What is puberty?

Puberty is the period of physical and psychological development during which a child's body matures into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction. It is typically characterized by rapid growth spurts, changes in body shape, the development of secondary sexual characteristics (such as breast development in girls and facial hair growth in boys), and hormonal changes that lead to increased sexual desire and reproductive function. Puberty usually begins around the ages of 8 to 13 in girls and 9 to 14 in boys, and can last for several years.