Reproduction and Puberty!

Puberty: The Beginning of Human Reproduction How do our bodies know that it is time to start producing mature gametes? PUBERTY! It is the period of growth and development of the final adult form and of sexual maturation.

PUBERTY is a time when hormones begin the changes that make our bodies produce mature gametes. Hormones are molecules that our bodies produce that give instructions to cells, “telling” them to respond in certain ways.

Puberty in males usually begins between the ages of 13 and 16. Puberty in females generally starts earlier. Menstruation, one of the last stages of puberty usually begins at 12-13. (Pediatrics 2010;126:e583-90).

During this time the follicle-stimulation hormone (FSH) is produced! FSH’s goal is to reach the gonads – the reproductive organs that make gametes. It signals the reproductive system to start making gametes! Female gonads - ovaries Male gonads - testes

Once FSH reaches the testes, the sperm-producing structures develop and other cells in the testes begin to produce another hormone called testosterone. Testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for developing secondary male sex characteristics.

Examples: Broader shoulders A deeper voice Growth of body hair (facial, underarm, and pubic)

Once FSH reaches the ovaries will start to produce eggs. Ovaries also produce two main hormones called estrogen and progesterone.

Estrogen and progesterone are hormones that are responsible for developing secondary female sex characteristics: Examples: Underarm and pubic hair Fat deposits in breasts and hips