What typical changes occur in the body during puberty due to hormonal influences?

During puberty, hormonal influences lead to the development of secondary sexual characteristics, which are physical traits that emerge as a result of sex hormones produced by the body. In males, this may include features such as increased muscle mass, deepening of the voice, and the growth of facial and body hair, largely driven by testosterone. In females, secondary sexual characteristics include breast development, the widening of hips, and the start of menstrual cycles, influenced by estrogen and progesterone.

These changes signify the transition from childhood to sexual maturity and are essential for reproduction. The release of hormones from the hypothalamus prompts the pituitary gland to secrete gonadotropins, which stimulate the gonads (ovaries and testes) to produce sex hormones. This process marks a critical phase in human development, bringing about significant physical changes that distinguish males and females. The focus on secondary sexual characteristics highlights not only biological changes but also the onset of reproductive capability, which is a key aspect of puberty.