Regulation and disorders of pubertal timing.
Disorders of pubertal timing are common and challenging problems for pediatric endocrinologists. Early or late puberty can have immediate effects on a child's psychosocial well-being and may have long-term effects on adult stature. Much is known about the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, but the triggers of pubertal onset in the general population remain elusive. This article reviews recent data suggesting a possible shift in the age of pubertal onset; current knowledge regarding factors that regulate the onset of puberty; and the etiologies, diagnosis, and treatment of precocious and delayed puberty.
Nathan
Brandon M
BM
Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
Palmert
Mark R
MR
D006801:Humans; D011627:Puberty / Q000502:physiology*; D011628:Puberty, Delayed / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D011629:Puberty, Precocious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology