Problems in Puberty

Puberty is the time of a person’s life when his/her body changes from child to adult, accompanied by the process of sexual maturation. Puberty is caused by changes in hormones and includes both physical and emotional growth. In addition, with the onset of puberty, the secondary sexual characteristics begin to develop, such as pubic hair, breasts in girls, and a deepening of the voice in boys. On average, puberty begins in girls between the ages of 9 and 16 and in boys between the ages of 13 and 15.

Sometimes, puberty may occur earlier or later than usual. In addition, certain tumors that grow on the reproductive organs, such as the ovaries, can stimulate the early secretion of estrogen (female sex hormone) or androgen (male sex hormone), causing early outward appearances of puberty.

Problems with puberty require the clinical care of a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed below are some problems associated with puberty, for which we have provided a brief overview.

• Delayed Puberty
• Gonadotropin-Independent Precocious Puberty
• Precocious Puberty (Early Puberty)

Pediatric Care at Rush

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a leader in caring for children of all ages, from newborns through young adults.

At Rush, physicians from more than 30 specialties address the full range of pediatric diseases and congenital problems, from the common to the complex. Rush pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, nurses and other health professionals provide care that aims to fulfill community needs, empower parents and advance pediatric care.

For more information about the pediatric care at Rush visit the Rush Children’s Hospital home page.

Or phone (888) RUSH-KID or (888) 787-4543.

Looking for More Health Information?

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• Visit Discover Rush’s Web Resource page to find articles on health topics and recent health news from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. You will also find many helpful links to other areas of our site.

Looking for a Doctor?

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a leader in caring for people of all ages, from newborns through older adults.

Just phone (888) 352-RUSH or (888) 352-7874 for help finding the Rush doctor who’s right for you.