Puberty and Sexual Maturation

Puberty is the developmental stage when children transition into adulthood, usually between ages 9 and 16. It involves physical and hormonal changes that lead to sexual maturation. In girls, this includes breast development and menstruation, while boys experience growth in muscle mass and the deepening of their voice. Hormones like estrogen and testosterone play key roles in these changes. During puberty, individuals also develop secondary sexual characteristics, such as body hair. This period not only affects physical growth but also influences emotional and social development, as adolescents navigate changes in identity and relationships.