NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam 2025 - Free School Nurse Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

Lack of gonadotropins can indeed be a significant cause of delayed puberty. Gonadotropins are hormones produced by the pituitary gland that stimulate the gonads (ovaries in females and testes in males) to produce sex hormones, which are essential for the development of secondary sexual characteristics and overall puberty progression. When there is a deficiency of these hormones, it can lead to insufficient stimulation of the gonads, resulting in a delay in the onset of puberty. This condition is sometimes related to underlying issues such as hypogonadism or hormonal imbalances, which can result in a noticeable delay in physical development related to puberty.

Other possible causes, such as excessive exercise, malnutrition, and genetic factors, can also contribute to delayed puberty. However, while they are valid considerations, lack of gonadotropins focuses on a specific hormonal deficiency that directly impacts the initiation of puberty. Understanding the role of gonadotropins provides insight into the physiological processes involved in growth and development during the critical stages of adolescence.