Question

Discuss the process of puberty, focusing on the three critical endocrine changes that occur and the role of the anterior pituitary gland..... PLEASE I NEED REFERENCE

Answer 1

The three critical endocrine changes that occur during puberty include; gonadarche, and activation of the growth axis, (Dor, 2006)

In Gonadarche due to the pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, the pituitary stimulates the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH and FSH activate maturational changes in the gonads (ovaries or testes), attain the reproductive capacity (producing gametes). The maturing ovaries and testes secrete respectively; the gonadal steroids; estrogen and testosterone. Which trigger additional changes in the reproductive organs, and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics [Susman and Rogol, 2004).

In Adrenarche, due to the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis increases in adrenal androgens contribute to the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as axillary and pubic hair and changes in sweat glands/body odor.

The third hormonal event occurring during puberty is activation of the growth axis, leading to a linear growth spurt at around age 12 in girls and age 14 in boys, [Marshall and Tanner, 1970).

Thus the pituitary gland. plays a role in stimulates the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during Gonadarche.