Puberty is the period in life when a person becomes sexually mature, typically occurring between ages 10-14 for girls and 12-16 for boys. The process is initiated by the hypothalamus releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which triggers other hormones that facilitate sexual development. Variations in the onset of puberty can occur, with some children experiencing precocious or delayed puberty, and parents should consult healthcare providers when there are concerns.

1. Fitango Education
Health Topics
Puberty
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2. Overview
**What is puberty?**
Puberty is the time in life when a person becomes
sexually mature. It is a physical change that usually
happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages
12 and 16 for boys. Some African American girls
start puberty earlier than white girls, making their
age range for puberty 9 to 14.
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3. Overview
**What is puberty?**
Puberty starts when a part of the brain called the
hypothalmus begins releasing a hormone called
gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH).
GnRH then signals the pituitary gland to release
two more hormones - luteinizing hormone (LH)
and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) – to start
sexual development.
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4. Overview
**What is puberty?**
A study funded in part by NICHD has identified a
gene that appears to be the crucial signal for the
beginning of puberty. Without a functioning copy
of the gene, known as GPR54, humans appear
unable to enter puberty normally.
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5. Signs of puberty
Puberty affects boys and girls differently.
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6. Signs of puberty
**In females:**
-- The first sign of puberty is usually breast
development.
-- Other signs are the growth of hair in the pubic
area and armpits, and acne.
-- Menstruation (or a period) usually happens last.
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7. Patterns of puberty
Puberty can have different patterns, so everyone
may not go through puberty in the same way. For
example:
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8. Patterns of puberty
-- Some children may begin puberty earlier than
normal, a condition called precocious puberty. If
signs of puberty occur early (before age 7 or 8 for
girls and before age 9 for boys), parents and
caregivers should talk to their child’s health care
provider to see if treatment is needed.
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9. Patterns of puberty
-- Other children may have delayed puberty,
meaning the process begins later than normal.
Sometimes there is a reason for puberty starting
late; for example, many young girls who are
gymnasts start puberty later than those who are
not gymnasts. But in many cases, there is no
known reason for the delay.
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10. Patterns of puberty
If development is later than normal, parents and
caregivers should talk to a health care provider,
who can make sure there is not a medical
condition causing the delay. But most kids with
delayed puberty need no treatment and begin
puberty on their own body’s time.
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