Puberty: It's Not One Size Fits All
1/11
Puberty's changes start when the brain triggers the production of sex hormones. Although physical changes follow a predictable pattern, every child develops at their own pace. Puberty usually begins for girls before boys. For most girls, puberty begins around age 11. For boys, puberty starts from 10 to 14. The average age is 12.
Budding Breasts Can Signal Puberty
2/11
Breast growth is usually the first sign of puberty girls will notice. First, small lumps form behind the nipples. They can be sore, but the pain goes away as breasts grow and change shape over the next few years. As they grow, it’s not unusual for one breast to develop more slowly than the other, but they will even out in time.Boys also may have some swelling on their chest but it tends to go away within a year or two.
Boys: Genital Changes
3/11
The first sign of puberty in boys is subtle -- an increase in testicl* size. About a year later, the penis and scrotum start to grow. sem*n can be released during an erection when they are awake or when they are asleep.
Hair Growth in Puberty
4/11
After breasts and testicl*s start growing, body hair will start to grow in and become thicker.For both boys and girls, new hair will start growing in the armpits and pubic area around the genitals. Arm and leg hair gets thicker. Boys also may start developing chest and facial hair.
Acne: An Early Sign of Puberty
5/11
Mild acne may be normal in early puberty. Puberty's high hormone levels can trigger acne outbreaks. During puberty, the oil glands are more active and your child will probably sweat more. Keeping the face and body clean can help, but if acne is a concern, talk to a doctor. Medications may help.
Later Stages of Puberty for Girls
6/11
About a year after puberty begins, girls have a growth spurt. A girl will get taller and start to get wider hips and fuller breasts. Some curve-related fat will appear on their stomach, buttocks, and legs. Girls usually reach adult height by their mid- to late teens.
Growth Spurts: From Boys to Men
7/11
The peak growth spurt for boys happens later than it does for girls. It occurs around six months after pubic hair development. When it does, your son's shoulders will become fuller and broader, and they'll grow taller, too. Their face shape will look less round and more adult-like. Depending on when puberty starts, they may not reach their adult height until their late teens or even early 20s.
The First Period: Puberty's Ending
8/11
A girl usually gets their first period between 10 and 16 years old (about 2 to 2 1/2 years after they start puberty.) Menstruation is a sign that they're physically an adult and able to get pregnant. You may want to talk to your doctor if your daughter doesn’t get their first period by the time they're 16.
Puberty Causes Cracking, Deeper Voices
9/11
Toward the end of puberty, your son's voice may start cracking. This is normal, and will stop after a few months. When it does, their voice will sound deeper. Voice changes are caused by testosterone, a hormone released in boys during puberty. It causes the vocal cords to get thicker and longer and their larynx to grow bigger. This is their "Adam’s apple."
Growing Up Too Fast: Early Puberty
10/11
Some kids become sexually mature at a very early age. Early or precocious puberty is when a child reaches a physical or hormonal milestone --breast, testes, or pubic hair growth -- before age 6 to 8 in girls or 9 in boys. Early puberty is linked with obesity in girls. Early puberty rarely is due to hormone exposure or a problem with the thyroid, ovaries, or brain. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned.
When To Call The Doctor
11/11
Keep track of your child's bodily changes in a way that respects their desire for privacy. Call the doctor if:
- Puberty signs appear in a girl before age 6-8 or in a boy before age 9
- Puberty changes aren't seen in a girl by age 13 or in a boy by age 14
- Puberty changes do not follow the typical pattern of development
View privacy policy and trust info
I've spent a good chunk of my time delving into the intricacies of children's health, especially puberty, so let me break down the concepts in this article.
The article discusses the onset and progression of puberty, a complex biological process triggered by the brain's production of sex hormones. It highlights the individual variability in development, emphasizing that while physical changes follow a general pattern, each child progresses at their own pace. Girls typically start puberty around age 11, while boys begin between 10 to 14, with an average age of 12.
Budding breasts are cited as the initial sign of puberty in girls, involving the formation of small lumps behind the nipples. This process may cause soreness initially, but it diminishes as breasts undergo further growth and shape changes. Boys, on the other hand, may experience chest swelling, which tends to resolve within a year or two.
The article touches upon genital changes in boys, noting that the first sign of puberty is an increase in testicl* size, followed by the growth of the penis and scrotum. It also mentions the release of sem*n during erections.
Hair growth is discussed as a subsequent phase in puberty for both genders, involving the thickening of body hair, armpit hair, and pubic hair. Boys may additionally develop chest and facial hair.
Acne is highlighted as a common occurrence in early puberty due to elevated hormone levels, with recommendations to keep the face and body clean. If acne becomes a concern, consulting a doctor for possible medication is suggested.
Later stages of puberty for girls involve a growth spurt, increased height, wider hips, and fuller breasts. Boys experience their peak growth spurt around six months after pubic hair development, resulting in fuller shoulders, increased height, and a more adult-like facial appearance.
Menstruation is presented as a significant milestone in a girl's puberty journey, typically occurring between ages 10 and 16. Puberty's end is marked by the first period, signifying physical maturity and reproductive capability.
Voice changes in boys toward the end of puberty are explained, with the voice initially cracking and then deepening due to increased testosterone levels. This phenomenon is associated with the growth of vocal cords and the development of the Adam's apple.
The article briefly touches on early puberty, emphasizing that some children may mature sexually at a very young age. It suggests consulting a doctor if there are concerns about early puberty, especially if it occurs before age 6-8 in girls or age 9 in boys.
Finally, the article provides guidance on when to call a doctor, emphasizing the importance of tracking a child's bodily changes and seeking medical attention if puberty signs deviate significantly from the typical developmental pattern.
I could probably write a whole book on this topic, but I hope this gives you a comprehensive overview!
