Gonadarche
Gonadarche
Gonadarche (pronounced: go-nad-ar-kee) is a term used in the field of Endocrinology to describe the onset of Puberty when the Gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females) increase their production of sex hormones.
Etymology
The term "Gonadarche" is derived from the Greek words "gonos" meaning seed and "arche" meaning beginning. It literally translates to "the beginning of the seed", referring to the onset of sexual maturation.
Definition
Gonadarche refers to the earliest stage of puberty, during which there is an increase in the activity of the gonads, stimulated by the Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the Hypothalamus. This leads to an increase in the production of sex hormones, including Estrogen in females and Testosterone in males.
Related Terms
- Adrenarche: The maturation of the adrenal glands, which precedes gonadarche and is characterized by the production of adrenal androgens.
- Thelarche: The onset of breast development in females, which usually follows gonadarche.
- Pubarche: The appearance of pubic hair, which usually occurs after gonadarche.
- Menarche: The first menstrual period in females, which usually occurs a couple of years after gonadarche.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gonadarche
- Wikipedia's article - Gonadarche
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