Question:
Hi, I am a 17 year old male and have a few questions about my body and
such. Its not very easy to bring these things up with friends/family
or people around here because of the nature of these questions so I
come online where I can remain anonyms. First, I will start with
the one part of my body that I dislike; My nipple(s) seem to not have
the same shape as a normal one. They start from the base n 'poke' out
(like a cone) I thought this was because I was overweight but I lost
most of my body fat (still little heavy, 5'5, 142lbs; about 12% body
fat) but they are still there and honestly its embarrassing. Is this
a common thing? Anything to do? Next would be the whole puberty
issue. I think this may be a reason for my first problem also. I know
I have not completed the puberty process but it seems to be VERY slow.
I'd say around 14/15 I grew hair under my arms (armpits) and pubic
region; But thats about all since then. I grew maybe 3 inches from
14-17 (height wise); And no growth in the penis that I can tell. That
is my biggest problem. I am 17 and have the body of a small boy; why?
What can be done to change this? This is holding me back on my whole
high school life! I want to live like other teen's do and I simply
cant. I dont have the relationship success/experience because of
this and even sports come into play. I dont have the physical
maturity to compete as good. Odd thing is, (In baseball) I play and I
'keep my head above water' I do fine and I think when/if my time comes
to finally mature more, I would do great! But I am a junior in high
school and something needs to be done! I cant have this type of body
anymore. Its sad. I dont think theres anything out there that can
help really, Right? I figured Id ask at least to see if something may
be wrong or at least get it out there for others to see. Or for the
smallest possibility to find out if something can speed this up.
Any response would be appreciated. Thank You

Answer:
Hey Guest, how are you doing? Neither condition is usually due to a
particular disease, although a number of disorders can affect the time
that puberty develops. Delayed puberty is more usual in males. They
are in fact extreme variations of a normal maturing process. More
often than not, both delayed and precocious puberty cannot be traced
to a particular gland problem. Doctors often suggest no treatment
at all. Idiopathic delayed puberty (usually in boys) can be treated by
giving androgens by tablet or injection. One can also give the
hormones which stimulate the boy's own testes to make androgens. Both
approaches are equally successful in stimulating growth and maturity.
The rather rapid maturing brought on by treatment sometimes creates
behavioural problems in some boys. This usually settles without
special help: just support and understanding. Sexual function is
quite unaffected, and having had either condition does not affect
having children. It may sometimes be helpful to consult a
psychologist. Best wishes,

Answer:
Thank you for the response. So you are saying a "androgen" can be used
and may stimulate the body to kick in its own hormones to promote
growth/body development? Are these pills only prescribed? Any common
ones? Name(s) of these pills? I was thinking maybe by putting some
a hormone in my body it would kick it in but I don't know which to get
or how to. I've heard of pills/injections that can double/tripple
testosterone levels; But I believe they are used more in body builders
and have the opposite effect I am looking for. I just need the whole
body development process to kick in NOW. Thanks again

Answer:
i have a question also. i am 14 years old and a few signs of
puberty have shown but nothing else has happened. this really annoys
me cause i feel inferior to my friends and my peers. is their any way
to speed up the process. i am already a freshman in high school and
nothing has happened

Answer:
You are not different or weird or anything but normal. Every body
matures at a different rate. Do not consider taking hormone
supplements at your young age. That is unnecessary and not safe. You
will end up with more problems than you bargained for. The type of
chest you have IS common and not out of the ordinary. I want you to go
back and read again what you wrote. Only this time, imagine it was
someone else writing it to you. Relationships, success and experience
are not out of your reach just because you have a poor perception of
your body image. Have you tried working out and changing your diet to
lose that extra weight? Incorporating some lifting into an exercise
plan will change the shape of your chest and body, it will give you
more energy and a greater sense of happiness. You have to be patient
in realizing that your body (and mind) are still maturing and that
many more changes will be noticed over these next few years. Also,
regarding your "biggest problem" being the size of your penis: Every
man is different in shape and size. Are you thinking that a female
would not like you because of your shape or size? People ultimately
fall in love from the inside out. I can tell you that my girlfriends
and I (we are all married) have discussions about this subject and all
of us agree that size has nothing to do with the connection in a
relationship. Personality, morals, good conversation, a sense of
humor, compassion, and sensitivity are just a few of the things that
we women look for in men. Think about friends at your school... When
couples break up, it isn't for reasons that they leave the other for
another just because they have a bigger chest or a larger penis any
more so than they would leave another for longer arms or shorter hair.
It's how a person is treated and how someone makes you feel when you
are with them. It seems to me you are feeling that in order to
increase your self confidence, you need to have certain physical
features. It's just not true. Even if you could snap your fingers
right now and make any physical change you wanted to, it won't change
what you are made of. I really hope that you will be able to find
satisfaction with yourself the way you are. It's an old line to say
that you are unique but you truly are. All of us are. For now, try the
weight lifting and see how that changes your attitude. Good luck to
you!!! :-)