Abstract
Minipuberty consists of activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis during the neonatal period, resulting in high gonadotropin and sex steroid levels, and occurs mainly in the first 3–6 months of life in both sexes. The rise in the levels of these hormones allows for the maturation of the sexual organs. In boys, the peak testosterone level is associated with penile and testicular growth and the proliferation of gonadic cells. In girls, the oestradiol levels stimulate breast tissue, but exhibit considerable fluctuations that probably reflect the cycles of maturation and atrophy of the ovarian follicles. Minipuberty allows for the development of the genital organs and creates the basis for future fertility, but further studies are necessary to understand its exact role, especially in girls. Nevertheless, no scientific study has yet elucidated how the HPG axis turns itself off and remains dormant until puberty. Additional future studies may identify clinical implications of minipuberty in selected cohorts of patients, such as premature and small for gestational age infants. Finally, minipuberty provides a fundamental 6-month window of the possibility of making early diagnoses in patients with suspected sexual reproductive disorders to enable the prompt initiation of treatment rather than delaying treatment until pubertal failure.
Highlights
Puberty is the period of life in which a child develops secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive function
PubMed was used to search for all relevant studies published over the last 25 years using the key words “minipuberty,”
The HPG axis is physiologically activated in the fetus during midgestation and gradually turns off toward term due to the negative feedback of placental hormones on the fetal hypothalamus
Summary
Puberty is the period of life in which a child develops secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive function. Puberty requires activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, resulting in secretion of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn stimulates secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) by the pituitary gland and the consequent maturation of gametogenesis as well as secretion of gonadal hormones. Before the onset of puberty, the HPG axis is temporary activated in two other periods of life, i.e., in the midgestational fetus and in the newborn. Many studies in the literature have referred to this latter period as minipuberty. Minipuberty was first described in the 1970s [1, 2], but its role is still not well understood. The aim of this review is to analyse the impact and the clinical role of minipuberty. PubMed was used to search for all relevant studies published over the last 25 years using the key words “minipuberty,”
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
