LAUSR

Puberty is defined as period when endocrine and gametogenic functions of gonads have first developed to the point where reproduction is possible. Testicular volume is the earliest indicator of puberty in adolescent boys. According to Kaplan boys' pubertal status can be accurately determined by testicular volume at a much earlier stage. Early assessment may be particularly important in a situation where "normal" pubertal staging may be changing due to environmental or other unknown factors. The variability in behavior problems in adolescence, particularly in boys has profound psychological and social consequences e.g. boys developing early will be stronger and more athletic than other boys. Whereas late developers may be frustrated by their lack of physical and sexual development.