Sex Hormones Flashcards
Define puberty
Maturation of reproductive organs
Production of sex steroids (Oestradiol/testosterone)
Develop secondary sexual characteristics
Attain capability to reproduce
Main sign of puberty assessed in girls
Thelarche - Breast development in girls Elevation of papilla Enlargement of areola Further enlargement of breast Projection of areola and papilla Mature breast
Main sign of puberty assessed in boys
Genitalia - testicular volume in boys
Using prader orchidometer (beads to compare to male testes)
Testes enlarge from 2-6cm3 to >15cm3
Scrotal skin reddens and change in texture
Penis lengthens
Scrotal growth
Main sign of puberty assessed in both genders
Pubarche - pubic hair Vellus hair Slightly pigmented hair Darker coarser more curled hair Adult pubic hair (axillary hair)
Gonadarche
Onset of activation of gonads by HPG axis
Thelarche
Onset of breast development
Menarche
Onset of menstrual cycles
Spermache
Onset of spermatogenesis
Adrenarche
Onset of adrenal androgen production
Pubarche
Onset of pubic hair
Due to adrenarche
Secondary sexual characteristics in girls
Oestradiol: Breast development Hair growth - public/axillary Sweat Gland Composition - skin oiliness/acne Changes to external genitalia
Secondary Sexual Characteristics in boys
Testosterone:
Deepening of voice
Hair growth - pubic then axillary, facial
Sweat Gland Composition - skin oiliness/acne
Changes to external genitalia
Sequence of Pubertal Events - Girls
Onset 8-13yrs Adrenarche 6-9yrs Thelarche 11-15yrs Growth Spurt 11-13yrs Pubarche 12-15yrs Menarche 14-16yrs
Sequence of Pubertal Events - Boys
Onset 9-14yrs Adrenarche 7-10yrs Testes Tanner 12-16yrs Pubarche 12-16yrs Growth Spurt 13-15yrs Spermarche 14-16yrs
First and last sign of puberty in girls
1st sign - Thelarche
Last sign - Menarche
