Human puberty begins with the reemergence of GnRH secretion from its relati
ve quiescence during childhood, activating a cascade of pituitary-gonadal m
aturation. This transition begins across a wide range of ages, and the rate
of subsequent sexual maturation can be quite varied. The factors that regu
late the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadaI axis and modulate the timing of pub
erty remain elusive, but it is clear that some regulation is under genetic
control. Here, we discuss how new advances in genetic research may provide
the tools to help unravel this long-standing mystery.