Puberty is the period of sexual maturation where the body goes through physical and biological changes to become capable of reproduction. It is triggered by hormonal changes that cause development of secondary sex characteristics like growth of breasts and pubic hair. Girls typically start puberty between ages 8-13 while boys start between 9-14. Puberty signs for girls include breast development and menstruation while boys experience growth of genitals and facial/body hair along with voice deepening.

1. PUBERTY
Rebecca Charpentier
HE 230- Human Sexuality and Sex Education

2. What Is Puberty?Information on puberty for ages 9-15
o The period of time in which boys and girls go through the process
of sexual maturation
o Period in time that helps create our secondary sex characteristics,
which makes a person ready for reproduction
o Responsible for both biological and physical changes
o Onset of puberty determined mainly be your genes
o Puberty will typically occur around the same age the sex parent
went through it

3. How does it vary between boys and
girls?
o Girls typically go through puberty before boys do
• Girls average age: 8-13
• Boys average age: 9-14
o Boys grow taller at a much slower rate, and typically stop growing at around 16 years
old
o The human body releases hormones (chemicals) gradually until sexual maturity is
complete
• Girls begin puberty when the ovaries release estrogen, while boys begin puberty when their testes
release testosterone.

4. Puberty in Girls
o On Average begins between ages 8-13, and typically ends by age 14
o First signs of puberty beginning are breast buds, which are the first
signs of the development of breasts
o Menstrual cycle does not usually begin until up to two years after
puberty has begun

5. Symptoms
 Early Signs of Puberty
o Breast development
o Pubic hair
o Mood swings (feelings of anger or sadness without reason)
o Body shape change- growth spurt, weight gain particularly around the hips
 Late Signs of Puberty
o Menstruation (period)
o Increase in acne and sweat

6. Puberty in Boys
o Average age for puberty to begin is between 9-14 years old
o First signs of puberty is typically an increase in pubic hair
o May have involuntary erections and ”wet dreams” (erection while sleeping)

7. Symptoms
 Early Signs of Puberty
o Growth in penis and testicles
o Increase in sweat
o Increase in pubic hair
o Increase in facial hair and chest hair
o Mood swings
 Late Signs of Puberty
o Voice begins to deepen, may sound pitchy at times
o Growth spurt, both in height and muscle gain

8. Resources
■ Boys and Puberty. (n.d.). Retrieved February 07, 2017, from http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/boys-
puberty.html
■ Health Guides. Updated 19 March 2015. Related Content. (n.d.). Puberty. Retrieved February 07, 2017,
from http://youngmenshealthsite.org/guides/puberty/
■ Signs of puberty: what happens to boys and girls. (n.d.). Retrieved February 07, 2017, from
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/puberty/Pages/puberty-signs.aspx
■ Stöppler, M. M. (n.d.). Puberty: Stages & Signs for Boys & Girls. Retrieved February 07, 2017, from
http://www.medicinenet.com/puberty/article.htm
■ Timing and stages of puberty. (n.d.). Retrieved February 07, 2017, from
https://www.girlshealth.gov/body/puberty/timing.html