Physiology Sexual Development		An important clinical pearl is that, even though the rate at which maturation occurs will be variable, there is a consistent, predictable acquisition of maturation that occurs in each child that we see. In females, the first sign of maturation is thelarche, from age 8-14 years. With each passing decade, the age of breast bud formation is dropping. It is earlier for African-American females than it is for Caucasian females - you're looking at approximately 8-9 years of age. In males, the first sign of maturation is testicular enlargement, which continues throughout puberty. Typical sequence of maturation in girls Breast buds Adrenarche PHV Continued hair growth Menarche Conclusion of puberty Typical sequence of maturation in boys Testicular enlargement Adrenarche Increased testicular growth Penile enlargement PHV Return to top of page