Puberty
is the period of physiological and anatomical development
when the organs of sexual reproduction mature and become
functional. This is not to be confused with adolescence,
which is a socially defined period of psychological development
that is sociocultural.
Puberty
may or may not coincide with adolescence and in some cultures
adolescence does not exist.
In females,
the onset of menstruation and the development of the breasts
mark this maturation. In males, the biological markers of
puberty are the enlargement of the external genitalia and
the production of semen.
In both
sexes, the development of these primary sexual characteristics
is accompanied by the onset of a variety of secondary sexual
characteristics.
Signs
of Puberty in Males and Females
In males, these include the appearance of facial and other
body hair, including in the pubic area and in the armpits,
as well as the deepening of the voice tone.
In females,
hair develops in the pubic area and in the armpits, and
the hips begin to broaden. For both sexes this is also a
period of rapid development of the sweat glands.
Generally,
these changes prepare the body for sexual reproduction,
but they also have important social and emotional aspects.
Among
boys, puberty tends to begin at about age 13, but may not
start until 16 years of age. Puberty tends to begin earlier
in females, often two years earlier than boys. However,
the commencement of puberty varies among girls no less than
among boys, and may not begin until age 14 or 15.
Factors
That Can Influence Puberty
Heredity can influence the onset of puberty, as can psychological
and physical health.
Some
studies have shown that earlier-maturing individuals achieve
better social adjustment to puberty than do later-maturing
individuals. This may be due to anxiety about being different
from one's peers and accompanying social pressure for conformity
common during the adolescent years.
Conversely,
some youths undergo a peculiarly early pubescent transition,
a condition called pubertus praecox. The functioning of
the anterior pituitary, adrenals, or the gonads causes this
condition.
The
beginning of puberty is controlled by the release of growth
hormone by the pituitary gland. This biochemical substance
produces rapid growth, which is characteristic of puberty.
When
Puberty Begins
Girls most commonly begin a rapid growth period between
the ages of 12-14 years, but some start this growth spurt
as early as age nine. By the time they are 14, most girls
have reached their adult height.
Menstruation
generally begins about three-fourths of the way through
this rapid growth period. Breast changes and the growth
of body hair precede the beginning of menstruation by about
one year.
The
pattern for boys is somewhat different. The period of rapid
adolescent growth for boys begins after age 12 and continues
for about four years.
The
onset of the various features of puberty for boys occurs
throughout this period. Boys commonly do not reach their
adult height until several years after girls and may continue
to grow and to develop secondary sex characteristics, such
as chest hair, well into the late teen years. Other hormones
also shape pubescence.
In boys,
androgen and in girls, estrogen sparks the development of
secondary sex characteristics.
A Time
of Self-Discovery
Puberty is a time of physical, emotional, and social exploration
and self-discovery. Associated with the physical changes
that characterize puberty is a growth in sexual interest.
For
most youths, this involves increased attentiveness to the
opposite sex or heterosexual attraction; for others it involves
an enhanced same-sex interest or homosexual attraction.
Because
of social disapproval, young people who find themselves
sexually attracted to members of their own sex may undergo
considerable emotional distress, isolation, and sexual guilt.
However,
the onset of bodily changes (at different times and at different
rates among different youths), the beginnings of sexual
interest and incipient romantic attractions, and the lack
of a clear social role can contribute to uncertainty and
confusion among both heterosexual and homosexual youths.
Feelings
of sexual attraction are part of the search for self-understanding
and part of the normal developmental process called puberty.