Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

captaincumsock69 t1_iv5jvl1 wrote

Reply to comment by -Metacelsus- in How does the expression of DNA change during puberty? by spudfolio

Do we know what ultimately causes the gonads to release these hormones? How does this process get started about 12ish years after birth?

4

klartraume t1_iv5mbd4 wrote

From what I recall, it requires a certain level of body fat in women (i.e. the body wants to know it can sustain a pregnancy) and a certain level of bone density in men.

8

-Metacelsus- t1_iv633r9 wrote

It requires the hormone leptin which is produced by body fat.

Notably the average age of onset of puberty is getting younger and younger. This might have something to do with obesity.

9