VMBO Year 2 · HAVO/VWO Years 2–3 · Reproduction and sexuality · Section 4.2

Puberty

Hormones

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands and carried in the blood. Only cells with suitable receptors respond to a particular hormone.

Sex hormones, including testosterone and oestrogens, are produced mainly by the reproductive glands. Everyone has these hormones, but their levels and effects differ.

The pituitary gland, beneath the brain, releases hormones involved in growth and in stimulating the reproductive organs. Hormonal changes contribute to the growth spurt and reproductive maturation during puberty.

Physical changes

Sex hormones contribute to the development of secondary sex characteristics:

• In typical male puberty, facial hair increases, the voice deepens and muscle development becomes more marked. The penis also grows and sperm production begins.
• In typical female puberty, breasts develop, body fat distribution changes and hips may widen. Egg maturation and menstrual cycles begin.
• In intersex people, the pattern depends on the individual's anatomy, hormones and sensitivity to them.

Growth of primary reproductive organs and the development of secondary characteristics are related but distinct changes.

Other body changes

Normal vaginal discharge helps maintain vaginal health. A mixture of shed skin cells and natural oils, called smegma, can collect around external genital folds or beneath a foreskin.

Gentle washing of external genital areas with water helps hygiene. The vagina cleans itself internally and does not need internal washing. Some people are circumcised for medical, religious or cultural reasons.

Sweating and body odour often increase. Skin may become oilier and spots can develop. Gentle skin care is helpful; acne is not simply a sign of poor cleanliness.

Mental and social changes

Young people often become more independent and develop their own views. Mood changes, stress and uncertainty can occur, although experiences differ.

Friendships and peer groups may become more important. Exploring identity is a normal part of development.

Sexuality

Interest in relationships, attraction or sexuality may increase, and someone may fall in love for the first time. These experiences can involve strong emotions.

Wanting closeness or reassurance is normal, as are periods of uncertainty, loneliness or sadness. Not everyone experiences attraction or sexual interest in the same way or at the same age.

Your own pace and body

Puberty starts and progresses at different times. Changes do not happen in exactly the same order for everyone, and bodies vary widely.

Media images of supposedly perfect bodies may be edited or carefully selected. Natural differences are normal; comparison with these images can give an unrealistic picture.