Changes in Sexual Maturity (Puberty): A Narrative Literature Review

Abstract

The process of sexual maturation, or puberty, is marked by the development of secondary sexual characteristics, rapid body growth, and, ultimately, the ability to reproduce. Various congenital and endocrine disorders can interfere with the timing of sexual maturation, causing delayed puberty or precocious puberty. This literature review aimed to describe puberty and its disorders and influencing factors. The age of puberty is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental components. Delayed puberty is a physiological (constitutional) delay in which hormonal levels are normal, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is intact, but maturation occurs slowly. Precocious puberty can be partial, complete, or mixed type and can be further categorized into central (GnRH dependent) and peripheral (GnRH dependent). In conclusion, congenital and endocrine disorders can interfere with the timing of sexual maturation, causing delayed puberty or precocious puberty.