Evaluation of Growth and Maturation in Adolescence

1982 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 175-183
Author(s):  
Ron G. Rosenfeld
Keyword(s):  
Pubertal Development ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Fat Distribution ◽  
The United States ◽  
Skeletal Growth ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
Old Patients ◽  
Physical Maturation ◽  
Sexual Characteristics ◽  
Physical Changes

The term adolescence denotes the period of time between the onset of puberty and the completion of physical maturation. During these transitional years, full reproductive capacity is attained, manifested by spermatogenesis in the male and ovulation in the female. Concomitantly, major physical changes occur, including (1) full maturation of the gonads, external genitalia, and secondary sexual characteristics, (2) alterations in lean body mass and fat distribution, and (3) rapid skeletal growth, ultimately terminated by fusion of the epiphyses and the attainment of final adult stature. Although we are accustomed to equating adolescence with the teenage years, the last century has been characterized by a progressive lowering of the normal age for pubertal development, so that presently, 50% of girls in the United States reach puberty while in elementary school. The implications of this earlier physical maturation, particularly in terms of sexual education and contraception counseling are readily evident. Furthermore, as the normal onset of puberty occurs earlier, the psychological ramifications of pubertal delay and short stature in adolescence become increasingly pronounced. It is not unusual, nowadays, to see 13 or 14-year-old patients (and their parents) who are concerned about delays in sexual maturation and skeletal growth, and while the majority of such patients are found to be normal variants, their anxieties and concerns are nonetheless real.

Precocious Puberty: Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Management

1993 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 336-367
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone ◽  
Growth Spurt ◽  
Transitional Stage ◽  
Pubertal Growth Spurt ◽  
Adrenal Androgen ◽  
Secondary Sexual Characteristics ◽  
Pubertal Growth ◽  
Sexual Characteristics ◽  
Physical Changes

Puberty is a transitional stage associated with many changes, both physical and emotional. The endocrinologic changes, consisting of two processes, gonadarche and adrenarche, result in the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the pubertal growth spurt. Gonadarche, the maturation of the gonads, is initiated by the episodic pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. Adrenarche refers to the increase in adrenal androgen secretion (the mechanism responsible for this is unknown). Both of these processes cause an increase in sex steroid secretion, which results in the physical changes of puberty. In the United States, normal puberty occurs between 8 to 13 years in girls and 9 to 14 years in boys.

scholarly journals Diagnosis and management of of primary amenorrhea and female delayed puberty

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satu Seppä ◽  
Tanja Kuiri-Hänninen ◽  
Elina Holopainen ◽  
Raimo Voutilainen
Keyword(s):  
Pubertal Development ◽  
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
Breast Development ◽  
Delayed Puberty ◽  
Primary Amenorrhea ◽  
Secondary Sexual Characteristics ◽  
Sexual Characteristics ◽  
Old Females ◽  
Secondary Sexual

Puberty is the period of transition from childhood to adulthood characterized by the attainment of adult height and body composition, accrual of bone strength and the acquisition of secondary sexual characteristics, psychosocial maturation and reproductive capacity. In girls, menarche is a late marker of puberty. Primary amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menarche in ≥15-year-old females with developed secondary sexual characteristics and normal growth or that in ≥13-year-old females without signs of pubertal development. Furthermore, evaluation for primary amenorrhea should be considered in the absence of menarche three years after thelarche (start of breast development) or five years after thelarce, if that occurred before the age of 10 years. A variety of disorders in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis can lead to primary amenorrhea with delayed, arrested or normal pubertal development. Etiologies can be categorized as hypothalamic or pituitary disorders causing hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, gonadal disorders causing hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, disorders of other endocrine glands, and congenital utero-vaginal anomalies. This article gives a comprehensive review of the etiologies, diagnostics and management of primary amenorrhea from the perspective of pediatric endocrinologists and gynecologists. The goals of treatment vary depending on both the etiology and patient; with timely etiological diagnostics fertility may be attained even in those situations where no curable treatment exists.

