Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Puberty is the developmental stage in humans when the body undergoes physical and hormonal changes to reach sexual maturity. These changes enable reproductive capabilities and occur during adolescence.
Chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system that regulate growth, metabolism, and sexual development.
Secondary Sexual Characteristics: Physical traits that emerge during puberty but are not directly involved in reproduction, such as breast development in females and facial hair growth in males.
Menarche: The first menstrual cycle, or first menstrual bleeding, in female humans; marks a significant point in puberty