Growth and development in children comprises a complex interaction of factors. More recently, it was reported that aromatase P450 may play an important role in growth and development. Aromatase is encoded by CYP19A1 gene,catalyzes the conversion of androgens to estrogens. Research data indicated that CYP 19A1 gene polymorphisms may partly influence adult height in healthy subjects. Also previous study reported the association between aromatase-related genes polymorphisms and early puberty in human. This review summarizes structure and function of aromatase-related genes,their association with puberty, abnormal puberty onset due to gene defects. There is a focus on the pathogenesis underlying growth and development in children.