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Up-To-Date Review About Minipuberty and Overview on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis Activation in Fetal and

Lucia Lanciotti1, Marta Cofini1, Alberto Leonardi1

  • 1Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy.

Frontiers in Endocrinology
|August 11, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Minipuberty is a crucial neonatal activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, promoting sexual organ maturation. Understanding this phase aids early diagnosis of reproductive disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Reproductive Biology

Background:

  • Minipuberty involves the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in newborns.
  • This activation results in elevated gonadotropin and sex steroid levels during the first 3-6 months of life.
  • It is essential for the maturation of sexual organs in both sexes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the phenomenon of minipuberty and its role in sexual organ development.
  • To highlight the potential of minipuberty for early diagnosis of reproductive disorders.
  • To identify areas for future research, particularly concerning the HPG axis regulation and clinical implications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on neonatal HPG axis activation.
  • Analysis of hormonal changes and their effects on sexual organ development.
  • Exploration of the clinical significance and diagnostic potential of minipuberty.

Main Results:

  • Minipuberty drives penile and testicular growth in boys and breast tissue stimulation in girls.
  • It establishes the foundation for future fertility.
  • The precise mechanisms of HPG axis deactivation post-minipuberty remain unclear.

Conclusions:

  • Minipuberty is a critical developmental window for sexual organ maturation and fertility.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand its role, especially in girls, and the regulation of the HPG axis.
  • Early diagnosis of reproductive disorders is possible during this period, enabling timely treatment.

Keywords:
gonadotropinhypothalamic-pituitary-gonadalminipubertyoestradioltestosterone

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