Pathophysiology Of Puberty

Bringing together the latest knowledge on the growth and development of children and the most important abnormalities of puberty, this comprehensive text presents the current views on the pathogenesis, diagnostic possibilities and therapeutic options of the main deviations from the normal course of puberty (e.g., precocious and delayed puberty). The chain of physical and hormonal changes in the transitional years is carefully followed, including the regulation of the hypothalamic pulse generator as well as the timing of puberty. Further topics include growth disturbances, adolescent varicocele, adolescent gynecomastia, polycystic ovary syndrome, pubertal acne, and the psychosocial development of adolescents with pubertal abnormalities. Written and edited by internationally noted experts, Puberty will be an excellent resource for pediatricians, endocrinologists, gynecologists, andrologists, urologists, family practitioners, child psychologists and public health specialists – all those who will be challenged in their everyday practice with the problems of puberty.

Puberty is a unique paradigm for the understanding of gene-environment interaction and developmental programming. Therefore, normal and abnormal pubertal development can be divided and examined in three sections: the role of genetic factors, the role of environmental factors (including nutrition) and therapeutic issues in disorders of puberty. Dealing with all of these sections and framed along current key concepts in pediatric endocrinology, experts share their view on critical issues such as weighting of genetic versus environmental factors or the impact of environmental factors in relation to critical periods in development. Not only showing the consensus and controversial issues in the various areas, each chapter presents lessons for clinical management in an attempt to link basic research, physiology and pathophysiology with the clinical management of pubertal disorders. Puberty from Bench to Clinic bridges up-to-date concepts from animal and human physiology and pathology towards a better understanding and management of pubertal disorders, making it a unique resource for researchers in the field of development and reproduction, clinical scientists and practitioners in neuro-, pediatric and adolescent endocrinology as well as gynecology.

Gigantism and Acromegaly brings together pituitary experts, taking readers from bench research, to genetic analysis, clinical analysis, and new therapeutic approaches. This book serves as a reference for growth hormone over-secretion and its diagnosis and treatment for endocrinologists, pediatricians, internists, and neurosurgeons, and for geneticists. Pharmaceutical companies may use it as a reference for drug development and research. Students, residents and fellows in medicine and endocrinology and genetics will also find it valuable as it provides a single up-to-date review of the molecular biology of gigantism and acromegaly as well as recommended approaches to evaluation and management. Acromegaly is a rare pituitary disorder that slowly changes its adult victim’s appearance over time: larger hands and feet, bigger jaw, forehead, nose, and lips. Generally, a benign pituitary tumor is the cause and symptoms of acromegaly can vary from patient to patient, making a diagnosis difficult and prolonging suffering for years. Early detection is key in the management of acromegaly as the pathologic effects of increased growth hormone (GH) production are progressive and can be life-threatening as the result of associated cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory disorders and malignancies. Accessible, up-to-date overview of the characteristics, state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures, and management of acromegaly and gigantism Provides a unique compendium of endocrinology, genetics, clinical diagnosis and therapeutics Contains contributions from internationally known experts who have treated patients with acromegaly and gigantism

The publication of this volume at this time appears particularly auspi cious. Biological, psychological, and social change is greater during the pubertal years than at any other period since infancy. While the past two decades have witnessed a virtual explosion of productive research on the first years of life, until recently research on adolescence, and particularly on puberty and early adolescence, has lagged substantially behind. This book provides encouraging evidence that things are changing for the better. Considered separately, the individual chapters in this book include important contributions to our growing knowledge of the biological mechanisms involved in pubertal onset and subsequent changes, as well as of the psychological and social aspects of these changes, both as con sequences and determinants. In this regard, the book clearly benefits from the breadth of disciplines represented by the contributors, includ ing developmental endocrinology, adolescent medicine, pediatrics, psy chology, and sociology, among others.

This revised new edition reviews the substantial advances in our understanding of the vital role of growth hormone (GH) in maintaining adult health, and the resulting disorders from GH deficiency. The first edition, published in 1996, provided a pioneering overview of the subject; this new edition provides an even more comprehensive account, fully updated with the latest research, clinical applications, and references. The therapeutic benefits of GH treatment in GH deficiency are thoroughly evaluated, including effects on metabolism, cardiac function, exercise performance, psychosocial aspects, and aging and gender-specific effects. This compilation by the world's leading experts covers clinical investigation, diagnosis and treatment issues, and encompasses new knowledge of the control and action of GH secretion. This volume is the most authoritative, comprehensive, and detailed account available and will be an essential source of reference for all endocrinologists.

This book addresses and summarizes the main andrological disorders (genital, reproductive or sexual diseases) that may originate in childhood or adolescence. Since many of the andrological diseases that occur in adulthood originate before the age of 18 and sometimes even during gestation, andrological evaluation is essential during childhood to highlight anomalies in the genital organs. During puberty, evaluation can help to monitor growth and secondary sex characteristics, and to assess e.g. the possible presence of an eunucoid habitus, gynecomastia, testicular hypotrophy or varicocele, a very common pathology in young people. During adolescence, the assessment of risk factors, such as those related to certain lifestyles, is of fundamental importance for primary prevention. Moreover, in late adolescence the focus shifts to preventing sexually transmitted infections, or to dealing with possible discomforts related to the sexual sphere. Finally, ensuring young people’s genital and sexual health also means protecting their fertility. Written by respected experts in the field, this book constitutes an innovative resource, combining updated, reliable and comprehensive information with agile consultation in order to provide a streamlined approach to the care of children and adolescents with such disorders.

A full-color guide to the entire field of clinical endocrinology and its scientific underpinnings – updated with the latest breakthroughs and developments Greenspan’s Basic & Clinical Endocrinology delivers a succinct, leading-edge overview of the underlying molecular biology of the endocrine system and the latest perspectives on the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases and disorders. Featuring an enhanced design that includes hundreds of full-color illustrations and clinical photographs, Greenspan’s is a true must-have during traditional or integrated courses in endocrinology, endocrinology rotation, or exam prep in internal medicine and endocrinology and as reference for disease management. Greenspan’s provides clinically relevant coverage of metabolic bone disease, pancreatic hormones and diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, obesity, geriatric endocrinology, and many other diseases and disorders. Supporting this essential material is a handy appendix of normal hormone reference ranges across the lifespan. Here’s why Greenspan’s is an essential tool for learning how to manage endocrine patients: • The Tenth Edition is enhanced by updated content throughout each chapter • NEW CHAPTERS on Transgender Endocrinology and Disorders of Sexual Determination and Differentiation • Important chapter on Evidence-Based Endocrinology and Clinical Epidemiology • Concise, balanced coverage of both scientific and clinical principles that guide patient management • The best source for current concepts in endocrine pathophysiology to aid clinical decision making • The most practical, current insights into diagnostic testing • More than 270 full-color illustrations and clinical photographs If you are in need of a well-illustrated, completely up-to-date guide to the entire field of clinical endocrinology, this trusted classic belongs on your desk or computer.