Last updated on January 12, 2023
Question:
Hello,
I’m 16 and I have not hit puberty. I’m planning to go to the doctor for a physical. How would I go about telling my doctor that I’m worried and sad that I have not hit puberty? It’s starting to affect my academic and social achievements. Would it be best to ask to get testosterone injections or just let puberty progress naturally?
Answer:
First, let me make sure what you mean by “not hit puberty.” I’ve had some guys say that to mean that they have not ejaculated, though that is not the correct definition of puberty. Technically, not reaching puberty means you have no external signs of maturing physically into an adult.
Assuming you have no signs of maturing, then the next question is: Why is it taking so long? It could be that you are just a really late bloomer or it could be something else. Therefore, tell your doctor that you are concerned that you don’t have any signs of maturing yet. Then ask him if he can do some tests to figure out if there is a problem. Don’t tell the doctor what solution you think you need. That is his decision.
Most likely he will send you to an endocrinologist (a doctor who specializes in hormones) to determine if your hormones are in proper balance or not.
Question:
Assuming I have no underlying condition that prevents puberty and I get sent to an endocrinologist. Is it better to get testosterone injections or just let puberty progress naturally?
Answer:
That is something you need to ask your doctor. After the cause of the problem is found (or not), he will give you the appropriate options. If there is a decision at that point that you are having trouble deciding between the options he offers you, we can then discuss the details. I suspect that you’ll find the proper option obvious once the doctor talks to you.
Question:
Could it be possible that I’ve hit puberty but haven’t noticed it? How much does it take for your body to change after testicles enlarge? Also in one of your posts, you said that the growth spurt occurs 1.5 years after peak shoe size growth. My shoe size randomly shot up in January of last year. Could it mean that my growth spurt is 5-6 months away?
Answer:
In reality, you have reached puberty. Your body is changing. The increase in your testicle size means that the changes have started. The increase in your shoe size (and probably your hand size) are some of the early signs that you are in stage 2. Most likely, you will see hair growing near the base of your penis soon and around the same time you will be plagued with random erections. These are typical changes during stage 2. The growth spurt will come in stage 3.