Global trends in minipuberty research: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND

Minipuberty represents a critical window of transient postnatal hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activation, yet its global research landscape has not been systematically mapped. This study aims to perform a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to delineate the evolving research landscape, collaborative networks, and thematic shifts in minipuberty research over the past two decades.

METHODS

Publications from 2003 to 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. A final corpus of 201 articles underwent analysis using Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace to examine publication trends, country/institution contributions, co-authorship networks, and keyword dynamics.

RESULTS

Annual publication output increased markedly after 2013, peaking in 2024. Denmark and the United States were the most productive countries, with the University of Copenhagen as the leading institution. Thematic focus evolved from foundational studies on adrenal spermatogonia and fertility to contemporary investigations into endocrine disruption, therapeutic interventions, and genetic regulation. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism was the most prolific journal. Seminal, highly cited works established normative hormonal profiles and clinical links to disorders such as cryptorchidism.

CONCLUSION

Minipuberty research has progressed from descriptive studies to translational science, with emerging trends emphasizing molecular mechanisms and long-term developmental outcomes. Future work should leverage longitudinal cohorts, advanced biomolecular techniques, and interdisciplinary collaboration to fully elucidate this critical developmental window.