A Current Perspective on Delayed Puberty and Its Management

Abstract

Delayed puberty is defined as the lack of development of secondary sex characteristics in childhood. Based on a review of the literature, delayed puberty can be divided into three main categories: (i) hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (congenital and acquired); (ii) permanent hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (congenital and acquired); and (iii) transient hypogonadotropic hypogonadism [constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) and functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism]. CDGP is the most common cause of hypogonadism in both males and females, accounting for 60% and 30% respectively. Testosterone is the primary treatment for male hypogonadism, while estrogen and progesterone are used for female hypogonadism. However, in recent years, physiological induction therapy protocols such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) monotherapy, hCG + follicle-stimulating hormone combined therapy, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone infusion have been recommended for the treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism to increase long-term fertility success. There is no clear consensus on treatment protocols for physiological induction treatment and its effect on fertility. This review will discuss the clinical approach to hypogonadism, as well as traditional and physiological induction protocols.