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9. What is the importance of mini-puberty?

The physiological importance of mini-puberty is better described in boys. The

postnatal surge of gonadotropins and testosterone leads to growth and prolifera-

tion of Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and germ cells, thereby resulting in increase

in testicular volume (by approximately 1 ml) and penile size and also contribut-

ing to postnatal testicular descent. Further, mini-puberty also helps in priming

of pilosebaceous units and development of male psyche. The role of mini-

puberty in girls remains elusive.

LH

FSH

Testosterone

Birth

123 4 5 6

Age (months)

LH

FSH

Estradiol

Birth

123 4 5 6

Age (months)

a

b

Fig. 7.3 (a) Gonadotropins and serum testosterone during mini-puberty in boys, (b) gonadotro-
pins and serum estradiol during mini-puberty in girls

7 Delayed Puberty