Question 1

What is Delayed or Absent Puberty?

Accepted Answer

Delayed or absent puberty occurs when the physical and hormonal changes of adolescence fail to begin or progress at the expected age. It is caused by insufficient production of sex hormones like testosterone in males or estrogen in females, often due to problems with the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or gonads. The Testosterone Total test is the most important test for diagnosing delayed puberty in males because it directly measures the primary hormone responsible for sexual maturation.

Question 2

What causes delayed or absent puberty?

Accepted Answer

Delayed or absent puberty is caused by insufficient production of sex hormones, primarily testosterone in males and estrogen in females. This hormonal insufficiency typically results from dysfunction in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which controls puberty. Common causes include constitutional delay (a normal variant where puberty simply starts later), primary gonadal failure (where the testes or ovaries do not function properly), hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (where the pituitary gland fails to signal the gonads), chronic medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, or genetic disorders like Kallmann syndrome or Turner syndrome.

Question 3

What is the best test for delayed or absent puberty?

Accepted Answer

The Testosterone Total test is the most important test for delayed puberty in males because it directly measures the primary hormone responsible for sexual maturation and development of male secondary sexual characteristics. Low testosterone levels in adolescent boys indicate hormonal insufficiency that prevents normal pubertal progression, including testicular growth, body hair development, voice deepening, and muscle mass increase. For females, estrogen and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) tests are essential, while additional tests like LH (luteinizing hormone) and prolactin help determine whether the problem originates in the pituitary gland or the gonads themselves. A comprehensive hormone panel provides the most complete picture of why puberty is not progressing normally.

Question 4

When should I get tested for delayed puberty?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if a boy shows no signs of puberty by age 14 (no testicular enlargement) or if pubertal development has started but stopped progressing for more than a year. Testing is also recommended if a girl shows no breast development by age 13, no menstrual periods by age 15, or if more than five years pass between the start of breast development and first menstruation. Additional red flags include significantly shorter stature compared to peers, lack of growth spurt, absence of body hair or voice changes in boys, or a family history of delayed puberty. Early evaluation helps distinguish between constitutional delay and underlying medical conditions requiring treatment.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of delayed or absent puberty?

Accepted Answer

In boys, symptoms include no testicular enlargement by age 14, lack of pubic or underarm hair, absence of facial hair, no voice deepening, underdeveloped muscle mass, and continued childlike body proportions. Boys may also experience delayed growth spurts and remain significantly shorter than their peers. In girls, symptoms include no breast development by age 13, absence of menstrual periods by age 15, lack of pubic or underarm hair, and minimal hip widening. Both sexes may experience psychological effects including low self-esteem, social anxiety, and emotional distress from appearing younger than peers.

Question 6

Who is at risk for delayed or absent puberty?

Accepted Answer

Children with chronic medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, or poorly controlled diabetes are at higher risk for delayed puberty. Athletes who engage in intensive training, especially gymnasts, dancers, and runners, may experience delayed development due to low body fat and high physical stress. Individuals with genetic conditions like Kallmann syndrome, Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, or Prader-Willi syndrome have increased risk. Children with a family history of late puberty, those with eating disorders or severe nutritional deficiencies, and individuals undergoing cancer treatment or taking certain medications are also more susceptible to pubertal delays.

Question 7

What happens if delayed puberty is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated delayed puberty can lead to reduced final adult height because the growth plates in bones may close prematurely without adequate sex hormones. Adolescents may develop decreased bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life. In males, untreated testosterone deficiency can result in reduced muscle mass, decreased strength, infertility, and sexual dysfunction. Females may experience irregular or absent menstrual cycles and future fertility problems. Beyond physical complications, untreated delayed puberty often causes significant psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, social isolation, and poor self-esteem that can persist into adulthood.

Question 8

Can delayed puberty be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are essential for diagnosing delayed puberty and determining its underlying cause. Hormone blood tests measuring testosterone, estrogen, FSH, LH, and prolactin reveal whether the body is producing adequate amounts of hormones necessary for pubertal development. These tests help identify whether the problem originates in the gonads themselves (primary hypogonadism) or in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus (secondary hypogonadism). Additional blood tests may check thyroid function, growth hormone levels, and indicators of chronic disease. While blood tests do not diagnose delayed puberty by themselves, they provide critical information that, combined with physical examination and medical history, allows healthcare providers to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Question 9

How is delayed or absent puberty treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Constitutional delay, the most common form where puberty simply starts late, often requires only watchful waiting and reassurance, though short-term hormone therapy may be offered for psychological reasons. Primary hypogonadism requires hormone replacement therapy with testosterone injections or patches for boys, or estrogen and progesterone for girls, often continuing into adulthood. Secondary hypogonadism may be treated with gonadotropin injections or medications to stimulate the pituitary gland. Underlying medical conditions like thyroid disorders or nutritional deficiencies must be addressed first. Treatment aims to initiate and maintain normal pubertal development, achieve appropriate adult height, and support psychological well-being.

Question 10

How can I prevent delayed puberty?

Accepted Answer

While some causes of delayed puberty cannot be prevented, maintaining good overall health supports normal pubertal development. Ensure adequate nutrition with sufficient calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to support growth and hormone production. Maintain a healthy body weight, as being significantly underweight can delay puberty. If your child participates in intensive athletic training, work with coaches and healthcare providers to balance training intensity with proper nutrition and rest. Manage chronic health conditions effectively with appropriate medical care. Avoid excessive stress and ensure adequate sleep, as both affect hormone production. Early treatment of underlying medical conditions and regular health checkups can help identify and address potential issues before they significantly delay pubertal development.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support normal puberty?

Accepted Answer

Focus on providing a nutrient-rich diet with adequate protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to support hormone production and growth. Include zinc-rich foods like meat, nuts, and seeds, as zinc is essential for testosterone production. Ensure adequate vitamin D through sunlight exposure or supplementation, as it supports bone health and hormone function. Encourage regular but not excessive exercise, aiming for 60 minutes of moderate activity daily without overtraining. Prioritize 8-10 hours of quality sleep each night, as growth hormone is primarily released during deep sleep. Reduce stress through relaxation techniques, hobbies, and emotional support. While these lifestyle measures support healthy development, they cannot replace medical evaluation and treatment when delayed puberty is due to hormonal or medical conditions.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Delayed Puberty Blood Test

What is Delayed or Absent Puberty?

What causes delayed or absent puberty?

What is the best test for delayed or absent puberty?

When should I get tested for delayed puberty?

References

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