Through research on precocious puberty and delayed puberty, the NICHD aims to learn more about the complex interplay among the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and male and female gonads—the body’s reproductive axis. To this end, the NICHD performs and funds studies of the genetics, neurology, endocrinology, and biochemistry of the normal and disordered reproductive system as well as the etiology of reproductive diseases. The studies include efforts in both basic and clinical science.
The Institute also supports training of professional investigators who can pursue and expand research in this field and funds academic and other research centers around the country that focus on reproductive endocrinology.