Delayed Puberty in the Human Female: Etiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnostic Procedures, and Therapeutic Strategies

Pubertas tarda is defined as the absence or delayed onset of sexual maturation. There are a variety of disorders that can result in the delay of puberty. Of clinical significance is the differentiation between constitutional delay of sexual development and the delay of pubertal develop-ment caused by functional or organic disorders. In this context, tumors within the area of the hypothalamus and pituitary have to be excluded as well as genetic disorders and ovarian defects that result in failure of sexual maturation.