I am an 18-year-old girl with no breast development yet and I am getting married. Please advise safe treatment and whether development is possible - #18807

Hello dear See after careful clinical evaluation there can be either physiological variation or family history of delayed puberty Usually the development occurs in 18-20 years Iam suggesting some tests. Please get them done Serum ferritin Serum tsh Serum prolactin Serum estrogen Serum progesterone Serum oxytocin Pelvic USG Urine analysis Serum RBS Lft Rft Mammography if recommended by gynaecologist Kindly share the result with gynaecologist in person for better Please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Hopefully you recover soon Regards

Hello Sawera,

Firstly, I would like to know about your periods. At 18, absence of breast development is not normal and needs evaluation by a urologist, gynecologist and an endocrinologist.

Common causes include low female hormones from ovaries or pituitary, genetic conditions, chronic illness, or severe stress/undernutrition.

Basic tests usually advised: height/weight and puberty staging pelvic ultrasound, and blood tests for hormones like FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactin, thyroid.

In many cases, carefully supervised low‑dose estrogen (later adding progesterone) can trigger breast development and periods, with dose increased gradually over months.

With correct diagnosis and treatment, good breast development and normal married life are often possible, so do not panic but meet a specialist soon. You can also contact me if possible

Dr Nikhil Chauhan urologist

Breast development typically begins during puberty, usually between the ages of 8 and 13. It can continue into the late teens or early 20s, but it can be concerning if there has been no development by the age of 18. It’s important to consider possible causes for this, including hormonal imbalances or genetic factors. One of the common reasons might be conditions like primary amenorrhea, where someone hasn’t started menstruating by 16 years of age. Hormonal disorders such as Turner syndrome or androgen insensitivity syndrome could also be factors. A primary care physician, possibly in consultation with an endocrinologist, can help explore these possibilities through a series of evaluations, including a detailed medical history, physical exams, and possibly blood tests to assess your hormone levels. These tests should include measurements of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other relevant hormones. Additionally, imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI might be suggested to examine your reproductive organs. In some cases, growth can be encouraged with hormone therapy, but this is something that needs to be carefully evaluated with a healthcare provider to discuss risks and benefits. If there’s a hormonal deficiency, hormone replacement might be a viable treatment. However, it’s absolutely critical to work with your healthcare provider to establish an appropriate diagnosis before starting any treatment. Making lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining a nutritious diet, managing stress, and ensuring adequate physical activity, are beneficial for overall health but might not directly influence breast development. Since you mentioned marriage, there might be emotional or social factors to consider as well, so discussing any concerns with a healthcare provider might also help in coping with personal and interpersonal aspects of this issue.