Delayed puberty is treated with hormone therapy. For example, boys might get a course of treatment with testosterone, and girls with low doses of estrogens. The endocrinologist may also suggest medicines like hCG or FSH to boys. Sometimes doctors prescribe a short span of hormone replacement therapy to see whether they can trigger puberty. After treatment ends, the child’s hormones usually take over to complete the process of puberty. If they don’t, the doctor will discuss long-term sex hormone replacement.
Using testosterone and estrogen is safe in children. However, hormone treatment has to be supervised by an endocrinologist. Hormone replacement therapy is safe and essential for the child’s physical and emotional well-being. The duration of treatment for delayed puberty depends on its cause.