Is it possible, for eg: in cases of mentally challenged children, to stop the onset of puberty medically?
2007-10-26 06:54:30 · 6 answers · asked by Frodo B 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Yes you can, and it has been done. The ethics are questionnable, though. Basically, you remove the gonads (testes in a boy, ovaries in a girl) before the onset of puberty.
The case that was done was a set of parents whose daughter was severely handicapped. The parents alleged it would be easier for them to take care of her if she was the size of a 6 year old. They also alledged they wanted to prevent their daughter from suffering the discomforts brought on by menstruation. Many doctors refused to operate, one did... Unfortunately, I think. This was not done for the patient, but for her parents because it's less work.
Here is a link to the explanation of this very case:
http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Ethical_debate_surrounds_surgery_to_stunt_disabled_girl's_growth
2007-10-26 07:12:10 · answer #1 · answered by Mona R 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What does puberty have to do with being mentally challenged?
I suppose you could screw around with the hypothalamus, you could also to some degree affect it's onset through diet. Puberty takes a lot of energy and limiting caloric intake, reducing protein intake, and increased physical activity as suspected to affect the start of puberty.
2007-10-26 13:57:42 · answer #2 · answered by Brian K² 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Why would you want to stunt the growth of mentally challenged people? You sound like a sick person. Mentally disabled people have every right to grow up and live a life just like everyone else.
There are people who devote their lives to helping these people live normal lives and deal with their changing bodies. They are great people.
It can be delayed with hormones, but I do not know if it can be stopped entirely. But why would you want to? To anybody?
2007-10-26 14:00:41 · answer #3 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You can with high dose estrogens, and with removal of the gonads surgically.
2007-10-26 21:44:40 · answer #4 · answered by seekinganswers 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you did, you will be creating several other problems while trying to solve one !
2007-10-26 21:00:48 · answer #5 · answered by kenneth h 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so. Nature is going to take its course. Why do you feel it would be important to prevent this from occuring?
2007-10-26 14:02:10 · answer #6 · answered by bonstermonster20 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