Puberty

Question 1

When does puberty start in boys and girls?

Answer 1

Girls: 8-14 years
Boys: 9-15

Question 2

What is aromatise and why is it important?

Answer 2

An enzyme found in adipose tissue which is important in the creation of oestrogen, therefore there may be delayed puberty in girls with low birth weight, chronic disease, eating disorders or athletes.

Question 3

How does puberty in girls start?

Answer 3

Development of breast buds, followed by pubic hair and finally the onset of menstrual periods.

Question 4

What is the first episode of menstruation called?

Answer 4

Menarche

Question 5

What are the hormonal changes during puberty?

Answer 5

GH increases initially, causing a spurt in growth during the initial phases of puberty
The hypothalamus starts to produce GnRH, initially just in sleep but then more throughout the day in the later stages of puberty, this then stimulates the pituitary gland to produce LH and FSH. LH levels continue to rise before they induce menarche.

Question 6

What is the reason why girls are shorter than boys?

Answer 6

Oestrogen suppresses growth hormone, causing growth to slow down as oestrogen levels increase, this suppression is the reason the growth spurt finishes sooner in girls.