Reproductive hormones

A hormone is a chemical substance produced by a gland. Hormones are carried by the blood
around the body but alter the activity of specific target organs only.

Different hormones affect different organs or cells

The location of the endocrine glands in the body - the main hormones involved in
reproduction are released by the pituitary gland, ovaries and testes

Puberty
Puberty is the stage in life when a child's body develops into an adult's body. The changes
take place gradually, usually between the ages of 10 and 16.

During puberty, reproductive hormones cause secondary sex characteristics to develop:

 Testosterone - produced by the testes - is the main male reproductive

hormone and it stimulates sperm production.

 Oestrogen - produced by the ovaries - is the main female reproductive

hormone. At puberty, eggs begin to mature and one is released approximately
every 28 days. This is called ovulation.

Changes during puberty

A variety of changes happen to boys and girls during puberty.

Boys only Boys and girls

Voice breaks Pubic hair grows Voice deepens graduall

Hair grows on face and body Underarm hair grows Hips get wider

Body becomes more muscular Sexual organs grow and develop Breasts develop

Testes start to produce sperm cells Ovaries start to release