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Which endocrine hormones help control puberty?

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Diagram showing the locations of major human endocrine glands in male and female bodies, including pineal gland, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, thyroid gland, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas, kidneys, testes, and ovaries. — Endocrine system The glands of the human endocrine system.

Puberty is a complex biological process initiated by the hypothalamus in the brain, which triggers a cascade of hormonal activity. The primary hormones involved in controlling and driving the changes of puberty include:1

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): Produced in the hypothalamus, this neurohormone is released in pulses to stimulate the pituitary gland.12
Gonadotropins: In response to GnRH, the pituitary secretes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones stimulate the gonads (testes or ovaries) to produce sex hormones.12
Sex hormones:
- Testosterone: Secreted in large amounts by the testes, it drives most male pubertal changes and the adolescent growth spurt in boys.1
- Estrogens: Secreted by the ovaries, these hormones promote the development of female reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics.1
Growth hormone: Secreted by the pituitary gland, this hormone works in conjunction with sex hormones to facilitate the adolescent growth spurt.1

The onset of puberty occurs when the hypothalamus becomes less sensitive to the inhibitory effects of low-level sex hormones, allowing for the increased release of GnRH and the subsequent rise in gonadotropins and sex steroids.1