Question

Given below are two statements : Statement I : Delayed puberty is said to be delayed when breast tissue and/or pubic hairs have not appeared by 12 years Statement II : Puberty is said to be delayed when menarche appears as late as 16 years. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. \( \text{Both Statement I and Statement II are correct} \)
• B. \( \text{Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect} \)
• C. \( \text{Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect} \)
• D. \( \text{Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct} \)

Hint:

\textbf{Pediatric Endocrinology: Delayed Puberty in Girls.} Remember the typical timeline of pubertal development in girls (thelarche, pubarche, menarche) and the age thresholds that define delayed puberty, prompting further medical evaluation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Let's evaluate each statement regarding delayed puberty in girls: Statement I: Delayed puberty is said to be delayed when breast tissue and/or pubic hairs have not appeared by 12 years. The typical onset of puberty in girls is between ages 8 and 13. Thelarche (breast development) is usually the first sign, followed by pubarche (pubic hair growth). While the absence of these signs by age 12 warrants evaluation, the commonly accepted threshold for defining delayed puberty based on the absence of secondary sexual characteristics is generally by age 13. Therefore, Statement I is incorrect. Statement II: Puberty is said to be delayed when menarche appears as late as 16 years. Menarche (the first menstrual period) typically occurs about 2 to 2.5 years after the onset of breast development, with a normal range of 10 to 16 years. If menarche has not occurred by age 16, it is considered delayed and requires investigation. Therefore, Statement II is correct. In conclusion, Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.