This is how hormones work during puberty
Hormones go haywire during puberty, but what exactly is going on in your child’s body? Find out here which hormones are released during puberty and how your child’s body changes under their influence.
Puberty begins – literally – in the mind. Because certain areas of the brain give the go-ahead for an interaction of hormones that will change the body during puberty
How hormones work together during puberty
Before you can see the typical signs of puberty, such as pimples , breast growth or testicle growth, the hormones are already working at full speed to drive this development forward. The hormonal change begins with GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), which is released in an area of the diencephalon – the hypothalamus – and stimulates the production of other important hormones: FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone).
FSH and LH signal to the female body that it is ready for egg cells to mature. In the process, female sex hormones (oestrogens) in particular are released, which play an important role in the development of the female breast, genitals and bone structure. In the male body, FSH and LH stimulate the growth of sperm cells, whereby male sex hormones (androgens) – especially testosterone – are released. Testosterone plays a key role in the development of male sexual characteristics and bone structure.
In addition to predominantly female or male sex hormones, the body always produces a small amount of the counterpart. Hormone changes during puberty can throw estrogens and androgens out of balance. In boys, increased estrogen levels often cause breast swelling, while in girls, increased testosterone levels can result in more facial hair or acne . As a rule, the hormone balance stabilizes after a while and the unloved “side effects” disappear of their own accord.
Premature and late puberty caused by hormones
Some children reach sexual maturity earlier and some later. Even eight-year-old girls can develop a slight breast and first pubic hair without parents having to worry.
A hormonal disorder can only be considered if girls show several typical signs of sexual maturity before the age of 8 and boys before the age of 9 . Significant breast or testicular growth, pubic hair, armpit hair, etc. can indicate premature puberty ( Pubertas praecox ). Since the growth of the bones is also terminated prematurely, premature puberty can result in short stature.
If sexual development has not started of its own accord in girls by the age of 14 and in boys by the age of 15, this is referred to as “delayed” puberty ( pubertas tarda ). Sometimes the bodies of young people simply need a little more time and can make the transition to puberty without medical treatment. In some cases, a coordinated hormone treatment is needed to support the body in sexual maturity.
If you suspect premature or late puberty, you should consult a specialist in hormone diseases – an endocrinologist. With the appropriate diagnosis, a coordinated hormone treatment can help to delay or stimulate the development of puberty.