Question 1

What is Delayed puberty?

Accepted Answer

Delayed puberty is the absence of sexual maturation by age 13 in girls or age 14 in boys. It is caused by constitutional growth delay, hormonal deficiencies involving luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or testosterone/estrogen, or underlying medical conditions affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The Testosterone, Free, Bioavailable and Total, LC/MS/MS test is the most important test for diagnosing delayed puberty in males.

Question 2

What causes delayed puberty?

Accepted Answer

Delayed puberty is caused by constitutional growth delay (running in families), hormonal deficiencies involving luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, or underlying medical conditions such as Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, chronic illnesses, or malnutrition. Constitutional delay is the most common cause, where puberty simply starts later than average but eventually progresses normally. Hormonal deficiencies can result from problems with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, which control the release of hormones that trigger puberty.

Question 3

What is the best test for delayed puberty?

Accepted Answer

The Testosterone, Free, Bioavailable and Total, LC/MS/MS test is the most important test for delayed puberty in males because it measures all forms of testosterone including free testosterone, which directly indicates whether the body is producing adequate hormones for sexual maturation and development of secondary sexual characteristics like facial hair, deepening voice, and muscle development. This advanced LC/MS/MS technology provides precise measurements that help distinguish between constitutional delay and true hormonal deficiencies. Additional tests may include luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to evaluate pituitary function and determine if the brain is sending proper signals to the reproductive organs.

Question 4

When should I get tested for delayed puberty?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if your child has no signs of puberty by age 13 in girls (no breast development) or age 14 in boys (no testicular enlargement), if puberty has started but stopped progressing for more than 18 months, or if there is a significant height difference compared to peers with delayed growth patterns. Testing is also recommended if there is a family history of late puberty, chronic health conditions that might affect development, or concerns about hormonal imbalances. Early evaluation helps identify whether the delay is simply constitutional or requires medical intervention.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of delayed puberty?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of delayed puberty include absence of breast development in girls by age 13 or testicular enlargement in boys by age 14, lack of pubic or underarm hair growth, no growth spurt during the typical teenage years, and shorter height compared to peers. Boys may not experience voice deepening, facial hair growth, or muscle development, while girls may not start menstrual periods. Both may experience emotional concerns about appearing younger than their peers or feeling different from friends who have already gone through puberty.

Question 6

Who is at risk for delayed puberty?

Accepted Answer

Children with a family history of late puberty are at higher risk, as constitutional growth delay often runs in families. Those with chronic health conditions like diabetes, cystic fibrosis, kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or malnutrition face increased risk due to the body prioritizing basic survival over development. Genetic conditions such as Turner syndrome in girls or Klinefelter syndrome in boys, intensive athletic training with very low body fat, and eating disorders like anorexia nervosa also increase the risk of delayed puberty.

Question 7

What happens if delayed puberty is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated delayed puberty can lead to shorter final adult height due to delayed bone growth and premature closure of growth plates, reduced bone density increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life, and underdeveloped reproductive organs potentially affecting fertility. Psychological consequences include low self-esteem, social isolation, anxiety, and depression from feeling different from peers. In cases caused by hormonal deficiencies or underlying medical conditions, lack of treatment can allow the primary condition to worsen and may result in permanent developmental delays that could have been prevented with early intervention.

Question 8

Can delayed puberty be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, delayed puberty can be evaluated with blood tests that measure hormone levels including testosterone in males, estrogen in females, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These blood tests help determine whether hormone levels are appropriate for age and development stage, and whether the pituitary gland and reproductive organs are functioning properly. The Testosterone, Free, Bioavailable and Total, LC/MS/MS test is particularly valuable for boys because it measures all forms of testosterone with high precision. Blood tests are combined with physical examination, growth charts, bone age X-rays, and family history to make a complete diagnosis.

Question 9

How is delayed puberty treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for delayed puberty depends on the underlying cause. Constitutional delay often requires only watchful waiting and reassurance, as puberty will eventually begin naturally. Hormone replacement therapy with testosterone injections for boys or estrogen for girls can jumpstart puberty and promote development of secondary sexual characteristics when hormonal deficiencies are identified. Treatment of underlying medical conditions like nutritional deficiencies, thyroid problems, or chronic diseases can allow normal puberty to resume. Psychological support and counseling help children cope with emotional challenges while treatment progresses.

Question 10

How can I prevent delayed puberty?

Accepted Answer

While genetic causes and constitutional delay cannot be prevented, you can reduce risk by ensuring proper nutrition with adequate calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to support normal growth and development. Maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding extreme dieting or excessive exercise that leads to very low body fat helps preserve hormonal function. Managing chronic health conditions with proper medical care and treatment prevents complications that might delay puberty. Early recognition of eating disorders and prompt treatment can prevent hormonal disruptions that interfere with normal development.

Question 11

What can I do at home for delayed puberty?

Accepted Answer

At home, focus on providing a balanced diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support growth and hormone production. Ensure your child gets adequate sleep of 8-10 hours per night, as growth hormone is released primarily during deep sleep. Encourage healthy body weight maintenance and avoid restrictive diets or excessive athletic training that might suppress hormones. Provide emotional support and open communication about development concerns, reassuring your child that variations in timing are normal. However, always consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation, as home measures cannot replace medical assessment and treatment when needed.

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:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                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.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
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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.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            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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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            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.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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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!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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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 puberty?

What causes delayed puberty?

What is the best test for delayed puberty?

When should I get tested for delayed puberty?

References

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