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Review
. 2005 Apr;20(2):75-82.
doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2004.12.011.

Puberty-timing is everything!

Belinda Pinyerd  1 , William B Zipf
Affiliations
Review

Puberty-timing is everything!

Belinda Pinyerd et al. J Pediatr Nurs. 2005 Apr.

Abstract

Puberty is a dynamic period of physical growth, sexual maturation, and psychosocial achievement that generally begins between age 8 and 14 years. The age of onset varies as a function of sex, ethnicity, health status, genetics, nutrition, and activity level. Puberty is initiated by hormonal changes triggered by the hypothalamus. Children with variants of normal pubertal development--both early and late puberty--are common in pediatric practice. Recognizing when variations are normal and when referral for further evaluation is indicated is an important skill.

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