Development of Secondary Sexual Characteristics (Edexcel IGCSE Biology)
Exam board Pearson Edexcel · IGCSEUpdated 2026-07-02
Secondary Sexual Characteristics
Spec point —
3.13· understand the roles of oestrogen and testosterone in the development of secondary sexual characteristics
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Secondary sexual characteristics are the changes that occur during puberty
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Their development is controlled by the release of hormones
- Oestrogen in females
- Testosterone in males
Female secondary sexual characteristics
| Female | Effects of Oestrogen |
|---|---|
 | Development of breasts |
| Body hair grows | |
| Menstrual cycle begins | |
| Hips get wider |
Male secondary sexual characteristics
| Male | Effects of Testosterone |
|---|---|
 | Growth of penis and testes |
| Growth of facial and body hair | |
| Muscles develop | |
| Voice breaks | |
| Testes start to produce sperm |
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Some changes occur in both males and females, including growth of sexual organs and growth of body hair
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Emotional changes also occur due to the increased levels of hormones in the body
- These include more interest in sex and increased mood swings
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