Puberty

Question 1

What are the features of puberty in females?

Answer 1

Breast development (8.5 to 12.5yrs), then pubic hair and growth spurt. Menarche 2.5yrs after start of puberty; 5cms growth left

Question 2

What are the features of puberty in males?

Answer 2

Testicular enlargement followed by pubic hair growth (10-14yrs). 18mo later growth spurt.

Question 3

What are the causes of gonadotropin dependent precocious puberty?

Answer 3

Familial, CNS abnormalities (including neurofibromatosis), hypothyroidism

Question 4

What are the causes of gonadotropin independent precocious puberty?

Answer 4

Adrenal disorders, granulosa cell (ovarian) tumour, Leydig cell (testicular) tumour, exogenous sex steroids

Question 5

What are the causes of pubertal delay?

Answer 5

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism- systemtic disease (eg Crohn’s) or hypothalamic-pituitary disorders (eg Kallman’s).
Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism- chromosomal abnormalities, steroid hormone enzyme deficiencies or acquired gonadal damage