GCSE Biology (AQA)

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Reproductive Hormones

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Homeostasis and Response Hormonal Coordination in Humans

Reproductive Hormones

3:08 Puberty and Understanding the Menstrual Cycle
Spec 4.5.3.4
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  • Puberty is a period when the body changes to become capable of sexual reproduction.
  • Reproductive hormones drive these changes.
  • Main reproductive hormones include estrogen (produced in ovaries in females) and testosterone (produced in testes in males).
  • Both hormones are present in both genders, though in different amounts.
  • Estrogen controls female puberty and prepares the uterus for pregnancy.
  • Testosterone controls male puberty and stimulates sperm production.
  • Puberty involves specific changes in females such as breast development, wider hips, increased body fat, growth and changes in the vulva, onset of menstruation, and vaginal discharge.
  • Changes in males during puberty include development of facial and body hair, broader shoulders, increased muscle mass, growth of testes and penis, sperm production, and voice deepening.
  • Common changes in both genders during puberty include development of underarm and pubic hair, increased sweating, acne, mood changes, and growth spurts.
  • The purpose of these changes is to prepare the body for reproduction and to enable the passing on of genes.
  • Traits that appear during puberty are known as secondary sex characteristics, such as growing a beard or underarm hair, contrasting with primary sex characteristics like reproductive systems formed in the uterus.
  • For exams, understanding secondary sex characteristics is required, not primary.

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