scholarly journals A researcher’s guide to the measurement and modeling of puberty in the ABCD StudyⓇ at baseline

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa W Cheng ◽  
Lucía Magis-Weinberg ◽  
Victoria Guazzelli Williamson ◽  
Cecile Ladouceur ◽  
Sarah Whittle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adolescent Development ◽  
Pubertal Development ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Single Text ◽  
Physical Maturation ◽  
Access To Data ◽  
Single Time Point ◽  
Time Point

Through the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development℠ (ABCD) Study, developmental scientists have open access to data about pubertal development within the context of a large, diverse sample of adolescents in the United States. For researchers interested in analyzing this data, this article provides a user’s guide that both describes these variables and outlines recommendations for use. These considerations are contextualized with reference to cross-sectional empirical analyses of puberty measures within the baseline ABCD dataset by Herting, Uban, and colleagues (under review), also presented in this issue. Strengths of the ABCD StudyⓇ for investigating puberty include the size and composition of the sample, including understudied groups, as well as opportunities for multimethod measurement using both questionnaire and salivary hormone measures annually. Relative limitations include a lack of data on the earliest phases of puberty, which may be more pronounced for specific demographic groups, as well as an annual temporal resolution with a single, text-based questionnaire of perceived physical maturation and single time-point salivary data collection per study visit. We discuss strategies to capitalize on strengths, mitigate weaknesses, and appropriately interpret study limitations for researchers using pubertal variables within the ABCD dataset, with the aim of building toward a robust science of adolescent development.

Body phenotypes and sexual maturation in Brazilian and US adolescents: evidence for a change in body mass index Category

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
Jéssica Cumpian Silva ◽  
Ana Elisa Madalena Rinaldi ◽  
Francisco de Assis Guedes Vasconcelos ◽  
Maria Alice Altenburg Assis ◽  
Camila Medeiros Mazzeti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Phase Angle ◽  
Sexual Maturation ◽  
Biochemical Parameters ◽  
Pubertal Development ◽  
The United States ◽  
Pubic Hair ◽  
Cholesterol Ratio

ABSTRACT Objective: Our study aimed to describe body phenotypes (BP) estimated by multivariate analysis and their association with body mass. Design: Body phenotypes were defined based on demographic variables, anthropometric data (body mass, height, skinfolds and circumferences), body composition (phase angle measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis), biochemical parameters (triglycerides, glucose, total cholesterol ratio/Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), haemoglobin and sexual maturation (pubic hair and breasts or gonads). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to verify the differences between skin colour and the stages of pubertal development, body phenotypes, body composition, anthropometric, and biochemical variables. Setting: Cities of São Paulo-SP, Piracicaba-SP and Florianópolis-SC from Brazil and the United States. Participants: 9269 adolescents aged between 10 to 15 years old. Results: The composition of BP was similar in all surveys, which are: BP1 was composed by skinfolds, body mass and circumferences variables; BP2 by pubic hair, breast in girls or gonad in boys, height and age; BP3 by cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose; and BP4 by phase angle, haemoglobin and glucose (negative loading). There was a strong correlation (r = 0.9, p <0.001) between BP1 and body mass index. Conclusion: We highlighted independence observed between biochemical parameters, anthropometry, body composition and sexual maturation. BP may support the calculation of scores for diagnosis of obesity based on anthropometric variables and overcome ambiguity in the isolated use of body mass index.

