Pubertal aberrancy. Etiology and clinical approach.

A study of 252 patients with pubertal aberrancy was done at the Medical College of Georgia. Patients were classified into hypogonadal and eugonadal categories. Ovarian failure is the most common cause of delayed sexual development. Congenital absence of the uterus and vagina and physiologic delay of puberty follow as frequently diagnosed etiologies. Pubertal aberrancy is no longer considered a benign entity since it is associated with morbidity, mortality and significant compromise of reproductive potential. The physical, emotional and social well-being of these patients is dependent upon expedient evaluation and treatment and on appropriate education and counseling.