Clinical challenge: When is delayed puberty more than a “late bloomer”?11The Pediatric Endocrinology Nursing Society (PENS) is committed to the development and advancement of nurses in the art and science of pediatric endocrinology nursing and to improve the care of all children with endocrine disorders through the education of the pediatric healthca re community. To aid in achieving that goal, the purpose of the PENS department is to provide up-to-date reviews of topics relevant to the PENS membership and to the general readership of the Journal of Pediatric Nursing.Department Editor: Meg F. Keil

Puberty is perhaps the most striking period of human development. Puberty results from the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and culminates in full reproductive capacity. Wide ranging changes of puberty include development of secondary sex characteristics, accelerated linear growth, changes in body composition, as well as increased strength and bone mass. Testicular enlargement (testicular volume of 4  mL) is the initial sign of male pubertal onset, while breast budding (Tanner II breast development) notes onset in females.
Source: Journal of Pediatric Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Source Type: research