Precocious puberty and microbiota: The role of the sex hormone–gut microbiome axis

Abstract

Puberty is a critical phase of life associated with physiological changes related to sexual maturation, and represents a complex process regulated by multiple endocrine and genetic controls. Puberty is driven by hormones, and it can impact the gut microbiome (GM). GM differences between sex emerge at puberty onset, confirming a relationship between microbiota and sex hormones. In this narrative review, we present an overview of precocious pubertal development and the changes in the GM in precocious puberty (PP) in order to consider the role of the sex hormone–gut microbiome axis from the perspective of pediatric endocrinology. Bidirectional interactions between the GM and sex hormones have been proposed in different studies. Although the evidence on the interaction between microbiota and sex hormones remains limited in pediatric patients, the evidence that GM alterations may occur in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) represents an interesting finding for the prediction and prevention of PP. Deepening the understanding of the connection between the sex hormones and the role of microbiota changes can lead to the implementation of microbiota-targeted therapies in pubertal disorders by offering a pediatric endocrinology perspective.

The Role of the Gut Microbiota in Anorexia Nervosa in Children and Adults—Systematic Review

“…The examination of gut microbiota profiles across adolescence and adulthood reveals a decline in Bifidobacteriaceae levels with advancing age. Puberty onset is marked by an increased abundance of Firmicutes and Clostridiales , accompanied by a concomitant decrease in Bacteroidales , as elucidated by Calcaterra et al in 2022 [ 59 ]. Post-pubertal development introduces significant distinctions, particularly in teenage girls, where Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae species increase, while Bacteroidales and Streptococcus decrease.…”

Recent insights into the role of hormones during development and their functional regulation

“…This also includes better understanding how to restore physiologic levels of hormones in the midst of pathology. Hormone modulation is also critical in the treatment of conditions ranging from delayed puberty to gender dysphoria ( 39 – 41 ).…”

“…The microbiota, largely passed on from mother to child, has been shown to influence both metabolism and the production of certain hormones. Work on causes and treatment of precious puberty, for example, has examined the role of microorganisms ( 39 ).…”

Gut microbiota-metabolite interactions meditate the effect of dietary patterns on precocious puberty

“…Bidirectional interactions between the gut microbiome and the sex hormones have been observed in various endocrine-related diseases. 7 , 8 , 9 Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiota can influence sex hormones and obesity-dependent perturbation of mice and rats. 10 , 11 Changes in the gut microbiome and associated metabolome have also been observed in girls with PPP and CPP.…”