The stage of development when individuals become sexually mature is called puberty. During puberty, a series of hormonal changes lead to the maturation of the reproductive system and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. This stage marks the ability to reproduce. Key points about puberty:
- It typically begins around ages 8 to 13 for girls and 9 to 14 for boys.
- Hormones such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) coordinate the process.
- In boys, testicular enlargement is usually the first sign, followed by penile growth and the start of sperm production.
- In girls, breast development (thelarche) usually starts the process, followed by pubic hair development, and later the onset of menstruation (menarche).
- Puberty concludes with reproductive maturity, but the exact timing and sequence of changes vary individually.
Thus, puberty is the critical developmental stage when the body becomes capable of sexual reproduction and sexual maturity is attained.
