Is it normal for a 15-year-old boy not to have started developing yet?
Disease description:
My son is 15 years old. Compared with his peers, his Adam's apple hasn't become prominent, and his voice hasn't deepened. Is this normal? Could there be something wrong with his health?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
In general, it may be normal or abnormal for a boy to not have started developing by age 15.
Male puberty is a complex process influenced by multiple factors including genetics, nutrition, and environment. Each individual's developmental pace and extent vary, so it cannot be simply judged as normal or not merely by age. Some boys may not have fully entered the peak period of pubertal development at age 15, but may gradually show developmental signs over time, which is considered normal.
However, delayed development could also be caused by pathological factors, such as endocrine disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, malnutrition, and other conditions that may affect normal development. If a boy not only shows no signs of secondary sexual characteristics but also experiences slow height growth, abnormal body proportions, or delayed intellectual development, timely medical consultation and relevant examinations are necessary to identify the cause and implement appropriate treatment measures.
In daily life, parents should ensure boys receive balanced nutrition, appropriate physical activity, and a healthy living environment to support their overall healthy development.
