How Does Asthma Cause Delayed Puberty?

Corticosteroids

The No. 1 treatment for asthma in children is steroids--usually corticosteroids, rather than the anabolic steroids that build muscle. They are contained in aerosol form in an inhaler the child uses to control asthma attacks. They reduce the inflammation in the windpipe that causes asthma attacks. However, corticosteroids, like all steroids, interfere with the body's hormones because they mimic a naturally produced hormone called cortisol, which alleviates inflammation. In particular, they cause the body's source of hormones, the adrenal glands, to secrete fewer amounts of hormones. This causes the body to experience puberty at a slower rate than is normal.

Treatment

There is little to be done about delayed-onset puberty in children with asthma. What may help is finding the right dose of inhaled steroids that treat asthma but reduce adrenal-gland interference. Furthermore, the vast majority of children who have asthma do start puberty even if they are well behind their peers. Even if children are frustrated by their late-onset puberty, it is strongly recommended that they do not cease taking their inhaled corticosteroid medication. If they have an asthma attack, and have no inhaler to treat it, they could be putting their health and life at risk.

Resources

• The side effects of using corticosteroids for asthma.
• A website about asthma and inhaled steroids