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The period of sexual maturation is a natural stage of a child’s development, during which the body gradually transitions to physiological maturity. During this time, active growth occurs, the hormonal background changes, secondary sexual characteristics are formed, and the functioning of many body systems is reorganized. Along with physical changes, the child’s behavior also often changes: new interests, increased emotionality, or a desire for greater independence may appear.

In this article, we will consider what sexual maturation is, what processes occur in a teenager’s body, and why they may manifest differently in girls and boys.

What is puberty

Puberty is the period of sexual maturation when a child’s body begins to produce sex hormones and gradually forms reproductive function. It is during this time that the processes are launched that determine the further development of the body in adulthood.

Puberty does not begin suddenly. First, the work of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland is activated — the parts of the brain that regulate the activity of the endocrine system. They stimulate the sex glands, and the level of estrogens in girls and testosterone in boys gradually increases in the body. It is these hormones that determine the sequence of changes characteristic of adolescence.

The beginning of puberty may manifest differently, however, there are several changes that most often indicate the onset of sexual maturation. These include:

  • accelerated growth;
  • change in body proportions;
  • appearance of hair in the armpits and on the pubic area;
  • changes in skin condition;
  • increased emotionality.

These manifestations usually appear gradually over several years and do not occur simultaneously.

In addition to the development of the reproductive system, during this period the functioning of the skin and sebaceous glands changes. Because of hormonal fluctuations, teenagers may develop acne eruptions, increased skin oiliness, or other temporary skin changes.

The duration of the pubertal period may differ. On average, it lasts several years and consists of several stages during which the characteristic signs of growing up are gradually formed.

Adolescence: at what age a child becomes a teenager

There is no clear boundary for when a child becomes a teenager. In medicine, the adolescent period usually covers approximately the age from 10–12 to 17–18 years. The beginning of this stage often coincides with the first manifestations of sexual maturation, although the pace of development may differ depending on the individual characteristics of the body, heredity, and general health condition.

During this period, not only appearance changes. One’s own opinion is gradually formed, attitudes toward parents and peers change, and there is a greater desire for independence. That is why adolescence is conventionally divided into several stages that differ in developmental features.

When adolescence begins

In most children, adolescence begins at approximately 10–12 years of age. At this time, the first signs of sexual maturation appear: the child begins to grow faster, body proportions change, and appearance gradually changes.

In girls, these changes usually begin a little earlier than in boys. This is related to the peculiarities of the functioning of the hormonal system and different rates of body development.

Early adolescence

Early adolescence usually covers the period from approximately 10–12 to 13–14 years. It is during this time that changes in the body become the most noticeable.

The following are characteristic of this stage:

  • faster body growth;
  • gradual change in body proportions;
  • the first noticeable changes in appearance associated with sexual maturation;
  • increased emotionality and sensitivity to the opinions of others.

During this period, teenagers often begin to pay more attention to their appearance and how they are perceived by peers. Emotions may be sharper than in childhood, and reactions may be more impulsive.

Late adolescence

Late adolescence usually lasts approximately from 15–16 to 17–18 years. At this stage, most of the changes associated with sexual maturation have already occurred or are approaching completion.

The body gradually approaches the adult state: physical development is completed, the hormonal background stabilizes, and the reproductive system is formed. Along with this, teenagers become more independent, learn to take responsibility for their own decisions, and plan the future.

Pubertal period in girls

Puberty: What you need to know about puberty in girls and boys

Puberty in girls is the period when the body gradually transitions from child development to reproductive maturity. At this time, changes occur in the functioning of the endocrine system, reproductive function is formed, and appearance changes.

The pace of development may differ. In most cases, changes begin gradually and go through several consecutive stages. During this period, it is important to be attentive to the teenager’s health condition, because regular examination by a gynecologist helps to assess the development of the reproductive system in time and make sure that sexual maturation is occurring without disorders.

When adolescence begins in girls

In girls, adolescence usually begins a little earlier than in boys. The first changes may appear approximately at 9–11 years of age, although individual differences in development are normal.

At the beginning of puberty, the body responds to an increase in estrogen levels. It is these hormones that launch the changes that gradually prepare the body for the adult state.

Sexual maturation in girls: the main stages

Sexual maturation in girls occurs gradually and usually goes through several consecutive stages. Changes do not appear simultaneously — they are formed over several years in a certain order.

Most often, development begins with the growth of the mammary glands. This is one of the first signs of puberty, which may appear approximately at 9–11 years of age. Later, the body proportions gradually change: the pelvis becomes wider, and the figure acquires more feminine forms.

The next stage is usually the appearance of hair in the armpits and on the pubic area. At the same time, the activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands may increase, which sometimes leads to changes in skin condition.

