Puberty and the menstrual cycle

Changes for females during puberty:

  • ovaries start to release eggs & produce hormones

  • menstruation starts

  • hips widen

  • breasts get larger

Changes for males during puberty:

  • voice deepens

  • muscles develop

  • testes produce sperm & hormones

  • hair grows on face and chest

  • spots become a problem

Changes for both males and females during puberty:

  • sex organs get bigger

  • behaviour changes - hormones

  • pubic hair grows

  • why does puberty occur?

    because the body starts producing chemicals called sex hormones

  • when do females start puberty?

    between the ages of 8-13

  • what are the female sex hormones called?

    progesterone and oestrogen

  • when do males start puberty?

    between the ages of 10-15

  • what is the male sex hormone called?

    testosterone

  • every month a females uterus lining becomes thicker with blood so it can support a fertilised egg

  • if there is no egg the lining isn’t needed

  • the uterus lining is broken down and leaves the body through the cervix and vagina

  • this is called menstruation or a ‘period’