Delayed Puberty in Men

Late puberty in men can cause concern for parents and boys themselves. In this article we will look at what delayed puberty is, what the possible causes of its occurrence are, how diagnosis and treatment are carried out.

What is delayed puberty?

Delayed puberty in men is a deviation from the norm when a child does not have enlarged testicles by age 13 and the appearance of pubic hair by age 15. Also, the likelihood of delayed sexual development may be indicated by a child’s growth retardation – hypostatura.

Causes of delayed puberty

Late puberty may well be a variant of the norm if a similar situation occurred among the boy’s relatives. The growth rate remains normal, and although the growth spurt and puberty occur later than in most peers, they subsequently proceed in the usual way.

However, late puberty can also be caused by certain diseases. These include chromosomal abnormalities, for example, Klinefelter syndrome, in which a boy’s genotype contains an extra X chromosome. Some genetic diseases are accompanied by impaired hormone production, which also leads to delayed sexual development. A decrease in the content of gonadotropins, hormones that determine the development of the genital organs, can occur due to a tumor that damages certain areas of the brain - the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Delayed sexual development can also be caused by chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease and cystic fibrosis.

Diagnosis of delayed puberty

In order to exclude a chromosomal abnormality, blood is taken from the child for a chromosomal study. Blood tests can also identify diabetes, anemia and other diseases that may cause delayed puberty. To determine bone maturity, an X-ray examination of the child's hands and wrists is performed. To detect brain tumors, X-rays, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used.

Treatment of delayed puberty

If delayed sexual development is caused by a chronic disease, then it is necessary to cure the boy of it, after which the rate of maturation completely returns to normal. For example, if you have diabetes, you need to monitor your blood glucose levels and take appropriate medication.

Genetic disorders that cause late puberty cannot be treated. However, in some cases it is possible to normalize the development of external sexual characteristics by replenishing missing hormones. For this purpose, medications containing gonadotropic hormones may be prescribed.

If the cause of delayed sexual development is a brain tumor, then surgery to remove it is necessary.

Conclusion

Delayed puberty in men can be both normal and a symptom of a disease. To establish the causes of delayed puberty, it is necessary to conduct a diagnosis, including a chromosomal study, X-ray examination of bones, as well as CT or MRI of the brain. Treatment for delayed puberty depends on the cause and may include treatment of chronic diseases, replacement of missing hormones, or surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment of delayed puberty can help prevent possible complications in the future.