Development of external genitalia during mini-puberty: is it related to somatic growth or reproductive hormones?

Conclusions: External genitalia in males during mini-puberty is related more to somatic growth rather than reproductive hormones. Similar to pubertal developmental stages, both total and free testosterone are negatively associated with higher weight during mini-puberty.What is Known:• Mini-puberty allows early assessment of HPG axis function in infancy.• There is an inverse relationship between the amount of adipose tissue and circulating testosterone levels in males during puberty and adulthood.• The potential effect of somatic growth and reproductive hormones on external genital development during mini-puberty remains unclear.What is New:• During mini-puberty, males' external genitalia is more related to somatic growth than to reproductive hormones, but this relationship is not observed in girls.• Both total and free testosterone are negatively associated with higher weight during mini-puberty, similar to the pubertal developmental stages.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research