How to Recognize Signs of Hormonal Imbalance in Boys

A hormonal imbalance occurs in boys before and during puberty and can cause many emotional problems and stress during their adolescent life. The imbalance usually goes away within 3 to 6 months, but if the problem persists, it can be treated with medication. If detected early, you can reduce the amount of embarrassment your child will experience by treating him as soon as possible.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch for delayed puberty. Between the ages of 9 to 13, boys go through puberty, which causes hair to grow under the arms, on the chest and in the pubic area. If these physical changes do not occur during this time period, the possibility of delayed puberty is high. The delayed puberty can also be caused by a health problem such as diabetes or malnourishment.

• 2

  Check for depression. Signs of depression include irritability, aches and pain and a withdrawal from social activities. Although many teens experience depression during adolescence, depression is intensified during a hormonal imbalance. Other signs of depression include frequent crying, changes in eating habits and fatigue.

• 3

  During this puberty, an imbalance called gynecomastia can occur. Gynecomastia is a condition that causes the mammary glands to develop in boys that resemble female breasts. This development can cause severe embarrassment and emotional distress but usually goes away within 3 to 6 months due to continuous hormonal changes.

• 4

  Overactive thyroid glands can cause boys to gain weight at an accelerated rate, which leads to obesity. A boy's body will go through many changes, but if the weight gain continues to increase, it is necessary to take your teen to the doctor to check for any possible health abnormalities.