Delayed Puberty
Delayed puberty is when a child's physical signs of sexual maturation, including breast development and menstruation, do not appear by the expected age.
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What is delayed puberty?
Delayed puberty in girls is when the physical signs of puberty do not start by age 13. Typically, delayed puberty is when a girl has not started to develop breasts by 13 years of age, or they have developed breasts but their periods have not started by age 15.
At Welbeck, our consultants currently diagnose and treat delayed puberty in children and adolescents aged 12 to 19.
What are the symptoms of delayed puberty?
Common symptoms of delayed puberty include:
- lack of breast development by age 13
- more than 5 years between initial breast growth and the first menstrual period
- lack of menstruation by age 15
What causes delayed puberty?
It's not always clear what causes delayed puberty. It can run in families and may simply mean that puberty will happen later than usual, with no treatment required.
Delayed puberty may also be caused by:
- a chronic illness, such as cystic fibrosis, diabetes or kidney disease
- malnutrition or disordered eating
- coeliac disease
- hormonal imbalances caused by a problem with the ovaries, thyroid gland, pituitary gland or hypothalamus
- genetic conditions
- differences in sex development (e.g. mullerian anomalies like MRKH syndrome)
- emotional factors such as severe stress or trauma
- excessive exercise
How is delayed puberty treated at Welbeck?
Our team will work to establish the cause of the delayed puberty before determining the best treatment. Often, where delayed puberty is due to hormonal imbalances, treatment will be tailored to help puberty occur, often without the need for drugs. In cases where a lack of development is causing further health problems or distress, hormone therapy may be considered to trigger the start of puberty.
In cases where there is an underlying cause of delayed puberty, the treatment will vary depending on the cause.
How is the cause of delayed puberty diagnosed at Welbeck?
Our team will talk to you and your child about their medical history and specific symptoms before carrying out a physical examination. Further diagnostic tests will also be used to gain a full understanding of the underlying issues.
Further diagnostic tests may include:
Why choose Welbeck
At Welbeck, London’s leading paediatric gynaecologists use the latest innovations in healthcare to accurately diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions in state-of-the-art facilities. Your child will receive the best possible care in a welcoming and supportive environment where you both feel listened to.
With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure your child receives the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
Appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments. If preferred, initial and follow-up appointments can sometimes be done remotely via video call.
Book a private consultation
Your child’s health is of utmost importance to us, so we strive to offer same-day and next-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance for your child, their treatment at Welbeck can begin once your provider has confirmed authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
FAQs
Is delayed puberty a problem?
Often, delayed puberty is not a problem and is simply a natural variation in growth. However, it is important to determine the cause of the delay in case there are any underlying medical issues.
Seek advice about delayed puberty if:
- your child has not started to develop breasts by age 13
- there has been more than 5 years between their initial breast growth and their first menstrual period
- your child has not started menstruation by age 15
What are the potential complications of delayed puberty?
Delayed puberty may lead to:
- feelings of frustration, inadequacy, or low self-esteem and body image concerns due to appearing younger than peers
- unstable mood and anxiety, when delayed puberty is due to hormonal imbalances
- feelings of depression and anxiety due to the psychosocial challenges associated with delayed puberty
- impact on bone growth, leading to a shorter adult height or other bone-related concerns
- impact on heart health
- delayed puberty could signal a problem with reproductive health that may affect fertility later in life
What should I do if I’m concerned about delayed puberty in my child?
Consult a doctor if you notice signs of delayed puberty, especially if you’re concerned about your child's growth or emotional well-being. Early diagnosis can help address any underlying causes and ensure proper treatment.
Can a child with delayed puberty catch up?
In many cases, children with delayed puberty will eventually experience puberty normally once the cause of the delay is diagnosed and treated.