Late or Incomplete Puberty

About the Symptom

It describes the absence of secondary-sexual characteristics which are the result of hormonal changes in the body during puberty. Growth of pubic hair, facial hair, or an increase in height are some of the secondary sexual characteristics. Most times there is no known cause however sometimes it can be due to chromosomal problems, genetic disorders, chronic illness, tumors of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, underactive pituitary gland (hypopituitarism), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), abnormal development of the reproductive system, inability of the body to use androgen hormones (complete androgen insensitivity syndrome)or too much exercise.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Late or incomplete puberty

Possible Causes

Generally, Late or incomplete puberty can be related to:

• Uterine Hypoplasia

  Uterine hypoplasia, also known as a hypoplastic uterus, occurs when a girl is born with an abnormally small uterus. Symptoms may include failure to start having periods at puberty (primary amenorrhea), abdominal pain, a small or no vaginal opening, or infertility.

• Turner Syndrome

  Instead of having 2 X chromosomes (XX), one X chromosome is partially or completely missing (XO). This occurs randomly and only in women. Some developmental abnormalities include short stature, ovarian failure and heart defects.

• Primary Amenorrhea

  A condition where menarche (first period for a girl) does not occur on time. Typically absence of first period by age 15 is considered abnormal, but this does vary by ethnicity and location. Causes include problems with malnutrition, genetic disorders, formation of the reproductive system and hormonal imbalances. Primary amenorrhea typically needs evaluation with a specialist to find the correct diagnosis and treatment.

• Sickle Cell Disease
• Hypopituitarism
• Familial Short Stature

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Did you experience delayed or absent puberty, delayed development of sexual characteristics?
• How long have you experienced late or missed puberty and late development of sexual characteristics?

Find Similar Symptoms

References

• Delayed Puberty - Stanford Medicine

  https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=delayed-puberty-90-P01947#:~:text=Puberty%20that%20happens%20late%20is,known%20as%20secondary%20sexual%20characteristics.