What is puberty?

Puberty is the biological process during which a child’s body develops into an adult body capable of reproduction.

It is triggered by hormones released from endocrine glands, mainly the pituitary gland, which signals other glands to start producing sex hormones:

• Testosterone in boys
• Estrogen in girls

This hormonal activity leads to a series of physical and internal changes, such as:

• Growth of reproductive organs
• Development of secondary sexual characteristics
• Rapid increase in height

Timing varies:

• Usually begins between 10-14 years in girls
• Around 12-16 years in boys

Puberty does not occur instantly; it progresses over several years.

Concept clarity:
Puberty is a part of adolescence, specifically the phase that focuses on physical and reproductive development.