Development of Secondary Sexual Characteristics (Edexcel IGCSE Biology)

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

• Secondary sexual characteristics are the changes that occur during puberty

• Their development is controlled by the release of hormones

  • Oestrogen in females

  • Testosterone in males

Female secondary sexual characteristics

Female	Effects of Oestrogen
	Development of breasts
	Body hair grows
	Menstrual cycle begins
	Hips get wider

Male secondary sexual characteristics

Male	Effects of Testosterone
	Growth of penis and testes
	Growth of facial and body hair
	Muscles develop
	Voice breaks
	Testes start to produce sperm

• Some changes occur in both males and females, including growth of sexual organs and growth of body hair

• Emotional changes also occur due to the increased levels of hormones in the body

  • These include more interest in sex and increased mood swings