[Endocrine biochemistry of puberty]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Human Physiology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Puberty involves the maturation of the gonadal axis and development of secondary sexual characteristics.
• Puberty onset averages 10.5-11 years for females and 11.5-12 years for males.
• Pubertal stages are classified using Tanner's stages based on secondary sexual characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the biochemical and hormonal development of the hypothalamo-hypophysogonadal axis during puberty.
• To outline hormonal exploration methods for assessing pubertal development and abnormalities.
• To categorize and explain precocious and delayed puberty, including their underlying causes.

Main Methods:

• Hormonal assessment including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, testosterone, and serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (SDHA).
• Dynamic testing such as the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) test to evaluate pubertal stage and testicular function.
• Clinical and biological evaluation for diagnosing precocious and delayed puberty.

Main Results:

• Puberty involves pulsatile secretion of GnRH, FSH, and LH, alongside increased gonadal steroid production.
• Adrenal androgen secretion (adrenarche) matures several years before puberty.
• Hormonal exploration aids in differentiating central vs. peripheral causes of precocious puberty and hypogonadism.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the hormonal cascade of puberty is crucial for diagnosing and managing pubertal disorders.
• Accurate hormonal and dynamic testing is essential for evaluating pubertal status and abnormalities.
• The study provides a framework for classifying and understanding the etiologies of precocious and delayed puberty.