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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats
06:38

Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats

Published on: October 13, 2018

Puberty after prenatal growth restraint

L Ibáñez1, F de Zegher

  • 1University of Barcelona, Spain. libanez@hsjdbcn.org

Hormone Research
|April 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Children born small for gestational age (SGA) experience altered pubertal development. Boys may have hormonal imbalances and smaller testes, while girls show earlier puberty and reduced ovulation, potentially treatable with insulin sensitization.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Reproductive Health
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Prenatal growth significantly influences pubertal development.
  • Children born small for gestational age (SGA) may face long-term health consequences.
  • Understanding pubertal trajectories in SGA populations is crucial for timely interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review pubertal characteristics in children born small for gestational age (SGA).
  • To explore potential mechanisms linking SGA to altered pubertal timing.
  • To discuss therapeutic approaches for managing pubertal deviations in SGA individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on pubertal development in SGA populations.
  • Analysis of hormonal profiles (FSH, inhibin B) in adolescent SGA boys.
  • Assessment of pubertal onset, menarche timing, and ovulation rates in SGA girls.

Main Results:

  • SGA boys exhibit elevated FSH, low inhibin B, and reduced testicular volume during adolescence.
  • SGA girls experience advanced pubertal onset and menarche (5-10 months earlier).
  • Reduced ovulation rates in SGA girls were improved with insulin-sensitizing therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal growth restriction impacts pubertal development in both sexes.
  • Insulin resistance is implicated as a mechanism for early menarche in SGA girls.
  • Insulin sensitization offers a potential strategy to prevent early menarche and growth arrest in SGA girls.

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