Why Do We Grow Hair During Puberty?

Androgens and pubic hormones are produced in a number of places.

Puberty is the beginning of physical adulthood, and is marked by the production and release of a number of growth hormones. One of the most powerful is androgen, which stimulates a number of changes, including hair growth.

Androgen Definition

Androgen is a broad term that encompasses a number of steroid hormones produced either by the testes or adrenal glands, including testosterone.

Androgen-Sensitive Hair

Though the hair on our heads can be stimulated by small amounts of androgen, it takes much larger doses to stimulate growth in other areas.

Pubic Androgens

The onset of puberty creates a "critical mass" of steroids in the human body, which is enough to stimulate growth of body and facial hair.

Body Hair

It has been postulated that pubic and body hair grows at the onset of sexual maturity for warmth and to trap the sexual-attractant pheromones produced in these areas.

Facial Hair

The medically accepted rationale for facial and underarm hair is that it helps to prevent skin from rubbing against itself and chafing during physical activity.

References

• Puberty 101: Boys' Puberty
• Male Pattern Baldness: Androgen
• Experience Festival: Androgenic Hair

Resources

• YouTube: Talking About Puberty