PUBERTY

Puberty is the time when kids grow into young adults through physical and psychological changes. It doesn't happen all at once, but slowly over time.

Most females start their puberty between the ages of 8 and 13. Most of the males start theirs between 9 and 14. But it can also be possible to start it earlier or later.

Hormones from the brain trigger the beggin of puberty. In males those hormones make the testicles to make the hormone testosterone and sperm. In females they make the ovaries to make the hormone strogen and trigger the growth and release of the eggs. Other puberty hormones are from the adrenal glands, and they lead the growth of pubic and underarm hair, body odor and acne.

PHYSICAL CHANGES

In men:

First the testicles get bigger, and hair will sprout out above the penis and on the scrotum. The penis and testes will get larger. Ejaculation and erection will happen.

Later, hair will grow under the arm and in the beard area. And that first crack in the voice is the sign that it'll get deeper. Their body will change: they are going to gain muscle and weight. By age 16 most of the boys will stop growing, but their muscles will continue to develop.

In women:

For most females, the first sign is the breast development. Dark hair will appear on the labia (the folds of the skin surrounding the vagina). Later, more hair will grow in the pubic area and under the arms.

Their body shape begins to change as their hips widen and they gain weight and body fat. Expect the menarche about 2 years after the beggining of the breast development.

EMOTIONAL CHANGES

You might feel confused or have strong emotions. You may feel anxious about how your changing body looks. You might loose your temper more than usual.