Boys typically begin puberty between the ages of nine and fourteen. During this time, boys undergo physical, hormonal, and emotional changes that lead to sexual development and physical maturity. If the child does not show signs of puberty by the age of 15, he may be experiencing delayed puberty. What are the signs of delayed puberty in boys?
What is delayed puberty?
Delayed puberty in boys is a condition where the physical and hormonal signs of puberty do not appear or develop as expected. This condition can be caused by various factors, including genetics, hormonal issues, and certain medical conditions.
Signs of delayed puberty in boys
Boys with delayed puberty can exhibit a variety of signs and symptoms that affect their physical and emotional development. Here are some signs of delayed puberty in boys:
Small testes
Testes smaller than 2.5 cm by age 14 indicate delayed puberty.
Underdeveloped penis
If the penis hasn't shown significant growth by age 13, it may be a sign of delayed puberty.
Minimal body hair
Body hair, including pubic, underarm, and facial hair, typically begins to grow during puberty. Minimal or no body hair growth by age 15 indicates delayed puberty.
High-pitched voice
A high-pitched and soft voice without the typical deepening during puberty can indicate delayed puberty in boys.
Limited body growth
Increased testosterone during puberty aids in muscle mass development. Boys with delayed puberty may not show significant muscle development and may remain thinner and less muscular than their peers.
Excess fat
Fat accumulation around the hips, pelvis, abdomen, and breasts can occur with delayed puberty, especially if overall body growth and muscle development are delayed.
Emotional stress
Delayed puberty can cause emotional and psychological stress. A child may feel different from their peers, leading to feelings of shame or discomfort with their appearance.
Delayed puberty in boys can cause concern for both parents and children. It is important to get a medical evaluation to determine the cause of the delay. Once the underlying cause has been identified, treatment and therapy may be required to help initiate or speed up the puberty process.
Do you have other questions related to your child's puberty issues? You can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- Sean Edbert Lim, MBBS
Medline Plus (2022). Delayed puberty in boys. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007695.htm
Kids Health (2023). Delayed Puberty. Available from: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/delayed-puberty.html
Parang Mehta (2022). What to Know About Delayed Puberty. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/children/what-to-know-delayed-puberty
Cleveland Clinic (2021). Puberty. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22192-puberty