Would you be worried if your DS hadn't started puberty by 14?

[joeysapple]

DS is 14 in a couple of months and there's no sign. He's not too worried but has noticed that he's one of the only of his friends whose voice hasn't broken yet. He's got no body hair, and very child like features still. A few spots but that's it.

I've just been reading online and it says if no puberty by 14 then contact the doctor? Does this sound right? I've given myself a bit of worry with Google.

This is my line of work. Very rarely anything to worry about (there is a huge range of normal and you'd be surprised how many lads are 13.5 before any sign). He isn't quite 14 and you said there were a few signs (spots). Think of the hormone levels as a hill (or a peak in one of the corona graphs) it starts slowly then gathers pace. I would say enjoy tour little boy for the very few months left. At 14.5 sit him down and check things aren't progressing. It is fairly common and usually easy to "kick start" things in boys. The only thing I would double check is that both testis are down.

My son will be 16 this summer. It is only in the last year that he has started puberty. His voice hasn't broken yet. He has some body hair but not loads. DH was a late developer so I'm guessing a genetic connection. I used to worry but now I can see he is progressing in the right direction I am not concerned.

What age did you and DH enter puberty? I wouldn't worry yet (as PPs say) - unless you were both much earlier. If your families generally have early puberty and he's an exception, maybe ask dr.

Ok, I feel a bit more reassured. No idea about whether his testicles have dropped, I didn't know that was a thing

I started my periods just before my 11th birthday, so quite early. Not sure about DS' dad, will ask.

He is on medication that can impede growth but the doctors weren't concerned with his height or weight at the most recent review, and there's no mention that it can impact on puberty.

There may be other signs than the spots too. Unless you are very open or have directly asked, he may have body hair you don't know about.

My DS' has additional needs including personal care needs, but in my circle of friends I'm the only parent who regularly sees their child naked for long enough to tell if he's got pubic hair or not.

Late puberty does run in families, like PP said. And you've had great advice from @babyodaxmas

DS was 14 and no signs, well none a parent would see at that age! Voice has broken and he has grown 8cm in the 9 months since his birthday. Has fluff on his upper lip.

DS has just lost his last baby tooth and only has one 12 year old molar, so I think he is just late with physical development in general.

Not trying to worry you as it may be nothing but I started puberty at about 11 then stopped developing altogether at about 13. Turned out I had Kallmann’s Syndrome. Maybe look up the symptoms for boys and see if you can relate it to your son.

If he's on medication, does that mean he regularly sees a Dr? If so, I'd mention it next time.

I had the oppsote when I was younger. My parents were concerned that I was going to be 7ft tall (no joke!) so I was regularly seen at a clinic where I had my bone age checked via hand x rays every six months. They said I'd be 6ft tall after a few years of monitoring. I am indeed 6ft tall.

The point is the Dr's took my mum seriously and it saved her a ton of worry.