[Relation between endocrine changes and bodily development before and after the menarche]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pediatric Gynecology
• Human Physiology

Context:

• Puberty involves complex hormonal shifts influencing physical development.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for assessing normal growth and potential health issues.
• Pelvic development during adolescence is critical for reproductive health.

Purpose:

• To investigate the relationship between serum sex hormone concentrations and pelvic development in girls aged 6-17.
• To longitudinally track hormonal changes and their correlation with pelvic growth over two years in a cohort of girls aged 10-13.
• To differentiate hormonal and developmental patterns in premenarchal, menarcheal, and postmenarchal girls.

Summary:

• Serum levels of FSH, LH, prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2), 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OH-P4), and 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone (17OH-P5) were measured in 233 girls.
• Longitudinal analysis of 31 girls revealed significant increases in FSH, LH, E2, 17OH-P4, and 17OH-P5 before menarche, with sustained E2 elevation post-menarche.
• Physical development and pelvic dimensions increased significantly across all groups, with notable increases in pelvic indices in girls experiencing menarche during the study year. Estradiol (E2) showed a strong correlation with pelvic development.

Impact:

• Provides insights into the hormonal regulation of pelvic development during female puberty.
• Highlights the critical role of estradiol (E2) in mediating pubertal pelvic growth.
• Contributes to a better understanding of normal adolescent development and potential markers for pubertal disorders.