Puberty usually happens between the ages of 8 and 18 and is the transition from childhood to adulthood. Although puberty is a normal part of growing up, it results in many physical and emotional changes that can be challenging and difficult to talk about. You can learn more about puberty here.
Puberty generally starts earlier for girls, usually between the ages of 8 and 13, with boys starting puberty between the ages of 9 and 14. It is a gradual process and is classified into five stages, referred to as the tanner stages, which define physical measurements of development, such as the size of the genitals (in males), breasts (in females), and the development of pubic hair.
Although both boys and girls share many similarities when going through puberty, such as a growth spurt and hair growth in new places, there are some marked differences to be aware of.
Stages of Puberty
Puberty is the time when a person goes through many internal and external changes and becomes capable of sexual reproduction. Hormones stimulate libido and the growth, function, and change in different parts of the body, including the brain, muscles, bones, blood, skin, hair, breasts, and sexual organs.
Puberty begins when the area of the brain – the hypothalamus – starts to release gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Other puberty hormones are released when the GnRH travels to the pituitary gland. What happens after this depends on gender.
In boys, the hormones travel through the bloodstream to the testicles, giving the signal to start testosterone and sperm production. In girls, the hormones go to the ovaries, triggering estrogen production and the maturation and release of eggs. In both sexes, a group of hormones, known as adrenal androgens, are produced by the adrenal glands to stimulate the growth of pubic and body hair.
Puberty in Boys
In boys, puberty usually starts with the enlargement of the testicles and scrotum and an increase in the size of the penis. Pubic hair also develops, with underarm and facial hair often developing later. Boys typically have a growth spurt 1-2 years later than girls, and initially, the arms, legs, hands, and feet tend to grow at a faster rate than the rest of the body. Their body shape begins to change as they gain weight and as their shoulders broaden.
Around 50% of boys experience tenderness or swelling under their nipples. This results from the temporary development of breast tissue and typically disappears within approximately 6 months.
Erections, which occur right from birth, will become more frequent, and ejaculation – the release of sperm containing semen – will start to occur.
Under the influence of androgens, the voice box (larynx) grows in both sexes, but is more prominent in boys, causing the voice to drop and deepen.
Puberty in Girls
For a majority of girls, breast development is the first sign of puberty, but it may also be the growth of pubic hair. Breast tissue will grow larger and less firm gradually over the next 1-2 years. Pubic hair, followed later by underarm hair, will begin to grow.
After the initial signs of puberty, girls usually experience a noticeable growth spurt 1-2 years later. Body shape will start to change as the body starts to build up fat, especially in the breasts and around the hips, buttocks, and thighs. Hips will begin to widen, providing a wider birth canal, in response to rising levels of estrogen.
The first menstrual bleeding often referred to as menarche usually occurs approximately two years after the initial signs of puberty. This is typically around the age of 12 but may occur anywhere between the ages of 9 and 16.
Emotional Changes
Although physical changes may be the most obvious changes to occur during puberty and adolescence, this transition into adulthood can also lead to a number of emotional and behavioral changes. Hormone changes along with social influences can result in conflict within the family, as well as ups and downs in peer relationships. As teens mature, they will start to form their own moral code, gain more independence, and establish their own individual identity, which can result in many highs and lows.
Common Puberty-Related Concerns
Puberty can lead to issues such as spots, acne, an increase in sweating, body-consciousness, and mood swings, which can cause stress, anxiety, and confusion on how to learn to adjust to these changes.
Spots and acne, caused by hormone changes, are particularly common during puberty. Although acne typically clears up over time, it can lead to self-consciousness, embarrassment, and low self-esteem. There are things you can do to improve acne, such as using medicated gels and creams, not picking or squeezing spots, and keeping skin healthy. A doctor can also prescribe effective treatments to help with acne.
Puberty can affect people in many different ways and not knowing what to expect can cause anxiety and may lead to questions. If you have questions or concerns about puberty, a family doctor can offer confidential support and advice to ease the worries associated with the physical and emotional changes that come with puberty.
