Delay in Puberty
Low testosterone causes a delay in puberty or incomplete development. It can also impede voice deepening, growth of testicles and penis, mass muscle development, and body hair growth. Low testosterone can also cause disproportionate growth of the legs and arms in comparison to the trunk of the body.
Testosterone is one of the hormones that helps steer a boy’s development into a man. This hormone is produced by the gonads, glands in the testicles. A teenager’s moderate developmental delay might only indicate that he now has low testosterone compared to his peers. At the maximum of ages 18 or 19, this “constitutional delay of puberty” can persist. After that, a continuous delay may raise more significant concerns.
Low testosterone can also be caused by genetic disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome. Along with specific medical procedures, injuries, and illnesses, all of which have the potential to lower testosterone production over time.
For men, the years 13 and 14 are a crucial transitional time into puberty. By the time he is 14 years old, a boy should have bigger testicles, some body hair, and the start of adult height and muscles. If not, his doctor may think about testing for hypogonadism.
