Delayed Puberty and Ayurveda: A Literary Review

Delayed puberty is defined as the absence of secondary sexual characteristics beyond the expected age of onset: no breast development by 13 years in girls and no testicular enlargement by 14 years in boys.1 It affects approximately 2% of adolescents and can result from constitutional delay, chronic systemic disease, nutritional deficiency, endocrine disorders, or primary gonadal failure.1 Ayurveda does not describe delayed puberty as a single disease entity, but the condition can be understood through concepts such as Dhatu Kshaya, Artava Kshaya, Shukra Kshaya, Agnimandya, and Beejadosha. Classical Ayurvedic literature emphasizes proper nourishment of Rasa through Shukra Dhatu, balanced Vata, and healthy endocrine-equivalent regulation for timely sexual maturation. This literary review integrates modern endocrinology and Ayurvedic principles to provide a comprehensive understanding of delayed puberty and its holistic management.