[Growth and development in normal puberty]

Puberty is a period of life with a great number of closely correlating aspects. For early recognition of pathological puberty, for rational assessment and effective treatment, interrelations and normal course of the stages are to be considered. Early or late appearance of puberty is mainly due to genetic factors. Therefore, the developmental history of the parents is of great importance. Considerable dispersion in the development of pubertal characteristics must be borne in mind. Recording of clinical data and measurements in percentile graphs permits clear and complete demonstration of the individual development pattern and offers immediate judgment of the growth process. Being familiar with the normal developmental stages and growth physiology, particularly growth velocity, and use of known clinical courses as simple techniques allows exact recognition of abnormal events in growth and development. These methods can often replace expensive hormonal assessments.