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Changing times: the evolution of puberty.

P D Gluckman¹, M A Hanson

¹The Liggins Institute and National Research Centre for Growth and Development, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. pd.gluckman@auckland.ac.nz

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology

|May 23, 2006

Summary

Puberty

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Area of Science:

Evolutionary biology
Human life history theory
Reproductive health

Background:

The age of menarche has evolved over time, influenced by environmental and social factors.
Historically, menarche aligned with social maturity, a balance disrupted by post-Neolithic societal changes.
Modern developed societies observe a potential return to earlier menarcheal ages due to reduced impact of infection and undernutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine the evolution of puberty and menarche through an evolutionary and life history lens.
To discuss the implications of a growing mismatch between biological puberty and social maturation in adolescents.
To explain the unique human pubertal growth spurt and reconcile conflicting nutritional influences on menarcheal age.

Main Methods:

Review of evolutionary and life history theory.
Analysis of historical and contemporary trends in menarcheal age.
Discussion of psychosocial factors influencing adolescent development.

Main Results:

Menarcheal age may be returning to Neolithic levels in developed countries.
Psychosocial expectations have shifted, causing social maturity to lag behind biological puberty.
Both poor fetal growth and good childhood nutrition are linked to earlier menarche, explained by life history theory.

Conclusions:

The evolutionary trajectory of puberty is influenced by the interplay of biological, social, and environmental factors.
A mismatch between biological and social maturation presents challenges for adolescent well-being.
Life history theory provides a framework for understanding diverse influences on human pubertal timing.

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