title: Delayed sexual development.
abstract: Sexual maturation can occur at an early age, at the expected or average time, or late. In adolescents who mature late, osseous development may be delayed. A variety of causes for delayed growth and sexual development should be evaluated. Constitutional delay is a nonpathogenic variation within normal growth parameters. The Tanner criteria should be used in assessing sexual maturation and bone age evaluation for skeletal growth. These criteria are based on the fact that sexual growth follows predictable patterns. Children need reassurance about their developmental growth, and subsequent growth should be monitored carefully.
authors.forename: P T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Castiglia
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D011628:Puberty, Delayed / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology