Puberty-timing is everything!

J Pediatr Nurs. 2005 Apr;20(2):75-82. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2004.12.011.

Abstract

Puberty is a dynamic period of physical growth, sexual maturation, and psychosocial achievement that generally begins between age 8 and 14 years. The age of onset varies as a function of sex, ethnicity, health status, genetics, nutrition, and activity level. Puberty is initiated by hormonal changes triggered by the hypothalamus. Children with variants of normal pubertal development--both early and late puberty--are common in pediatric practice. Recognizing when variations are normal and when referral for further evaluation is indicated is an important skill.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Medicine / methods
  • Affect
  • Age Factors
  • Anthropometry / methods
  • Body Image
  • Causality
  • Child
  • Female
  • Growth / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Medical History Taking
  • Nursing Assessment / methods
  • Pediatric Nursing / methods*
  • Physical Examination / methods
  • Physical Examination / nursing
  • Puberty* / physiology
  • Puberty* / psychology
  • Puberty, Delayed / diagnosis*
  • Puberty, Delayed / etiology
  • Puberty, Delayed / therapy
  • Puberty, Precocious / diagnosis*
  • Puberty, Precocious / etiology
  • Puberty, Precocious / therapy
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Time Factors