Puberty is the time in a child's body turns into the adult period during which they held a series of changes in the human body.Thus, girls will notice that their breasts grow, pubic hair appears, the first menstrual cycle and a growth spurt. The general form of the body will change, balances will be large and round body shape will be.And the boys will grow pubic hair but the face, there is a growth spurt, and pension and testicles will increase in size. Their Constitution will change, and broad shoulders will become more muscular body.
What causes puberty
The changes are caused by sex hormones (testosterone in boys and estrogen in girls) that the body will produce much greater quantities than before. Puberty takes place over several years and the age at which begins and ends vary from person to person.However, this phase could begin in about 7-13 years to 9-15 years girls and boys. Age variations are normal, both girls and boys. Sometimes, for some people, the normal age of puberty is exceeded expression without changes in the body have their place. In these situations it will be delayed puberty.What are the causes of delayed puberty
Puberty may be late for several reasons. Most often, one can talk about growth and development model of a family. Boy or girl may find that his parents, uncle, aunt, brothers or cousins developed later than usual. This is called delayed development and usually requires no treatment.Most of these teenagers will develop normally, ultimately, just as later than their peers. Other causes of delayed puberty may be medical problems. Some people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, kidney disease or asthma may go through puberty at an older age, because these conditions can prevent the body to grow and develop. Proper treatment and under control conditions can increase the chances of developing puberty.Puberty may be delayed for the following reasons:1. At the central level (for both sexes):- Hypothalamic-pituitary axis when it is not affected: delayed growth and puberty manifestation of sporadic or familial
chronic diseases (renal disease, Crohn's disease)
malnutrition (anorexia nervosa, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease)
excessive strenuous activities (sports)
psychosocial deprivation
hypothyroidism
treatment with steroids.- Hypothalamic-pituitary axis when it is impaired: tumors hypothalamic-pituitary axis adjacent (Craniopharyngiomas, glioma optical germinoame, astrocytomas, pituitary tumors)
congenital anomalies (Septo-optic dysplasia, etc.).
medical treatments involving radiation brain or spinal cord- Trauma, cranial surgery or injuries to the head gonadotropinaluteinizant releasing hormone release by stimulating follicle stimulating hormone deficiency (idiopathic congenital syndrome, Prader-Willi, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, Kallmann syndrome.2. At the periphery- Guys Bilateral testicular damage (cryptorchidism, orchidopexia failure, atresia, testicular torsion, some types of infections)
among the syndromes associated with cryptorchidism are Noonan's syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome
gonadal dysgenesis (Klinefelter syndrome and other aneuploid sindromame)
testicular irradiation or total
use of drugs (cyclophosphamide)- Girls gonadal dysgenesis (Turner syndrome, gonadal dysgenesis pure)
abdominal irradiation or total
use of drugs (cyclophosphamide, busulfan)
intersex disorders such as the androgen insensitivity syndrome (one of the main symptoms is primary amenorrhea), congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Polycystic ovary syndrome
toxic disorders (galactosemia, thalassemia).How can the physician intervene
Delayed puberty can be improved by medical intervention. To this end, the doctor will perform a physical examination, the patient will require details of his medical history, symptoms exhibited, used drugs, but allergies and information about growth patterns of family members.In some cases, the specialist will recommend including blood tests to check the values of the thyroid, pituitary problems, or other chromosome. It may be necessary including the development of X-rays to determine bone age of the patient - procedure that allows the physician to evaluate whether bone is developing normally.In many cases, doctors found no physical disorder that could be the basis of delayed puberty. However, if a problem is detected, might require the intervention of a pediatric endocrinologist or other specialist for further tests or treatment.Some of the teenagers at puberty to be seen which will be difficult to expect its manifestations appear, even though the doctor assured them that these delays are normal. In some cases, specialists may recommend treatments for several months with hormonal drugs to stimulate the onset of puberty. Usually, after treatment is discontinued, adolescent hormones will take over the function of artificial puberty to complete the process.Dealing with delayed puberty
It can be difficult and unpleasant for a teenager to see how to develop his friends and he does not have the same growth rate as this. May have the feeling that will never be the same as other children his age.On the other hand, classmates could make inappropriate remarks about delayed development. Even when doctors and parents ensure that things will evolve teenager, waiting to be difficult. If the teen is feeling depressed, you may need the intervention of a psychotherapist to them suggest various ways their fears could be improved. It is important that, in general, delayed puberty is solved in time.