[Current aspects of the endocrinology of female puberty]

Some important aspects of current knowledge on female pubertal development are reviewed specially regarding hormonal events. Pulsatile hypothalamic (LHRH-) activity occurs early in childhood and shows a specific development after the onset of puberty, resulting in progressive enhancement of gonadal estrogen and gestagen secretion finally until the menstrual cycle is established by specially characterized hormonal controls. In the ovary an "internal metabolic milieu" is necessary for normal adult function. Some pathophysiological problems and clinical syndromes leading to functional or systemic developmental failure are discussed shortly.