Tanner Staging
Standardized system for assessing pubertal development used in pediatric hormone evaluation.
Full Definition
Tanner staging, also known as Sexual Maturity Rating (SMR), provides a standardized method for assessing pubertal development by evaluating secondary sexual characteristics. The system uses a 5-point scale to assess breast development and pubic hair in females, and genital development and pubic hair in males. Tanner staging is essential in pediatric endocrinology for correlating physical development with hormonal changes, timing hormone testing appropriately, and identifying precocious or delayed puberty. Clinical editors should note that Tanner staging requires clinical examination and should be documented with specific stage numbers and anatomical areas assessed.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify both breast/genital and pubic hair stages separately.
In Context
- "The 11-year-old girl presented with Tanner stage 3 breast development and stage 2 pubic hair." — Pediatric endocrine examination
- "Hormone levels should be interpreted in the context of the patient's Tanner staging." — Pediatric hormone evaluation protocol