How puberty changes your brain?
Puberty is often discussed in terms of its physical changes, but in fact Puberty begins in the brain. At some point, usually between the ages of 9 and 14, puberty is triggered when a region known as the hypothalamus releases waves of a specialized hormone.
Puberty lasts 4-5 years and involves the transformation of the brain due to estrogen and testosterone.
Hormones are made in testes and ovaries, and travel to the brain through the bloodstream. They interact with neurons, affecting their function and connections. This can alter your behavior, thoughts, and emotions.
Hormones shape the limbic system, which controls emotional behavior. Studies on animals indicate that puberty affects the amygdala's size and connectivity, which plays a role in recognizing emotions and detecting threats. The amygdala's development helps with social interactions and learning.
During puberty, the nucleus accumbens, which is responsible for pleasure, is restructured, and hormone levels increase. This makes exploration and social engagement more important during adolescence.