ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The onset of menstruation is the hallmark of female pubertal development. The present study determined whether pubertal girls experience adrenocortical and ovarian steroid secretions within their first waking hour before getting their period, similar to those observed in adult females with regular cycles. METHODS: Cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and estradiol-17ß concentrations were measured in saliva samples collected after awakening (0, 30, and 60 min after awakening) from 158 normal premenarcheal pubertal girls and 69 adult females with regular menstrual cycles. The girls were subgrouped according to self-reported Tanner breast (B) and pubic hair (PH) stages (B1PH1, B2PH1, B2PH2, B3PH1, and B3PH2). RESULTS: All the subgroups showed a similar pattern of cortisol secretion. However, cortisol levels were higher in girls at B3PH1 and at B3PH2 than other subgroups. DHEA secretion showed a similar pattern across the groups examined. The largest increase in DHEA levels occurred between B1PH1 and B2PH1 stages, and further increased with pubertal progression. DHEA levels in girls at B3PH2 were approximately one half of the adult value. Estradiol-17ß profiles in girls at B3PH1 and B3PH2 differed from those of other subgroups of girl. A sharp increase in estradiol-17ß levels after awakening which observed in adult females emerged in girls at B3PH1 and B3PH2. However, the estradiol-17ß levels did not reach adult values until B3PH2 stage. CONCLUSIONS: The progression of female puberty includes an increase in the levels of adrenocortical and ovarian steroid secretions and a gain of adult female-like patterns of estradiol-17ß secretion within their first waking hour.