Sex - Basic Aspects of Human Sexuality

Development of secondary sexual characteristics

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The secondary sexual characteristics begin to appear during puberty as a result of hormonal stimulation. They become apparent first in females, a little later in males. By the time their physical growth is completed, the bodies of men and women show several marked differences.

The changes of puberty may occur very slowly and extend over a period of more than a decade, or they may appear rather suddenly and be completed within one or two years. In general, young people today experience the changes earlier than their grandparents or great-grandparents. Indeed, within the last hundred years, the age of puberty has been steadily lowering in most parts of the world. Changing social conditions and changing diets may play a role in this development. In any case, puberty gives female and male bodies their "typical" adult appearance. However, humans are a varied species, and there are regional differences. For example, Asian men usually remain less muscular and develop less facial and body hair than European men.