Adolescent Development Adolescence is a stage of human development. By definition, it begins between A part of adolescence is puberty. Puberty is the time period during which a person becomes physically able to reproduce.

For girls, puberty occurs between ages For boys, puberty occurs between the ages The most important thing to remember about puberty is that it is slightly different for everyone.

During puberty, many changes occur in your body. These changes are caused by hormones that are made in the pituitary gland (located in the brain). Hormones: FSH: helps to produce reproductive cells (eggs and sperm) LH: helps to produce other sex hormones; causes many body changes

Changes during puberty - Females: -breast development -hair growth under arms and in pubic area - fatty tissue added to thighs and buttocks Males: -deepened voice -growth of facial, underarm and pubic hair -Increase in muscle size

In both sexes, there is an increase in height. Because of the difference in the onset of puberty, females tend to grow taller earlier. Females: may begin growth spurt between ages of 11-13; end by age Males: may begin growth spurt between ages 13-15; end by age 17-18

There are other changes caused by hormones: -increased sweating -possible acne -increased coordination -increased mental capacity -possible physical attraction to others - emotional changes What other changes might occur?