Puberty

Puberty is the developmental period when hormonal changes bring reproductive maturity and secondary sex characteristics emerge. Its timing and course vary among individuals.

Hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis: A hormone-signaling system linking the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads to regulate reproductive function. Its reactivation initiates the hormonal cascade that drives puberty.
Gonadarche: The onset of gonadal maturation, marked by increased activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. It names the central hormonal onset of puberty.
Mini-puberty: A temporary surge in reproductive hormone activity during infancy after birth. It is an earlier hormonal episode distinct from adolescent puberty.
Precocious puberty: Pubertal development that begins unusually early, conventionally before age eight in girls or nine in boys. It is an early-onset pattern that may require clinical evaluation.
Adolescent brain development: The structural and functional changes in the brain that continue through adolescence. Puberty-related hormones interact with brain development during adolescence.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone: A hypothalamic hormone that stimulates the pituitary to release luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. Pulses of this hormone restart reproductive signaling at puberty.
Tanner scale: A five-stage clinical scale describing physical development of breasts or genitals and pubic hair. It provides a standardized way to describe pubertal physical progression.
Kisspeptin: A peptide signaling molecule that stimulates neurons controlling gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion. Its signaling helps regulate the reproductive axis involved in pubertal onset.
Delayed puberty: Pubertal development that begins later than expected or progresses unusually slowly. It describes the other common timing concern assessed in clinical care.
Bone mineral density: The amount of mineral matter in bone tissue, used to assess bone strength and development. Puberty is a key period for accumulating bone mass.

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