Deciphering the Roles & Regulation of Estradiol Signaling during Female Mini-Puberty: Insights from Mouse Models

Mini-puberty of infancy is a short developmental phase occurring in humans and other mammals after birth. In females, it corresponds to transient and robust activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis revealed by high levels of gonadotropin hormones, follicular growth, and increased estradiol production by the ovary. The roles of estradiol signaling during this intriguing developmental phase are not yet well known, but accumulating data support the idea that it aids in the implementation of reproductive function. This review aims to provide in-depth information on HPO activity during this particular developmental phase in several mammal species, including humans, and to propose emerging hypotheses on the putative effect of estradiol signaling on the development and function of organs involved in female reproduction.

Automated summary

Mini-puberty of infancy is a short developmental phase after birth, characterized by transient and robust activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian axis in females. This phase is marked by increased levels of gonadotropin hormones, follicular growth, and enhanced estradiol production. The role of estradiol signaling in this phase is not fully understood, but it has been suggested to play a crucial role in the development and function of organs involved in female reproduction.