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Puberty Period
Puberty happens to every person some time after the age of 8. It is the transition into adulthood, when the sex organs grow and develop, and the body becomes capable to reproduce. These changes can make a teen feel proud and happy, but sometimes they can make him or her feel confused or embarrassed. Biological Changes The biological changes that occur during puberty are the following: 1. The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release hormones called gonadotropins into the bloodstream. * These hormones come about one year before the bodily changes begin (thus physical complaints - such as headaches and stomachaches - sometimes precede the first menstruation). 2. These hormones stimulate estrogen production (6 times greater than previous levels) and androgen production (20 times greater than previous levels) by the ovaries in the girl and the testes in the boy. * Both genders have both hormones, but during puberty, boys get 20 to 60% more androgen and girls get 20 to 30% more estrogen. Growing! Puberty also causes to go through a growth spurt, which results in an average growth of about 3.5 inches a year. The weird thing is that all of the body doesn't grow at the same time. The head, hands, and feet are the first things to grow. Then grow arms and legs, and finally torso and shoulders catch up with the rest of your body. People always say that adolescence is an awkward time, and no wonder! But, if it's any consolation-everyone goes through that awkward phase, so you should explain to your child that she is not alone! Height growth is of course accompanied by an increase in weight. This weight gain is perfectly normal and a part of puberty. Without gaining this weight, girl cannot grow taller, develop breasts, or get your first period. Puberty - Changes for Females Puberty-it's a crazy time. Teen's body's changing, and so is everything else for her. But, what is causing all these changes? Puberty is mostly about raging hormones. Hormones that were hibernating suddenly awaken and signal your body to enter puberty: hormones cause the changes that are connected with puberty. Physical Changes for Females
Remember, puberty is not the same for everyone, so some girls will grow pubic hair before they develop breasts, and that is absolutely normal. Breasts Breast development begins between 7 years of age and 13 years of age and continues through puberty. Breast growth starts with the flat area around the nipple (areola) becoming enlarged and some breast tissue forms under the nipple. When breast development is complete, each breast is distinct and the areola no longer appears swollen. Breast size varies from woman to woman. Pubic Hair Pubic hair starts along the vaginal lips, the outer opening of your private parts. The hair becomes darker and coarser and grows like an inverted triangle. Sometimes, the hair spreads to the insides of thighs, as well. Acne Finally underarm hair begins to grow, and the sweat and oil producing glands also start developing, which eventually results in acne when these glands are clogged. In order to avoid breakouts, your child should wash face twice daily. If your child still regularly breaks out, you may want to speak to a dermatologist. Timing of Puberty Puberty starts at different times and lasts for different periods of time for everyone. It can start as early as 7 years of age to as late as 13 years of age. The sequence of puberty from breast development to complete physical maturation may take a year and a half or last as long as 6 years. This is sometimes very difficult for girls as some of their peers may have entered and completed puberty before they have even started. You may have heard that girls mature more quickly than guys, and that is somewhat true, since girls usually enter puberty about 2 years earlier than boys. Puberty -- Changes for Males Physical Changes for Males
Genitalia and Pubic Hair In the early stages of puberty the scrotum grows larger and boy might experience some reddening of the skin and notice texture change in the scrotal skin. Pubic hair might start appearing at the base of your penis. While the scrotum grows, the penis increases in length and has a smaller increase in width. About a year after your penis starts growing, most boys have their first ejaculation. This is at times scary or worrisome to boys, but it is perfectly natural and a part of the pubertal process. At the same time, more pubic hair is growing and it is becoming darker, coarser and curlier. The penis continues to grow, and the head of the penis develops. The scrotal skin gets darker and the scrotum also continues to grow. When the penis is fully developed, pubic hair will have grown like an upside down triangle around your penis and will probably have spread to your thighs as well. Possible Breast Development During puberty, some boys do experience slight breast growth, but this is usually temporary and disappears after a while. However, if it does not disappear after puberty and continues to worry - consult the doctor about it. Voice Change The voice deepens, and while the process is gradual, teen might experience voice breaking at times. This is normal and natural, so don't worry about it. Body Hair Facial hair first appears at the corners of the upper lip and then spreads across the upper lip, to the upper parts of the cheek, below the bottom lip, and finally to the sides of the face and the chin. Underarm hair is also growing at this time as well. Acne Accompanying underarm hair growth, sweat and oil producing glands also start developing, which eventually results in acne when these glands are clogged. In order to avoid breakouts, teen should wash face twice daily. Timing of Puberty Puberty starts at different times and lasts for different periods of time for everyone. It can start as early as 9 years of age to as late as 13 1/2 years of age. The sequence of pubertal development usually ranges from 2 to 5 years. This is sometimes very difficult, as some of peers may have entered and completed puberty before others have even started. There is no way to slow or speed up the process, but puberty happens to everyone!
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