Summary:
- Puberty lasts from about ages 12 to 18 years and is controlled by hormones.
- The main pituitary hormone involved is luteinizing hormone (LH) It stimulates the testes to secrete testosterone.
- Testosterone, in turn, promotes protein synthesis and growth.
- Puberty is the period during which humans become sexually mature.
- In the U.S., boys generally begin puberty at about age 12 and complete it at about 18.
- In addition to the changes shown below, during puberty male facial hair begins to grow, the shoulders broaden, and the male voice deepens.