Puberty, the process by which a child’s body develops into an adult body, is triggered by hormones. Puberty syndromes are typically caused by issues that affect the glands that produce those hormones. These issues can cause puberty to start earlier or later than normal. A late or early start to puberty may not need treatment, depending on the situation. However, puberty timing is important as it affects a child’s growth and height, as well as emotional well-being.

Puberty Syndromes We Treat

Here are some of the most common puberty disorders we treat:

• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Delayed (late) puberty
• Genetic disorders that disrupt puberty, such as Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, testotoxicosis and more
• Kallmann syndrome
• McCune-Albright syndrome
• Precocious (early) puberty

Puberty Syndrome Symptoms

Signs of a puberty disorder may include:

• Acne and body odor in girls younger than age 8 or boys younger than age 9
• Breast development in girls younger than age 8
• Facial hair and voice change in boys younger than age 9
• Growth spurt in girls younger than age 8 or boys younger than age 9
• No breast development by age 13
• No menstruation (period) by age 15
• No testicle and penis growth by age 14 (child also may be shorter)
• Pubic or underarm hair in girls younger than age 8 or boys younger than age 9
• Testicle and penis growth in boys younger than age 9

Puberty Syndrome Treatment

Depending on the cause, a child may need:

• Observation if the condition is likely to resolve on its own
• Hormone therapy
• Pubertal blockers

Counseling to help children and families with emotional and social challenges that early or delayed puberty can present.