Pubertal development in a random sample of 4,020 urban Iranian girls.

BACKGROUND

Entering puberty is an important milestone of human growth and maturation associated with marked physiological and psychological changes.

AIM: To assess normal pubertal development in Iranian girls to define normal and precocious puberty.

METHODS

The present study included a cross-sectional sample of 4,020 normal Iranian girls living in Tehran, aged from 6-20 years. Pubertal assessment was made according to Tanner staging. The mean ages of attaining secondary sexual characteristics were estimated using probit analysis. Weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated.

RESULTS

The mean age at breast bud stage (B2) was 10.15, pubic hair stage (PH2) was 10.48, and menarche was at 14.54 years. The mean age at attainment of puberty was compared with those of other populations.

CONCLUSION

Girls of the present study started pubertal development at an age similar to other populations but reached menarche later. Differences between the present study and other studies can be attributed to various genetic, ethnic, geographical, and nutritional factors.