203 - Puberty & Adolescence Flashcards
What is thelarche?
the onset of breast development after 8 years old caused by oestrogen
What is adrenarche?
the onset of increased androgen secretion by the adrenal cortex at 6-8 years old that is not controlled by the HPG axis
what is menarche?
the onset of menstruation at an average age of 13
what is gonadarche?
the onset of and increase in nocturnal secretion of GnRH (start of puberty)
Describe how the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis works.
*Hypothalamus produces Gonadotrophin Releasing hormone (GnRH), Growth-hormone releasing facto (GRF) and somatostatin.
*In the pituitary:
GnRH stimulates release of Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinising Hormone (LH) which act on the gonads to produce ova/sperm and release testosterone/oestrogen respectively.
GRF stimulates release of Growth Hormone (GH) and somatostatin inhibits the production.
*GH stimulates liver to produce IGF-1 (mediates effects of GH)
what does LH stimulate in females?
proliferation of follicular cells (produce eggs) and thecal cells (production of androstenedione and therefore oestradiol)
what does FSH stimulate in females?
proliferation of granulosa cells (develop oocytes) and incr. expression of LSH receptors
what do LH and FSH together cause in females?
stimulation of oestrogen and progestogen production and stimulate ovulation
what does LH stimulate in males?
acts on leydig cells to stimulate testosterone production
what does FSH stimulate in males?
acts on sertolli cells to stimulate androgen binding protein and inhibin B
what do LH and FSH cause together in males?
stimulate secondary sexual characteristic developments and testosterone production causes -ve feedback on hypothalamus and pituitary
what is virilisation?
the development of sex differences between males and females caused by androgens
what factors initiate puberty
- genetic factors (when did parents start)
- nutritional status - need a BMI of at least 17kg/m2 and 17% fat mass (22% for menarche)
- too much exercise delays it
- chronic inflammatory conditions delay it eg crohn’s
- poor environment delays it
what is consonant pubertal development in girls?
- breast budding at 10-11 as growth spurt begins
- peak growth at 12
- menarche at 13 as growth spurt slows
breast development occurs before pubic and axillary hair development
what is consonant pubertal development in boys?
- testicular growth at 12 with an incr. of >4mls in vol
- peak growth at 14 (longer pre-pubertal growth than girls - 13cm taller)
testicular growth and genital development occurs before pubic & axillary hair development