Puberty

Puberty is the process of physical maturation, during which there is an acceleration in growth in stature, secondary sexual characteristics appear and develop, and the ability to reproduce is achieved.

For transgender (trans) youth, the onset of puberty may mark the beginning of permanent and visible changes that may result in, or worsen, gender dysphoria. In this context, it is important to understand the concept of puberty, its timing, and its stages in order to tailor clinical interventions for youth who require them.

Puberty onset varies between sexes, appearing on average earlier in youth assigned female at birth (AFAB) around 10 to 11 years of age, compared with those assigned male at birth (AMAB) around 11 to 12 years of age. Aside from biological sex, timing of ...