Puberty and its disorders

Peter A. Lee, Christopher P. Houk

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Puberty is the stage of growth leading to sexual maturity and reproductive capacity. In girls, the initial physical changes are breast development; in boys, testicular growth-both consequences of increased gonadotropin and sex steroid secretion. The progressive physical changes seen in breast, genitals, and pubic hair are described using the Tanner staging system that breaks the continuous pubertal physical changes into one of five stages. Accelerated growth begins at the onset of puberty in girls and at mid-puberty in boys. Menstruation and spermatogenesis also begin mid to late puberty. Gonadotropins [luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)] both stimulate the synthesis of estradiol in the ovary, which in turn stimulates breast and reproductive system maturity in females. LH stimulates testosterone synthesis by the testicular Leydig cells, while FSH stimulates seminiferous tubule maturation. Androgen stimulates pubic and axillary hair development, apocrine gland maturation resulting in adult-type body odor, and skin changes related to acne. Sex steroids stimulate overall somatic growth directly and indirectly via increased growth hormone secretion. Estradiol is the key hormone stimulating skeletal maturity in both sexes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPediatric Endocrinology, Fifth Edition
Subtitle of host publicationVolume 2 Growth, Adrenal, Sexual, Thyroid, Calcium, and Fluid Balance Disorders
PublisherCRC Press
Pages273-303
Number of pages31
ISBN (Electronic)9781420042726
ISBN (Print)9781420042702
StatePublished - Jan 1 2006
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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