There are general guidelines for what to expect at each stage and age of your child’s development, but every child matures differently.

If your child or teenager hasn’t reached expected growth and development milestones, their pediatrician may recommend testing for a growth or development condition. Common growth and development concerns include short stature (particularly in males) and delayed puberty (no signs of puberty onset by age 13 in females or age 14 in males).

Adolescent medicine specialists at University of Miami Health System are experienced in diagnosing and treating growth and development issues. Our doctors work as a team with specialists in endocrinology (hormone disorders), genetic conditions, and other areas to provide comprehensive care.

Tests

Physical Exam
Your child’s doctor performs a physical exam to determine if your child has any signs of starting puberty, such as breast development in females and testes growth in males.

Blood Tests
Your child's doctor may order blood and urine tests to check hormone levels and determine if a health condition is causing delayed puberty. They also may order imaging studies to check other body and brain maturational factors.

Treatments

Regular Checkups
In most cases, adolescents experiencing delayed puberty catch up with their peers and don’t need treatment. Your child’s doctor will discuss your child’s development with you and let you know if any testing is necessary.

Steroid or Hormone Therapy
In rare cases, your child’s pediatrician may recommend a short course of steroid or hormone therapy treatment to help jump-start puberty. Usually, doctors only prescribe steroid or hormone therapy when your child has another health condition, such as hormone deficiency or permanent damage to the testes or ovaries.

Why Choose UHealth?

Treating young patients from all over the world. Children and their families come from all over the world to receive quality care, compassionately delivered by outstanding pediatric specialists and other skilled medical professionals within our facilities. 

Recognized for excellence in care. We have received the “Best Practice” designation from the Florida Department of Health and its Miami-Dade County branch for HIV testing and treatment services for 13 to 24-year-olds with the HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some of our doctors have also earned the “Best Doctor in America” recognition from the American Health Council. 

Top-notch care in an academic health system. Backed by one of the nation’s top universities, our team uses the latest technologies and research-driven expertise to provide your child with superior, personalized care and the best outcomes possible. We’re the only academic health center in South Florida with developmental and behavioral pediatric specialists on staff.

Involvement with research and education. Members of our adolescent medicine team are also involved in research and education, allowing us to offer the latest, innovative treatments sooner than other facilities in South Florida. We have a 24-year continual experience with national research projects concerning HIV infection in youth, adolescent sexual health, and prevention of STDs in teenagers. We’re also involved in national collaborations concerning injury prevention and health promotion.