Delayed or Early Puberty
Abnormal timing of puberty where physical and hormonal changes occur too early or are delayed.
Delayed or Early Puberty
Delayed or early puberty refers to abnormalities in the timing of physical and hormonal changes that occur during adolescence. Puberty involves the development of secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive maturity.
Early Puberty (Precocious Puberty)
Early puberty occurs when signs of puberty appear at an unusually young age.
Delayed Puberty
Delayed puberty refers to the absence or delay in the development of secondary sexual characteristics beyond the expected age.
Causes
The timing of puberty can be affected by:
Hormonal imbalances
Genetic factors
Chronic medical conditions
Nutritional status
Disorders affecting the ovaries or endocrine glands
Signs and Symptoms
Early or delayed development of breast growth
Changes in body hair
Onset or absence of menstruation
Growth pattern changes
Diagnosis
Evaluation includes medical history, physical examination, and investigations such as hormonal tests and imaging studies to determine the underlying cause.