children s health issues
Male Hypogonadism in Children
Constitutional Delay of Puberty
Some children are normal but simply do not start puberty at the usual age, a phenomenon called constitutional delay of puberty. Constitutional delay is more common among boys, and many children have a family history of delayed puberty in a parent or sibling. Short stature is common during childhood and adolescence in children with constitutional delay, but at the expected time of puberty, growth often declines because the growth spurt that typically occurs at puberty is delayed. As a result, there is a noticeable difference in height between affected children and their peers during the early adolescent years. These children typically show signs of puberty by age 18 and ultimately reach a normal height and develop normally. However, the delay may cause anxiety. Constitutional delay is not caused by hormonal or genetic problems or an underlying disorder (such as inflammatory bowel disease or eating disorders), but doctors may evaluate children to rule out other causes of short stature and Delayed Puberty . 