ABSTRACT:
In this article, we will discuss about the endocrinology of puberty in humans. We will discuss how hormones effect the process of puberty. In males and females, several hormones are responsible for this phenomenon. For example, in males, testosterone is responsible for the sexual development. Several androgens play role in sexual development and development of sexual characteristics. Hormonal imbalance can cause abnormal sexual development and can lead to infertility.
INTRODUCTION:
Puberty is a complex and transformative period in human development, marked by the onset of sexual maturation and the transition from childhood to adulthood. This process is orchestrated by a series of hormonal changes that occur within the endocrine system. This article aims to provide an overview of the endocrinology of puberty in humans, exploring the key hormones involved and their role in the physical and psychological changes that occur during this critical stage of life. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031395516338196
1. GONADOTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE (GnRH):
The initiation of puberty begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. GnRH stimulates the pituitary gland to produce two key hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones play a crucial role in the development of the reproductive system and the production of sex hormones.
2. LUTEINIZING HORMONE (LH) AND FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH):
LH and FSH act on the gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females) to stimulate the production of sex hormones. In males, LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, while FSH promotes the development of sperm cells. In females, LH triggers the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation), and FSH stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles.
3. TESTOSTERONE:
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in males, such as facial hair growth, deepening of the voice, and muscle development. It also plays a role in the maturation of the male reproductive system and the regulation of sexual function.
4. ESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE:
Estrogen and progesterone are the primary female sex hormones. It is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in females, such as breast development and the widening of hips. It also plays a role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is involved in the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy and the maintenance of pregnancy.
5. GROWTH HORMONE (GH) AND INSULINE-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR 1 (IGF-1):
During puberty, there is a significant increase in growth hormone (GH) secretion, which stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). GH and IGF-1 play a crucial role in the growth and development of bones, muscles, and other tissues during puberty.
CONCLUSION:
The endocrinology of puberty involves a complex interplay of hormones that orchestrate the physical and psychological changes associated with sexual maturation. The release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) triggers the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulate the production of sex hormones. Testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone are responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the regulation of reproductive function. Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) play a crucial role in the growth and development of various tissues during puberty.
REFERENCES:
Grumbach MM. The neuroendocrinology of human puberty revisited. Horm Res. 2002;57 Suppl 2:2-14. doi: 10.1159/000053275. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12065920
Ojeda SR, Lomniczi A, Mastronardi C, Heger S, Roth C, Parent AS. Minireview: The neuroendocrine regulation of puberty: Is the time ripe for a systems biology approach?. Endocrinology. 2006;147(3):1166-1174. doi: 10.1210/en.2005-1110.
Plant TM. Neuroendocrine control of the onset of puberty. Front Neuroendocrinol. 2015;38:73-88. doi: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2015.08.001.
