 8-12 cm per year. After that, the child's growth rate gradually decreases.
A healthy diet helps children develop well and reduces the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. Parents need to supplement their children with a variety of nutrients from food after determining the level of micronutrient deficiency or excess in children, with appropriate instructions from a doctor.
Most children with delayed puberty reach normal height and physical stature as adults, but some also have mental health problems.
Le Nguyen (According to WebMD )
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