försenadpubertär

Delayed puberty, or "försenad pubertär" in Swedish, refers to a condition where a child or adolescent does not show signs of sexual development by the expected age. This typically means not developing secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development in girls or testicular enlargement in boys by the age of 13 and 14, respectively, or not having their first menstrual period by age 16.

The causes of delayed puberty can be varied. It can be constitutional, meaning a family history of late blooming, which is usually benign. Other causes include hormonal imbalances, genetic conditions like Turner syndrome in girls or Klinefelter syndrome in boys, chronic illnesses, nutritional deficiencies, excessive exercise, or significant psychological stress. In some cases, there might be a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, which are responsible for signaling the testes or ovaries to produce hormones.

Diagnosis involves a medical history, physical examination, and often blood tests to check hormone levels and assess overall health. Imaging studies like an X-ray to determine bone age or an ultrasound may also be used. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve hormone replacement therapy to stimulate the development of secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive organs. For constitutional delay, observation is often sufficient as puberty will eventually occur naturally.