The final stage of this period is the appearance of the first menstruation (menarche). In most girls, it occurs approximately at 11–14 years of age, however, individual differences are normal.

The first menstruations may be irregular, since the hormonal system is still continuing to form. During this period, a gynecologist’s examination is also recommended, which helps to make sure that sexual maturation is occurring according to age, and also to identify possible menstrual cycle disorders or other developmental features in a timely manner.

Transitional age in girls: changes in appearance and behavior

During puberty, a girl’s body gradually changes. First of all, physical changes associated with the hormonal restructuring of the body become noticeable.

The most characteristic changes in appearance include:

  • enlargement of the mammary glands;
  • rounding of body shapes and change in figure proportions;
  • appearance of hair in the armpits and on the pubic area;
  • increased skin oiliness.

In adolescence, the sebaceous and sweat glands also work more actively. Because of this, skin condition sometimes changes, and a tendency to rashes or increased oiliness may appear.

In addition to physical changes, behavior also changes during this period. Hormonal fluctuations may affect mood, emotional reactions, and self-esteem. Girls pay more attention to their appearance, may worry because of the opinions of peers, or react more sharply to remarks.

In adolescence, the perception of oneself and one’s own body also changes. Girls may begin to compare their appearance with that of peers, worry more because of changes in their figure or skin condition. During this period, self-esteem is formed, so support from parents and loved ones is of great importance.

In addition, adolescence is often accompanied by a desire for greater independence. Girls may react differently to their parents’ advice, defend their own opinion, or spend more time with friends. 

Such changes are a natural part of growing up. Over time, as the pubertal period comes to an end, the hormonal background stabilizes, and emotional reactions gradually become more balanced.

When adolescence ends in girls

In most cases, the main processes of sexual maturation in girls are completed approximately at 16–18 years of age. By this time, the body reaches physiological maturity, and the menstrual cycle usually becomes regular.

However, the pace of development may differ. In some girls, changes occur faster; in others, a little more slowly. In most cases, this is a variant of the individual norm. If there are doubts regarding development or the menstrual cycle, it is worth consulting a doctor.

Pubertal period in boys

​​​​Puberty: What you need to know about puberty in girls and boys

Puberty in boys is the period when the body gradually transitions from child development to physiological maturity. At this time, the work of the hormonal system is activated, reproductive function begins to form, and appearance changes.

Although the general processes of sexual maturation are similar in all teenagers, in boys they have their own peculiarities. Changes usually begin a little later than in girls and proceed gradually over several years.

When sexual maturation begins in boys

In most boys, the first signs of puberty appear approximately at 11–13 years of age. However, the age at which development begins may differ, and slight deviations in one direction or the other are often a variant of the norm.

The beginning of puberty is associated with an increase in testosterone levels — the main male sex hormone. It is this hormone that launches the changes characteristic of adolescence and affects the development of the reproductive system, muscle growth, and the formation of masculine appearance traits.

Sexual maturation in boys: sequence of changes

Sexual maturation in boys occurs gradually and usually lasts several years. Changes do not appear simultaneously — they are formed in a certain sequence under the influence of testosterone, which begins to be actively produced in the teenager’s body.

The first sign of puberty is most often enlargement of the testicles. This indicates that the body has begun to produce more male sex hormones. After some time, the penis also gradually enlarges.

Then other characteristic changes occur in the body:

  • hair appears on the pubic area, later — in the armpits;
  • body growth accelerates;
  • the voice gradually changes;
  • a more pronounced muscle mass begins to form;
  • facial hair appears.

During this period, reproductive function also begins to form. Sometimes involuntary ejaculations (nocturnal emissions) may occur during sleep. This is a natural phenomenon that indicates normal body development.

During the period of active sexual maturation, teenagers may also be recommended to have a urologist’s examination in order to make sure that the development of the genital organs is occurring according to age and that there are no possible disorders.

Transitional age in boys: symptoms and behavioral features

During puberty, not only appearance changes, but also the teenager’s behavior. Hormonal changes may affect emotional state, activity level, and reactions to events.

During this period, boys often become more energetic, sometimes impulsive or emotionally sharp. Mood may change more quickly than in childhood, which is associated with the restructuring of the hormonal system.

Teenagers also begin to take more interest in their own appearance and physical shape. Many boys develop an interest in sports, training, or active types of activity. This is related to the fact that the level of testosterone in the body rises, which affects muscle development and endurance.

In addition to physical changes, social behavior is also formed. Boys may strive for greater independence, defend their own opinion, and spend more time with peers. During this period, self-confidence, character, and the style of communication with other people are gradually formed.

When sexual maturation ends in boys

In most boys, the main changes associated with sexual maturation are completed approximately at 17–18 years of age. By this time, the body reaches physiological maturity, and the development of the reproductive system is completed.

