Physical Development and Puberty

Adolescence as a developmental transition involves Physical, Cognitive, Emotional and Social

changes which takes varying forms in different Social, Cultural and Economic settings. It is not clearly
defined as a physical or biological category- but rather, a social construct. Let us know more about it.

Physical Development and Puberty are two of the changes a young adult would experience
during their long transition period on becoming an adolescent. We describe these changes as physical
maturation and sees these as the process in which individuals are seen capable of sexual maturity or
fertility.

Hormonal Changes during Puberty

Puberty can be broken down into two different stages, Adrenarche and Gonadarche.

Adrenarche occurs between ages 6 and 8. In this stage, adrenal glands secrete increased levels
of androgens, a hormone which regulates the development and maintenance of the process of
maturation. However, in this stage, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is most notably observed.

Gonadarche is marked by the maturing of sex organs which causes a second burst of DHEA
production.

When do Puberty Begin?

One factor may seem to be reaching a critical amount of body fat necessary for successful
reproduction. When this level is hit in a younger age, puberty begins earlier. It is said that leptin, a
hormone associated with obesity, sends a signal towards the pituitary and sex glands to increase their
production of hormones. Thus, creating a link between obesity and puberty.

Timing, Signs and Sequence of Puberty and Sexual Maturity

Primary and Secondary Sex Characteristics

The primary sex characteristics are the organs necessary for reproduction. In females, this
includes ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, clitoris and vagina. In male, the testes, penis, scrotum, seminal
vesicles and prostate gland. During puberty, these organs enlarge and mature.

The secondary sex characteristics on the other hand is not necessarily connected to sex organs
but toward physiological signs of sexual maturation. Other secondary sex characteristics also include
change in voice, skin texture and growth of pubic hair.

Signs of Puberty

The first signs to be observed in girls are their breast tissue and pubic hair. For the boys,
enlargement of testes. A girl’s nipples enlarge and protrude, their breast also assumes a conical and
then a rounded shape. Pubic hair also starts straight and silky which will later turn coarse, dark and
curly. Adolescent boys are typically happy to see hair on their face; but girls are generally dismayed,
though this too is normal. The voice deepens especially in boys, partly in response to the larynx and
partly to the production of male hormones. The skin becomes coarser and oiler giving the rise to
pimples and blackheads, this too is more common in boys due to the burst of testosterone.
The Adolescent Growth Spurt

It is a rapid increase in height, weight, muscle and bone growth that occurs during puberty
which typically lasts two years. When the young person reaches the end of this process, they reach
sexual maturity where both their growth and sex hormone contribute to this normal pubertal growth
pattern. (Susman and Rogol, 2004) Because girls tend to undergo this change 2 years earlier than boys,
girls between age 11 and 13 tend to be taller, heavier and stronger than boys of the same age. After
their growth spurt, boys again are now larger. Girls typically reach full height at age 15 and boys at age
17. (Gans, 1990). These striking physical changes have physiological ramifications and most teenagers
are more concerned about their appearance than any other aspect of themselves.

Signs of Sexual Maturity; Sperm Production and Menstruation

The principal sign of maturation in boys is sperm and menstruation mark the beginning of the
girl’s. The first ejaculation or spermarche occur at the average age of 13.). In girls however,
menstruation marks the beginning of the process. The first menstruation is called menarche, occurs
fairly late in the sequence of female development, usually from age 10 to 16 ½.

Influences on and Effects of Timing of Puberty

On the basis of historical sources, developmental scientists have found a secular trend- it is a
trend which spans several generations- in the onset of puberty. The trend which also involves increases
in adult height and weight, began about 100 years ago which has occurred in such places as the United
States, Western Europe and Japan. (S.E.Anderson, Dallal & Must, 2003)

One proposed explanation for this secular trend is a higher standard of living. Children who are
healthier, better cared for might be expected to mature earlier and grow bigger (Slyper,2006)

Thus, the average age of sexual maturity is earlier in developed countries than in developing ones.

A combination of genetic, physical, emotional and contextual influences affects the individual
differences in timing of monarche. Twin studies have documented the heritability of age of monarche
(Mendle et.al, 2006) and further support for influences is illustrated by the finding that the age of the
girl’s first menstruation tends to be similar to that of her mother’s (Maisonet et.al,2006) if nutrition and
standards of living remain stable from one generation to the next. (Susman and Rogol,2004)

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