Reported May 2005

The pituitary gland makes protein hormones that reach the ovaries and testes.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BODY DURING PUBERTY? Puberty is the developmental stage where a child starts to become sexually mature. It can occur between ages 8 and 11 for girls, and 9 to 12 for boys.

As a child nears maturity, the brain -- specifically the parts known as the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland -- releases chemicals called hormones. The hormones regulate the reproductive organs of both males and females. Girls produce estrogen and progesterone, while boys produce testosterone. Growth hormones also begin to work, causing the body to become larger, sometimes very quickly. The body also makes follicle-stimulating hormones, leading to hair growth.

All these extra hormones give rise to dramatic physical changes in the body. Both girls and boys may also experience strong emotions or mood changes.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Lisa Rossi
News Representative
University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center News Bureau, Suite 201
3708 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 647-3555

Center for Research in Reproductive Physiology
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

http://www.crrp.pitt.edu

NIH Research Abstract

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

PittChronicle Article

http://www.umc.pitt.edu/media/pcc050207/sci1_first_kiss.html

Did you know...

If a child shows signs of development earlier than usual – before age 8 in a girl, or 9-1/2 for a boy -- it is called precocious puberty. Puberty can sometimes be delayed if a child suffers from malnutrition: not eating enough of the right kinds of foods.

Adolescence is the period of transition between puberty and adulthood. Most girls are physically mature by age 14; boys mature at around 15 or 16.