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Signs of Puberty

Signs of Puberty

Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...

Sex Linked Disorders

Sex Linked Disorders

Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.

Sex-linked Disorders

Sex-linked Disorders

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Hormonal Regulation

Hormonal Regulation

The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.

Hormonal Regulation

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Hormones regulate a significant portion of digestion through activation of the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system of digestion contains many different hormones all with multiple functions that are both, directly and indirectly, involved in digestion.

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 18, 2026

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

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

Published on: October 13, 2018

Deciphering puberty: novel partners, novel mechanisms.

Manuel Tena-Sempere¹

¹Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Córdoba, Avenida Menéndez Pidal s/n, 14004 Córdoba, Spain. fi1tesem@uco.es

European Journal of Endocrinology

|September 20, 2012

Summary

This review explores the neurobiological control of puberty onset, highlighting the hypothalamic Kiss1 system and metabolic cues. Understanding these mechanisms is key to addressing alterations in puberty timing.

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Area of Science:

Neuroendocrinology
Developmental Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Puberty marks reproductive capacity attainment and sexual/somatic maturation.
Puberty onset is precisely regulated by interconnected pathways sensitive to internal and external signals.
The neurobiological basis of puberty remains incompletely characterized, despite extensive study.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an overview of recent advancements in understanding the neuroendocrine and molecular control of puberty onset.
To discuss the role of the hypothalamic Kiss1 system and metabolic cues in puberty regulation.
To explore novel regulatory mechanisms, including epigenetics, in central puberty control.

Main Methods:

Review of recent scientific literature and research findings.
Analysis of studies on the hypothalamic Kiss1 system and its modulation by metabolic cues.
Discussion of emerging research on neuropeptide pathways, molecular mediators, and epigenetic factors.

Main Results:

The hypothalamic Kiss1 system is a key regulator of puberty onset, influenced by metabolic signals.
Other neuropeptide pathways and molecular mediators play significant roles in puberty regulation.
Epigenetic mechanisms may also contribute to the central control of puberty.

Conclusions:

Recent developments have enhanced the understanding of puberty's neuroendocrine and molecular basis.
Further characterization of novel players and regulatory mechanisms is crucial for understanding normal puberty and its pathologies.
This knowledge is vital for addressing changes in puberty timing, particularly earlier onset in girls.