The onset of puberty during adolescence involves major physical changes that make sexual reproduction possible. Several stages of puberty occur in a consistent chronological order. Puberty is initiated by the release of sex hormones in both boys and girls, with gender- and hormone-specific outcomes. According to the American Academy of Pediatricians, girls usually begin puberty around 8 to 13 years of age, while boys begin a few years later, at around 10 to 14 years of age.
Reproductive Development
The biological outcome of puberty is the capacity for the body to reproduce. The development of the primary reproductive organs is known as gonadarche. In boys, the testicles grow in size, the scrotum descends in order to regulate temperature for sperm production, and the penis grows in length and circumference. The primary sex hormone for males is testosterone. With girls, reproductive development involves ovulation, menstruation and the increased volume of the uterus and vagina. According to the American Academy of Pediatricians, girls usually get their first period, known as menarche, around two years after their breasts have started to develop, known as thelarche. The primary sex hormones produced in females are estrogen and progesterone.
Secondary Sex Characteristics
Secondary sex characteristics are those that are visible on the outside of the body. They are often anticipated and can result in emotional and psychosocial stress. Secondary sex characteristics include voice change, male facial hair, pubic and underarm hair, acne, adult body odor and female breast development. rnrnAccording to Dr. Richard Rupp at the University of Texas-Medical Branch. the development of pubic hair takes place in five stages. By the final stage, males usually have a larger distribution of pubic hair than females, as it grows up the abdomen and across the chest.
Height and Weight Changes
Another major milestone of adolescent development is the rapid change in height and weight. As hormones are released, they trigger a major expansion of the leg and arm bones, often resulting in a condition known as growing pains. The physical demands of puberty require a substantial increase in caloric intake; parents should encourage a healthy diet devoid of fast food, sweets and artificial food additives. The weight gain that takes place during puberty can precede height changes as the body prepares physically for skeletal elongation. Dr. Lawrence Neinstein of the University of Southern California states that the average growth spurt will last 24 to 36 months, and that pubertal weight gain accounts for about 50 percent of the ideal adult body weight.
