Sex hormones Flashcards
What is the definition of puberty?
Maturation of reproductive organs; production of sex steroids (Oestradiol/Testosterone); development of secondary sexual characteristics and attaining the capability to reproduce
What is thelarche?
Onset of breast development
What is Gonadrche?
Activation of gonads by HPG axis
What is menarche?
The first occurrence of menstural cycles
What is adrenarche?
Adrenal androgen productiion
When does adrenarche occur in comparison to Gonadrche?
onset 2 years before Gonadrche
What is pubarche?
Onset of pubic hair development
What are the main effects of oestradiol?
Breast development, hair growth (Pubic & axillary), sweat gland composition, skin oiliness/acne
Changes to external genitalia
What is the first strage of thelarche?
Elevation of papilla
What is stage 3 thelarche?
Further enlargement of breast and papilla, separation of their contours
What is stage 5 of thelarche?
Adult: Mature breast, projection of papilla only as areola conforms to breast contour
What are the main effect of testosterone?
Deepening of voice
Hair growth, pubic, axillary & facial
Sweat gland composition, skin oiliness and acne
Changes to externa genitalia
For which gender is the age of onset earlier?
Females
What is the age of onset for females?
8-13 years
What is the age of onset for boys?
9-14 years
Which stage occurs first in females? Adrenarche or menarche?
Adrenarche
What is the first sign for females?
Thelarche
What is the latest female pubertal sign?
Menarche
What is the age of onset of puberty for males?
9-14 years
What is the average testicular size for prepubertal males?
4 mls
What is adult size of testicular volume?
15mls
Which molecule is an adrenal androgen which increases with age?
DHEA
Which gonadotrophs are released during gonadrche?
FSH & LH
Which neurones are associated with the hypothalamus and control pulsatility?
Kisspeptin neurones
What is the role performed by kisspeptin neurones?
Regulate the pulsatile secretion of Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from parvocellular hypothalamic neurones into the primary capillary plexus within the median eminence
Which circulation do hypothalamic hormones circulate within?
Hypophyseal-pituitary circulation
Which hormones are released upon GnRH stimulation?
LH & FSH
Which cells secrete LH and FSH?
Gonadotrophs
Where are gondatrophs situated?
Anterior pituitary gland
Which organs are stimulated by the action of LH & FSH?
Testes and ovaries
When is there an increase in GnRH pulsatility?
During Gonadrche there is an increased nocturnal GnRH pulsatility, towards a new equilibrium steady rate during adulthood
What happens to the HPG axis during childhood?
There is quiescence
What is mini puberty?
Stimulates the early development and maturation of sex-organs –> Increased risk of Mal-descent of the testes & micro-penises
What is the consequences of mini-puberty?
Mal-descent of testes and micro-penises
What is the consequence of a continuous non-pulsatile administration of GnRH?
Causes decreased LH/FSH secretion
Delayed onset of puberty is more common with which gender?
Males
What term describes an early onset of puberty?
Precocious
What is the precocious age of onset for females?
<8 years
What is the average delayed age of onset for males?
14 years
When does menarche occur after thelarche?
2.3 years, immediately after peak height velocity