obsolete delayed puberty

Based on the provided context, it appears that diagnostic tests for delayed puberty have evolved over time. Here are some outdated tests that were once used to diagnose delayed puberty:

• Bone age X-ray: This test was mentioned in search result 3 as a way to determine if delayed puberty has led to bone loss. However, this test is no longer considered the most accurate or necessary for diagnosing delayed puberty.
• DEXA scan (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry): While still used today, the DEXA scan was mentioned in search result 4 as a way to determine if delayed puberty has led to bone loss. However, it's not specifically related to diagnosing delayed puberty.
• Tanner staging: This test was mentioned in search result 7 as one of the first tests to order for diagnosing delayed puberty. However, Tanner staging is more of an assessment tool than a diagnostic test.
• Measurement of testicular size: This test was also mentioned in search result 7 and is no longer considered a necessary or accurate test for diagnosing delayed puberty.

It's essential to note that these tests are not recommended as the primary diagnostic tools for delayed puberty. Modern diagnosis typically involves more comprehensive blood tests, imaging studies, and genetic testing (as mentioned in search results 5, 6, 8, 9, and others).

Current Diagnostic Tests: The most up-to-date and accurate diagnostic tests for delayed puberty include:

• Blood tests to measure hormone levels
• Imaging studies (e.g., MRI of the brain and pituitary gland)
• Genetic testing

These tests are designed to identify underlying causes of delayed puberty, such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or constitutional delay of growth and puberty.

References: [3][4][7]

Treatment Options for Delayed Puberty

Delayed puberty, also known as late puberty or adolescent growth delay, is a condition where children do not experience the typical signs of puberty by their expected age. In boys, this can manifest as a lack of testicular enlargement and facial hair, while in girls, it may be characterized by the absence of breast development.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

For boys with delayed puberty, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often prescribed to stimulate pubertal development. This typically involves administering testosterone injections or patches to promote growth and development. In some cases, HRT may also be used for girls with delayed puberty, although estrogen therapy is more commonly used in this population.

• According to search result [3], the treatment of delayed puberty consists of testosterone (for boys) or estrogen (for girls). The treatment is safe and has no long-term effects. It improves growth velocity and sexual maturation.
• Search result [10] states that treatment with short-term testosterone injections will not affect a boy's ability to enter puberty on his own.

Puberty Blockers

In some cases, puberty blockers may be prescribed to delay the onset of puberty in children who are experiencing precocious puberty (early puberty). These medications work by suppressing the production of sex hormones and can help preserve adult height potential. However, it's essential to note that puberty blockers are only given to children who have already started puberty.

• Search result [6] explains that puberty blockers are commonly used to delay puberty in children with precocious puberty.
• According to search result [11], the effect of puberty blockers depends on when a person begins to take the medicine. GnRH analogue treatment can begin at the start of puberty to delay the development of secondary sex characteristics.

When to Consider Treatment

Treatment for delayed puberty is usually considered if the child experiences significant distress or impairment due to their lack of pubertal development. In some cases, treatment may be recommended even if the child does not exhibit any symptoms, as it can help improve growth and development prospects.

• Search result [10] mentions that we treat if your son is bothered by his lack of pubertal signs.
• According to search result [13], providers can treat precocious puberty—marked by breast development before age 8 or testes growth before age 9—with hormonal suppressants, also called puberty blockers.

Consulting a Healthcare Professional

If you suspect that your child may be experiencing delayed puberty, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance. They can assess the individual situation and recommend the most suitable course of action.

• Search result [15] mentions that doctors at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone prescribe medications that regulate hormones in children with disorders of puberty.

Delayed puberty, also known as adolescent growth delay or constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP), is a condition where children enter puberty later than their peers. However, there are some cases where the term "obsolete" is used to describe delayed puberty.

What does "obsolete" mean in this context?

In medical terminology, "obsolete" refers to something that is no longer considered relevant or useful. In the case of delayed puberty, it's possible that the term "obsolete" is being used to describe outdated or superseded diagnostic criteria or classifications for this condition.

Differential Diagnosis of Obsolete Delayed Puberty

If we consider the differential diagnosis of delayed puberty, which involves identifying the underlying causes of this condition, we can look at some of the following possibilities:

• Constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP): This is a self-limited condition where children enter puberty later than their peers but eventually develop normally.
• Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: This is a condition where the hypothalamus or pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones to stimulate the gonads (ovaries or testes) to produce sex hormones.
• Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism: This is a condition where the gonads do not produce enough sex hormones, leading to delayed puberty.

Other possible causes

Other possible causes of obsolete delayed puberty might include:

• Chromosomal abnormalities: Such as Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, or Noonan syndrome.
• Hypopituitarism: A condition where the pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones.
• Gonadal disorders: Such as ovarian or testicular dysfunction.

Important considerations

It's essential to note that the differential diagnosis of obsolete delayed puberty can be complex and may require a thorough medical evaluation, including laboratory tests and imaging studies. Additionally, family history can play a significant role in identifying potential causes of this condition.

References:

• [1] Delayed Puberty in Males and Females. Chronic ...
• [3] Differential Diagnosis of Delayed Puberty Common causes of delayed puberty and the prevalence of different etiologies.
• [7] Differential Diagnosis. Delayed puberty must be differentiated from other diseases, including chromosomal abnormalities.
• [9] The differential diagnosis of delayed puberty in boys is essentially that of HH.
• [11] Family history can be positive for delayed puberty in both CDGP and CHH, even with overlap between the two conditions within the same family.