Steroids can affect growth and puberty. Monitor growth, vitamin D/bone health and pubertal development with the Duchenne team and endocrinology; treatments require individualized risk review.
What this means in real life
Corticosteroids and DMD can affect linear growth, weight, bone strength and puberty. Track height or alternative measures, weight, pubertal development, vitamin D, fractures and vertebral imaging with clinicians familiar with DMD. Delayed puberty is common and can affect bone, body composition and emotional wellbeing.
Endocrine treatment decisions—such as testosterone for delayed puberty or interventions for growth—require individualized discussion of goals, evidence, bone, heart, behavior and side effects. Growth hormone is not a routine answer to steroid-related short stature and needs careful specialist assessment.
Talk directly with the young person about puberty, body image, sexuality and privacy. Do not let medical complexity erase ordinary adolescent development.
A practical checklist
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Plot growth and pubertal development over time.
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Review vitamin D, calcium, fractures and spine imaging.
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Refer to endocrinology for delayed or absent puberty.
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Discuss treatment goals and monitoring with the adolescent.
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Provide private, accessible sexual-health education.
Questions to bring with you
Use these at the clinic, school meeting, equipment evaluation, program interview or benefits call. Write down the answers and who owns the next step.
- Is puberty delayed for age and development?
- How does this affect bone health?
- What are the benefits and risks of hormone treatment?
- Is growth measurement accurate with contractures?
- What emotional or body-image support is needed?
Important context
Individual needs, eligibility and safety can differ. Confirm the plan with the relevant Duchenne-experienced clinician, therapist, school team or program before acting.
Sources used for this guide
Direct links are included so families can check the original guidance and bring it to qualified professionals.
Content review: July 18, 2026. Medical labels, trials, benefits and programs can change after publication.
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