Norton Children’s Gynecology, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, is the only practice in Louisville, Southern Indiana and Kentucky dedicated to pediatric gynecological care. Our board-certified physicians treat delayed puberty with the sensitivity that children, teens and parents need.

Puberty is considered delayed when physical signs do not appear by age 13 for girls and age 14 for boys.

Delayed puberty can be hereditary, meaning the late onset of puberty may run in families. Other potential causes include:

• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Genetic disorders
• Chronic illnesses
• Pituitary gland or hypothalamus tumors

In girls, symptoms of delayed puberty include:

• Lack of breast development by age 13
• More than four years between initial breast growth and first period
• Failure to menstruate by age 14

Delayed Puberty Diagnosis and Treatment

In addition to a medical history and physical exam, diagnosis of delayed puberty may include blood tests to measure hormone levels and other possible abnormalities, and X-rays to determine bone maturity.

Treatment of delayed puberty depends on the cause. If the delayed puberty is hereditary, treatment may not be necessary. If there’s an underlying cause that can be treated, puberty often proceeds normally. In some cases, treatment may involve hormone therapy.