Year: 2000
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Normal puberty is the result of the maturation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG)\naxis. Primary and secondary sexual characteristics develop by the increase in the serum\nlevels of gonadal steroids: oestradiol in girls and testosterone in boys.\nThe main players in the process of normal puberty are the hypothalamus, by\nproducing pulsatile Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH), and the pituitary. GnRH\ninfluences the pituitary via the portal vein system and the pituitary secretes the\ngonadotrophins Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (LH and FSH). LH\nand FSH in turn stimulate the gonads to develop the cells essential for reproduction and to\nsecrete the gonadal steroids. \n\nIn girls this maturational process primarily leads to the development of the breasts and\ninternal genitalia. Menarche follows as a result of ongoing maturation. In boys it results in\ngrowth of the testes, pubic and axillary hair, lowering of the voice and spermarche. In both\nsexes, a pubertal growth spurt occurs as well as further psychosocial and psychosexual\ndevelopment.
Author: Dick Mul
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1520537092