Tito Caula’s photographic imaginary and mid-century Caraqueño modernity

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-79
Author(s):  
Russell White
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
North American ◽  
The United States ◽  
Consumer Society ◽  
Left Wing ◽  
Shopping Malls ◽  
Urban Forms ◽  
Economic Boom ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
Physical Changes

The photography of the Argentinian photographer Francisco ‘Tito’ Caula tracked some of the key social and physical changes that Caracas underwent during the middle decades of the twentieth century. This period saw the country transition from dictatorship to democracy. Caula’s advertising photographs together with his images of spectacular spaces and buildings such as the Sabana Grande and the Centro Simón Bolívar presented Caracas as a mecca of mid-century ‘petro-modernity’ (LeMenager 2014). In contrast to late nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century modernity, which was predominantly European in influence, Caraqueño modernity at mid-century was more cosmopolitan, taking particular inspiration from the United States. Caula’s photographs speak to the process of Americanization, defined as the adoption of North American cultural products, urban forms and patterns of living that Venezuela underwent during the years Caula spent in the country. Venezuela witnessed an economic boom in the 1960s and 70s, which was fuelled by the US acquisition of Venezuelan oil. In Venezuela, the boom facilitated the growth of a consumer society as well as the development of such quintessentially North American urban forms as freeways, shopping malls, drive-in movie theatres, suburbs and skyscrapers. It was also accompanied by the adoption of violent security tactics by the state’s security apparatus and the political marginalization of the radical left. Given that Caula held left-wing views, it is perhaps surprising that his photographs (at least those that have been published) do not explore the tensions at the heart of the Pacto de Punto Fijo, instituted to ensure that the transition from dictatorship to democracy would hold following elections in 1958. The celebration of North American influence within Caula’s photographs puts them in dialogue with critical perspectives that have seen US cultural influence rather more negatively. Moreover, their celebration of prosperity and their presentation of Caracas as an exciting city means that, for some, they have taken on a nostalgic hue.

The future of maternity wear: Generation Z's expectations of dressing for pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Anne Weigle ◽  
Laura McAndrews
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Longitudinal Approach ◽  
Shopping Experience ◽  
Physical Changes ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate Generation Z's physical expectations of being pregnant and their outlook for maternity wear shopping.Design/methodology/approachFemales in this cohort (n = 207) participated in an online survey that included questions about perceptions of pregnancy, physical self-concept and forecasted shopping behaviors.FindingsResults indicated that this group is concerned with physical changes of pregnancy and expect to treat each area of the body in a different way. Women's expected physical concerns of pregnancy predict how much they anticipate accentuating their pregnant body. Gen Z anticipates wearing loose maternity garments and they envision a thoughtful, in-store shopping experience for styles that are equally fashionable and comfortable, such as dresses.Research limitations/implicationsThis study should be extended to future generational cohorts like Generation Alpha, along with Gen Z outside of the United States and women in the United States who are non-white. Further studies should take a longitudinal approach to gauge changes in this cohort's expectations as they progress through pregnancy.Practical implicationsThis paper provides maternity wear retail brands and designers a foundation for product development and marketing geared toward this large cohort.Originality/valueThe study is the first to inquire about Gen Z's outlook on pregnancy, specifically their envisioned changes to each body area and the role of maternity garments to fulfill needs and concerns.

scholarly journals Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Their Effects during Female Puberty: A Review of Current Evidence

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 2078 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Lucaccioni ◽  
Viola Trevisani ◽  
Lucia Marrozzini ◽  
Natascia Bertoncelli ◽  
Barbara Predieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Secondary Sexual Characteristics ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Sexual Characteristics ◽  
Single Chemical ◽  
Windows Of Susceptibility ◽  
Physical Changes ◽  
Temporal Windows

Puberty is the process of physical changes between childhood and adulthood during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction. It is considered one of the main temporal windows of susceptibility for the influence of the endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs may act as single chemical agents or as chemical mixtures; they can be pubertal influencers, accelerating and anticipating the processing of maturation of secondary sexual characteristics. Moreover, recent studies have started to point out how exposure to EDCs during puberty may predispose to breast cancer later in life. In fact, the estrogen-mimicking endocrine disruptors (EEDs) may influence breast tissue development during puberty in two main ways: the first is the action on the proliferation of the breast stromal cells, the second concerns epigenetic mechanisms. The aim of this mini-review was to better highlight what is new and what is not completely known regarding the role of EDCs during puberty.

scholarly journals 418. Testing and Positivity Rates for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia in a Large Federally Qualified Health Center System

