Physiology, Puberty
- PMID: 30521248
- Bookshelf ID: NBK534827
Physiology, Puberty
Excerpt
Puberty is the process of physical maturation where an adolescent reaches sexual maturity and becomes capable of reproduction. On average, puberty typically begins between 8 and 13 in females and 9 and 14 in males. Puberty is associated with emotional and hormonal changes, as well as physical changes such as breast development in females (thelarche), pubic hair development (pubarche), genital changes in males, voice changes, an increase in height, and the onset of menstruation (menarche). Puberty proceeds through five stages, termed Tanner stages, ranging from prepubertal, to full maturity.
Copyright © 2025, StatPearls Publishing LLC.
Conflict of interest statement
Sections
References
-
- Lazala C, Saenger P. Pubertal gynecomastia. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2002 May;15(5):553-60. - PubMed
-
- Styne DM. Physiology of puberty. Horm Res. 1994;41 Suppl 2:3-6. - PubMed
-
- Rosenfield RL, Lipton RB, Drum ML. Thelarche, pubarche, and menarche attainment in children with normal and elevated body mass index. Pediatrics. 2009 Jan;123(1):84-8. - PubMed
-
- Tinggaard J, Mieritz MG, Sørensen K, Mouritsen A, Hagen CP, Aksglaede L, Wohlfahrt-Veje C, Juul A. The physiology and timing of male puberty. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2012 Jun;19(3):197-203. - PubMed
Publication types
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources