Puberty is a complex process that culminates in the acquisition of psychophysical maturity and reproductive capacity. This elaborate and fascinating process marks the end of childhood. Behind it lies a complex, genetically mediated neuroendocrine mechanism through which the gonads are activated thanks to the fine balance between central inhibitory and stimulating neuromodulators and hormones with both central and peripheral action. The onset of puberty involves the reactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, supported by the initial “kiss” between kisspeptin and the hypothalamic neurons that secrete GnRH (the GnRH “pulse generator”). This pulsatile production of GnRH is followed by a rise in LH and, consequently, in gonadal steroids.

The onset of puberty varies naturally between individuals, and especially between males and females, in the latter of whom it is typically earlier. However, pathological variations, namely precocious and delayed puberty, are also possible. This article reviews the scientific literature on the physiological mechanisms of puberty and the main pathophysiological aspects of its onset.

青春期是一个复杂的过程，在获得心理的成熟和生殖能力的高潮。这种复杂的和迷人的加工痕迹童年的结束。后面它位于一个复杂的，遗传介导的神经内分泌机制，通过该性腺激活由于中枢抑制，刺激神经调节和激素与中枢和外周行动之间的良好的平衡。青春期开始涉及下丘脑 - 垂体 - 性腺（HPG）轴的激活，通过亲吻促动素和下丘脑神经元之间的初始“吻”支持分泌的GnRH（促性腺激素释放激素“脉冲发生器”）。此脉冲产生的GnRH的后面是在LH的上升，因此，在性腺类固醇。

青春期的到来而改变自然的个体之间，特别是男性和女性之间，后者的是一般人更早。然而，病理变化，即早熟和延迟进入青春期，也是可能的。这篇文章的评论对青春期的生理机制及其发病的病理生理主要方面的科学文献。