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S211-S211
Author(s):  
Claudia M Douglas ◽  
Sonja C O’ Leary ◽  
Margaret M Tomcho ◽  
Florence J Wu ◽  
Steven J Federico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Patients ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Federally Qualified Health Centers ◽  
Old Patients ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Included Patient ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Male Patients

Abstract Background Gonorrhea (GC) and Chlamydia (CT) are the most reported sexually transmitted infections in the United States. Little is known about testing and positivity rates for GC/CT in clinical practice, particularly for male patients. In this study, we analyzed rates of GC/CT testing and positivity among 11–24 years old patients presenting to a system of federally qualified health centers (FQHC). Methods This retrospective data review was conducted at Denver Health (DH) in Denver, CO. Data were abstracted for 11–24 years old who were seen at least once at a DH FQHC in 2018. Abstracted data included patient age, gender, clinic location, and testing for GC/CT. The percentage of patients tested ≥1 time within the preceding year and the percentage of tested patients that were positive for GC and/or CT ≥1 time were calculated along with Wald 95% confidence intervals. Results In total, 34,416 unique patients were included. GC/CT testing was completed for 7.3% (95% CI: 6.8%, 7.6%) of 11–15 years old, 30.6% (95% CI: 29.5%, 31.6%) of 16–18 years old, and 45.6% (95% CI: 44.8%, 46.4%) of 19–24 years old. Rates of testing varied by gender and age and were lowest among males and younger patients (Figure 1). Of patients tested, 11.4% (95% CI: 10.7%, 12.1%) of females and 9.1% (95% CI: 7.8%, 10.4%) of males were positive for CT and 1.7% (95% CI: 1.4%, 2.0%) of females and 2.3% (95% CI: 1.6%, 2.9%) of males were positive for GC (Figure 2). Though less likely to be tested than older patients, females 11–15 years old had the highest rates of GC (2.1%; 95% CI: 1.2%, 3.0%) and the second highest rate of CT (13.5%; 95% CI: 11.3%, 15.6%) among females tested. Conclusion Despite efforts to improve GC/CT screening, less than 50% of 11–24 years old patients were tested within the prior year. Rates of GC/CT were higher than previously reported, particularly for females less than 16 years old. Male patients were less likely to be tested; however, the males who were tested had higher GC positivity rates and only slightly lower rates of CT than females who were tested. Future studies evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to reduce GC/CT among 11–24 years old are critically needed. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Men’s Vasectomy Knowledge, Attitudes, and Information-Seeking Behaviors in the Southern United States: Results From an Exploratory Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 155798832094936
Author(s):  
Ashley L. White ◽  
Rachel E. Davis ◽  
Deborah L. Billings ◽  
Emily S. Mann
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
The United States ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
Southern United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Southern States ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Exploratory Survey ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviors

Vasectomy is one of the few options men have to manage their reproductive capacity and take on a more equitable role in pregnancy prevention. While the method is underused throughout the United States, the southern states have a lower prevalence rate compared to the rest of the country. Existing survey research does not assess what men know or think about the procedure as a means of understanding why this is the case. We created and conducted an exploratory survey to assess men’s knowledge, attitudes, and information-seeking behaviors about vasectomy in the Southern United States. We used targeted Facebook advertising to recruit men ages 25–70 years living in 7 southern states to complete an online survey ( n = 397). Using regression analyses, we identify that participants who had a vasectomy knew more about the procedure than participants who had not. Participants who had not had a vasectomy had less positive attitudes about the procedure across all six attitude subscales compared to participants with vasectomies. We highlight potential avenues for future research to understand why this may be the case. Finally, the majority of participants knew someone who had had a vasectomy. This suggests that men disclose having a vasectomy to others. The interpersonal dynamics around vasectomy decision-making and disclosure remain unknown and a viable area for future research. Findings from this exploratory survey may be used by public health officials interested in implementing campaigns to increase knowledge about vasectomy and reduce stigma, which may encourage more positive attitudes about the procedure.

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