Puberty occurs once a male or female reaches sexual maturation. This usually occurs between the ages of ten and 14 for girls. Sex hormones produced by the pituitary gland alert the body it is time to begin the puberty process. These hormones signal the eggs developed during the fetal stage. Signs of puberty include breast development and pubic and armpit hair growth. Other signs of puberty may include acne outbreaks and growth spurts. As puberty winds down, girls begin to release eggs as part of a monthly menstrual cycle. Once she has reached puberty, it is possible for a female to become pregnant even if she has not had her first period.

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