Adolescent Growth and Development

• Physiologic Changes: Puberty is driven by the hypothalamus releasing GnRH, stimulating the pituitary to release FSH and LH, which triggers gonadal response (estrogen in females, testosterone in males). Females generally enter puberty (ages 9–10) and reach physical maturity before males. A distinct growth spurt occurs, with females gaining 15–55 lbs and males gaining 15–65 lbs during this period. Organ systems mature, resulting in increased respiratory volume and blood volume, while the basal metabolic rate reaches adult levels.

• Cognitive Development (Piaget): Adolescents enter the Formal Operations stage. Early adolescence involves limited abstract thought, while middle and late adolescence (14–20 years) see the development of abs ...