Management of constitutional delay in growt and puberty.

ABSTRACT

Constitutional delay in growth and puberty is a variant of normal growth and development that can cause a significant degree of psychological disturbance in otherwise healthy children, and is most often seen in boys of pubertal age. Careful assessment is necessary to rule out other endocrine or nonendocrine diseases. In some patients, therapy with oxandrolone or testosterone may be necessary to advance growth and/or pubertal development and thereby prevent serious psychological disturbance that can persist even into adult life. In the majority, however, reassurance will usually suffice.