Symptoms and Causes of Delayed Puberty
Puberty is a phase that signals the onset of biological maturity and gears up the process of development of your reproductive system. For girls, this phase usually begins when breasts begin to develop, typically around the age of 9 or 10. However, the growth spurt starts kicking in a couple of years after the breasts have started developing. And it is during this time that menstruation begins.
But if a girl has reached the age of 13 and her breasts have yet not developed, then she is said to have experienced delayed puberty, also known as late puberty.
Girls usually attain puberty between the ages of 8 and 15.
Girls usually attain puberty between the ages of 8 and 15. So, it must be noted that some girls are simply late bloomers. And once puberty begins for them, it progresses naturally. Although there are several reasons for delayed puberty, one of the common reasons is that it could be genetic. So, if your mother was a late bloomer, there are high chances that you too may experience delayed puberty.
Symptoms for Delayed Puberty
There are certain telltale signs that will suggest delayed puberty which can be used to diagnose and treat if necessary. Some of the most common symptoms of delayed puberty are:
- When a girl turns 13 and there's no development of breast buds yet
- No formation of pubic hair
- Menstruating hasn't begun till the age of 16
- The bone age is less than the girl's actual age
Causes of Delayed Puberty
Low Body Fat
One of the major reasons why puberty is delayed in girls is because of low fat in the body.
One of the major reasons why puberty is delayed in girls is because of low fat in the body. This, in turn, could be owing to the following reasons:
- Athletic girls who are into sports and who exercise regularly are prone to have less fat
- Eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia
- Malnourishment or undernourishment
Problems with Ovaries
Another reason for delayed puberty is if a girl has functionality issues with her ovaries. It can be either of the two conditions or both:
Hypogonadism
This condition is when a girl's ovaries produce zero or an insufficient number of hormones. The reasons for this could range from ovaries not developing as they should or that they are damaged. Or it could be because the part of the brain that is involved with puberty hasn't developed properly.
Turner Syndrome
Girls who have Turner Syndrome, wherein one of the two X chromosomes may be partially or entirely missing, may suffer from delayed puberty. Girls who suffer from this condition are mostly characterized by distinct features such as webbed neck and short stature.
For most girls who have delayed puberty due to low body fat, maintaining a healthy diet is sufficient to help get their body on track. However, for those who need a detailed diagnosis, consulting a doctor and getting treated is highly recommended.
Not to forget, puberty and menstruation are delicate subjects as is, and for girls who have delayed puberty, going through such an experience could be stressful and lead to low morale and self-esteem. In such cases, joining a support group or speaking to a professional can be healthy options.
If you have discharge that you're unsure of but isn't enough to warrant a pad, you can also use panty liners which are great to manage vaginal discharge. Stay well prepared for your next period by tracking it on Always menstrual cycle calculator
Takeaway
If you're experiencing delayed puberty, don't worry, there are plenty late bloomers who have a perfectly normal life. In the meanwhile, you can be prepared for your periods, whenever they arrive, by keeping a pack of ALWAYS sanitary pads with you.
FAQ's
1. What are the causes of delayed puberty?
Delayed puberty can be caused due to multiple reasons. Some of the most common ones are as follows:
- Genetics
- Low body fat
- Issues with ovaries
- Medical conditions like hypogonadism or turner syndrome
Understanding the cause behind your daughter’s delayed puberty is important. Make sure to consult a doctor and seek the right treatment at the earliest.
2. Can you go through puberty in your late 20s?
Yes, there’s a possibility of experiencing puberty in your late 20s. It’s called second puberty which can bring a multitude of physical, emotional, and psychological changes in your body.
3. What are the consequences of late puberty?
There are two common consequences of late puberty which includes shorter height and low self-esteem. It's best to to talk to a doctor if you have any concerns about your daughter's puberty.
Disclaimer
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