Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
delayed puberty
Absence of pubertal development by age 13 in girls or 14 in boys.
Full Definition
Delayed puberty is defined as the absence of secondary sexual characteristics by age 13 in girls or age 14 in boys, or failure to complete puberty within 5 years of onset. This condition requires comprehensive evaluation to distinguish between constitutional delay and pathological causes. Clinical documentation should specify Tanner staging, growth velocity, and any underlying endocrine abnormalities.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from constitutional growth delay which specifically refers to timing patterns.
In Context
- "The 14-year-old male presented with concerns about delayed puberty and short stature." — Clinical consultation note
- "Evaluation for delayed puberty includes assessment of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis." — Diagnostic protocol
Also known as
pubertal delay
Contrasted with
precocious puberty
early puberty
Don't confuse with
constitutional growth delay
hypogonadism