The primary female hormones are estrogen and progesterone.
The primary male hormone is testosterone.
A product of its time: medically accurate on biology, but socially conservative and heteronormative. Useful for basic anatomy and the mechanics of reproduction, but significantly lacking in emotional intelligence, LGBTQ+ inclusion, consent education, and digital safety (pre-internet). Best used today as a historical comparison rather than a standalone guide. puberty sexual education for boys and girls 1991 full
Puberty is driven by the activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. The hypothalamus increases secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones prompt the gonads to produce sex steroids—testosterone in males and estrogen and progesterone in females—leading to physical maturation.
Girls:
Timing varies with genetics, nutrition, and environment. In 1991, average ages were roughly mid- to late-teens for full sexual maturity; however, secular trends toward earlier onset had already been noted in many countries.
The influx of hormones affects the brain as well as the body. Adolescents may experience: The primary female hormones are estrogen and progesterone
While core biology and prevention messages apply to all, some considerations are gender-specific:
Inclusive instruction should address transgender and nonbinary youth and avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Girls:
The centerpiece of a girl’s puberty education in 1991 was menarche (the first period). It was framed as the singular, defining event of female adolescence.