However, the pace of development may vary. In some teenagers, changes occur faster; in others, gradually over a longer period. In most cases, such differences are an individual feature of development. If there are doubts regarding the pace of sexual maturation, it is worth consulting a doctor.

Hormonal changes during the pubertal period

The pubertal period is accompanied by complex hormonal processes that affect growth, the development of the reproductive system, and the functioning of many organs. At this time, the system of interaction between the brain and the sex glands is activated in the body, which gradually launches the processes of growing up.

The main hormonal changes in adolescence include:

  1. Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary system. Puberty begins with the activation of the hypothalamus — the part of the brain that regulates the activity of the endocrine system. It stimulates the pituitary gland, which in turn launches the production of hormones that activate the work of the sex glands.
  2. Increase in the level of sex hormones. After hormonal regulation is launched, the ovaries in girls begin to produce estrogens more actively, and the testicles in boys — testosterone. It is these hormones that are responsible for the formation of signs of growing up, the development of the reproductive system, and the change in body proportions.
  3. Acceleration of body growth. In adolescence, growth hormone is produced more actively. In combination with sex hormones, it stimulates faster growth of bones and tissues, which is why the so-called «growth spurt» is often observed during this period.
  4. Changes in the functioning of the skin and glands. Under the influence of hormones, the sebaceous and sweat glands work more actively. This may lead to increased skin oiliness, the appearance of rashes, or increased sweating.
  5. Influence on emotional state and behavior. Hormonal restructuring also affects the functioning of the nervous system. Because of this, teenagers may react more sharply to emotional events, change mood more quickly, or experience stressful situations more intensely.

As the pubertal period comes to an end, the work of the endocrine system gradually stabilizes. Hormone levels become more stable, and the body reaches physiological maturity.

Psycho-emotional changes in adolescence

Adolescence is accompanied not only by physical but also by significant psycho-emotional changes. During this time, personality is formed, the perception of oneself and the surrounding world changes, new social roles and interests appear. Gradually, the teenager moves from childhood dependence to greater independence.

Psycho-emotional changes in adolescence are associated with the development of the nervous system, hormonal fluctuations, and the active formation of one’s own identity. That is why emotions during this period may be more pronounced than in childhood.

The main psycho-emotional features of adolescence include:

  1. Formation of self-esteem and self-perception. In adolescence, the child begins to perceive their own appearance, character, and abilities differently. Teenagers may compare themselves more with peers, pay attention to changes in the body, and think about their own individuality.
  2. Increased emotionality. Emotions during this period may manifest more vividly. Mood sometimes changes more quickly than before, and reactions to events may be stronger. This is associated with the restructuring of the nervous and hormonal systems.
  3. Desire for independence. Many teenagers begin to defend their own opinion more actively, strive to make decisions independently, and control their lives more. During this period, the role of parents changes: the need for one’s own space and independence gradually increases.
  4. Change in social connections. Communication with peers becomes more important. Friends, classmates, and the social circle may significantly influence the teenager’s behavior, interests, and self-esteem.
  5. Formation of interests and life values. In adolescence, one’s own views on education, future profession, lifestyle, and relationships with other people begin to form. It is during this period that teenagers may actively search for themselves and try different hobbies.

Psycho-emotional changes are a natural part of growing up. As adolescence comes to an end, emotional stability gradually increases, and the teenager forms a more mature attitude toward themselves and those around them.

Early and late sexual maturation: when it is worth consulting a doctor

The pace of sexual maturation may differ in different children. In most cases, puberty begins within a certain age range and proceeds gradually. However, sometimes changes may appear too early or, on the contrary, may not begin for a long time. In such situations, it is worth paying attention to the developmental features of the teenager.

It is recommended to consult a doctor if the following situations are observed:

  • signs of sexual maturation appear very early;
  • during adolescence, changes characteristic of puberty are absent for a long time;
  • menstruation in girls has not begun by 15–16 years of age;
  • after the beginning of puberty, development suddenly stopped or is occurring very slowly;
  • parents or the teenager have doubts regarding the pace of development.

Normally, the first signs of puberty in girls appear approximately at 8–13 years of age, and in boys — at 9–14 years of age. If changes occur significantly earlier, the doctor may check whether this is related to precocious sexual maturation.

If the signs of puberty do not appear for a long time, this may sometimes indicate delayed sexual development. The cause may be the individual characteristics of the body, heredity, or hormonal disorders.

In most cases, differences in the pace of development are a variant of the norm. However, consultation with a specialist helps to assess the condition of the body, conduct an examination if necessary, and make sure that sexual maturation is occurring correctly.

The information in the article is provided for ознакомления and is not a guide to self-diagnosis and treatment. If symptoms of a disease appear, you should consult a doctor.

Sources:

US National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

World Health Organization (WHO)