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Puberty typically begins around ages 8 to 13 in females and 9 to 14 in males, signaling the onset of reproductive maturity.

Puberty begins with bursts of Luteinizing hormone and Follicle-stimulating hormone secretion triggered by Gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulses. These pulses increase in frequency over three to four years until adult reproductive patterns are established.

In females, estrogen targets the uterus, promoting myometrium thickening, increased endometrial blood flow, and functional development of accessory reproductive organs.

After menarche, ovulation occurs in only about 10% of cycles initially, and the luteal phase is short. Gradually, ovulatory cycles increase, and the luteal phase lengthens to a typical duration of 14 days.

In males, testosterone stimulates the maturation of accessory reproductive organs like the prostate and seminal glands and promotes spermatogenesis.

Further, testosterone stimulates the growth of the larynx and vocal cords, causing a gradual deepening of the male voice.

Estrogens are involved in bone development. In males, converting testosterone to estrogen is essential for the closure of epiphyseal cartilage, limiting height in both sexes.