US EPA

7436842 

Journal Article 

Delayed Puberty 

Schmitt, J; Boepple, P; , 

2021 

Springer International Publishing 

Cham 

Endocrine Conditions in Pediatrics 

259-266 

10.1007/978-3-030-52215-5_44 

http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-030-52215-5_44
Exit
 

Delayed puberty is common, affecting 2–3% of the population. Anything affecting the function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis can impact pubertal development. The majority of cases (50–70%) are due to constitutional delay of growth and puberty. This condition has a strong genetic component. Affected children complete pubertal development, but they do so at an older age than their peers. The second most common cause of delayed puberty is functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. This condition results when the HPG axis is suppressed, typically from an underlying illness or undernutrition. When the underlying condition is treated, puberty progresses. The last two causes of delayed puberty, permanent hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, are less common. In permanent hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, the hypothalamus and/or pituitary is dysfunctional with regard to providing appropriate stimulation to the gonads. Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism is also known as primary gonadal insufficiency. In this condition, the hypothalamus and pituitary are functioning appropriately, but the gonad does not. In both permanent hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, pharmacologic replacement of sex steroids is required to induce pubertal development.