Relxin in Puberty

Relaxin, what is it and how does it applies to physical and emotional development of the male or female individual? The onset of puberty is a bio-physiological and developmental phenomenal that overtakes each and every individual rather male or female. While the time it begins may vary in the lives of males or females its certainty is not questioned. Relaxin is a naturally occurring hormone found in both men and women. In females, it is secreted in the ovaries, uterus and breast tissue, and in males, it is secreted in the seminal tubule. Due to the nature of relaxin and the role it plays in tissue modification the hormone relaxin becomes a major player in the development of the maiden breast. Relaxin relaxes and softens connective tissues allowing for expansion of tissue. Without the activity of relaxin hormone during the developmental years of the young female the breasts may become sore and painful as they are attempting to grow and expand. The fibrous tissues and suspensory ligaments support the glandular structures (alveolar lobules) and must grow and expand as the breasts develop. Without relaxin to relax connective tissues and connective tissues collectively the breasts may become drawn and painful.