Late Physical Development in Adolescence

Adolescence is a sensitive time, particularly for those who go through puberty later than normal. Late physical development during adolescence is not uncommon, and usually it is no cause for concern. Occasionally, however, it can indicate underlying medical problems.

Normal Development

• Normal physical development involves a growth spurt in both height and weight. This growth is accompanied by the usual signs of puberty, such as breast growth and the onset of menstrual cycle in girls, and lowering of the voice and increase in body hair in boys. This physical development is an important milestone in human growth, helping to prepare the body for possible reproduction.

Symptoms of Late Development in Females

• Normally, physical symptoms of puberty begin to show themselves from ages 10 to 12, or even as early as age 8 in females. The primary symptom of late physical development in adolescence is delayed puberty, which is evident if a girl has shown no signs of breast development and has not yet begun her menstrual cycle by age 13. Girls who display breast growth on time but do not menstruate for five years also are considered to have late physical development.

Symptoms in Males

• Boys who have delayed puberty do not experience testicular growth by the age of 14, do not have pubic hair by age 15 and have genital growth that takes more than five years.

Causes

• Delayed physical development during adolescence can be related to chromosomal abnormality, diabetes, anemia or abnormal hormone levels. It can also run in families, according to Familydoctor.org's online article, Puberty: What to Expect When Your Child Goes Through Puberty.

Treatment

• If symptoms are serious, a doctor can run blood tests, do an X-ray to observe bone maturity or, less commonly, run an MRI or CT scan. Once the cause is determined, appropriate treatment will begin, unless the delayed growth is hereditary. Hormone therapy or surgery are possible treatment options.