Sex-specific prediction of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity by pituitary volume during adolescence: A longitudinal study from 12 to 17 years of age

PGV in early adolescence predicted HPAA functioning in mid-adolescent boys but not in girls. The results suggest a significant influence of sex-specific development on the relationship between PGV and HPAA activity and reactivity. The findings have potential implications for understanding and interpreting sex-linked and stress related clinical disorders that emerge during mid-to-late adolescence.