Pediatric endocrinologist Malinda Wu discusses a symposium panel she participated in that discussed the health of women with cystic fibrosis throughout their lifespan, from childhood through menopause. This panel took place during the 2023 North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference.
Hello, my name is Melinda Wu. I am a pediatric endocrinologist at Johns Hopkins at the 2023 North American Cystic by Bruce's conference. I joined a symposium panel discussing the health of women with CF throughout their life span. From childhood through men, cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by defective CFTR channels most commonly known for causing lung disease. Historically, Children with CF had delayed pubertal onset and slow pubertal progression compared to Children without CF, puberty should start in girls by age 13 and in boys by age 14, these pubertal delays were associated with poor nutritional status and poor lung function. However, in more recent studies in the last 20 years, puberty is not delayed but Children with CF may attain their pubertal milestones later than healthy controls. Without CF, Children with delayed puberty should be evaluated by their primary care and an endocrinologist if needed and treating it accordingly. Thank you.