Puberty Concerns: When to See a Pediatric Endocrinologist?

Hey there, parents! Let's chat about something that's on every parent's mind as their kid grows up: puberty. 

It's a wild ride, isn't it? But don't worry, we've got some information to help you navigate this rollercoaster.

First things first, when should you expect puberty to kick in? 

Well, for girls, it usually starts between ages 8 and 13. Boys are fashionably late to the party, typically starting between 9 and 14. 

But remember, every kid is unique, so don't panic if your child is a little early or late to the game.

Now, what if things seem to be happening way too soon or not at all? 

If your daughter starts showing signs of puberty before 8 or your son before 9, that's what we call early puberty. 

On the flip side, if there's no signs of breast development by 13-14 for girls or testicular growth by age 14 for boys, we might be looking at delayed puberty. What are these signs, you ask? For girls, it starts with breast development and within 2 years, they should have their periods. For boys, the first sign of puberty is enlarged testicles. Once testosterone increases in the body, the others signs such as growth spurt, facial hair and voice changes occur. 

If you're concerned about early or late puberty, don't stress! 

Our pediatric endocrinologist, Dr. Ladan Davallow, will do a thorough evaluation and see if your child needs further treatment. 

You might need to run some tests, like checking hormone levels or doing a hand “bone age” X-ray to look at your child’s growth potential. And if needed, you will discuss treatment options.

Remember, puberty is a journey, not a race. Every child's path is different, and that's perfectly okay. 

Early evaluation is key to healthy growth and development.

👉 Click here to book an appointment with our pediatric endocrinologist who can help ensure your child is growing at their full potential!