Disorders of puberty

Abstract

Disorders of puberty are relatively common problems that affect young people and include precocious puberty and delayed puberty. The disorders of puberty may go unrecognised, as the signs and symptoms may be subtle, and the patient may be embarrassed to bring concerns to the attention of the GP. They are not only a source of significant emotional distress for young people, but also can also lead to long-term adverse consequences, such as failure to achieve target height. Disorders of puberty may also be a sign of a serious underlying condition, which if promptly diagnosed may be treatable. Therefore, early recognition of such disorders by GPs is vital for both the psychological and physical health of the patient. This article aims to give an overview of normal pubertal development, as well as the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of both precocious and delayed puberty.