How do estrogen and testosterone contribute to the growth spurt during puberty?

During puberty, the adolescent growth spurt is driven by a complex interplay of hormones that accelerate skeletal and muscular development.1

Testosterone and Male Growth

In boys, the growth spurt is primarily attributed to the significant increase in testosterone secretion at puberty. Testosterone acts on various tissues, including muscles and the cartilages of the skeleton, to stimulate linear growth. When present alongside growth hormone, testosterone promotes the rapid lengthening of the bony skeleton.23

Estrogen and Female Growth

In girls, the adolescent growth spurt is attributed to the combined actions of estradiol (a primary estrogen), growth hormone, and the testosterone-like substance androstenedione. Estrogens also influence specific skeletal changes, such as the widening of the hip bones.2

Skeletal Maturation and Growth Cessation

While these sex hormones initially stimulate rapid growth, they also eventually trigger the end of the growth period. Both testosterone and estrogen promote the closure of the epiphyses—the ends of the long bones—which halts further linear growth. This process ensures that skeletal development reaches maturity.43