Diseases of the Sexual Glands in Children: Premature Sexual Development, Hypogonadism, and Delayed Puberty

Disorders of the sexual glands (gonadal disorders) in children represent a significant group of pediatric endocrine conditions affecting growth, pubertal timing, fertility, and psychosocial development. The most common clinical entities include premature sexual development (precocious puberty), hypogonadism, and delayed sexual development. These conditions arise from abnormalities at the level of the hypothalamus, pituitary, gonads, or peripheral hormone action.