Puberty is a period of physical, mental, and emotional changes that occurs during adolescence as a child becomes an adult. Physical changes typically begin between ages 8-12 and last until ages 15-19. These changes are caused by increases in hormones like estrogen and testosterone, which are produced by the endocrine system. During puberty, adolescents experience mood swings and developing identities as they join new social groups. They also see improvements in complex thinking but still make decisions more on emotions. The decisions teens make during this transition period can affect the adults they become.