Puberty
Puberty is a process in which you become physically, mentally and sexually mature. It is a transition from childhood to adulthood, and can begin at any time just before or during adolescence. Puberty is different for everybody. Some of these changes may make you feel embarrassed and confused. It's very natural and common to experience a wide-range of emotions during puberty.
Why does puberty happen?
Puberty occurs because your sex glands (ovaries or testicles) begin to produce sex hormones: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. A male’s main hormone is called testosterone, produced in the testicles; and a female’s main hormones are called estrogen and progesterone, produced in the ovaries.
What happens during puberty?
During puberty your body will experience many physical, sexual and emotional changes. Common changes you may notice are: hair growth, physical growth, body odour, mood changes, weight gain or pimples. Even though puberty is unique to every person there are some common changes specific to females and males.
Common changes for females:
- Breast development
- Begin to menstruate (period and ovulation)*
- Weight gain
- Hips and curves may develop
- Pubic hair starts to grow
- Increase in hair growth under your arms, legs etc.
- Body hair may become darker and thicker
- Increase in body odour
- Mood changes
- Skin may become oilier and you may develop pimples/acne
- You may grow taller
- You may start to become sexually aroused
Common changes for males:
- The larynx lengthens and the voice may “crack”
- Voice lowers
- Shoulders broaden, muscles strengthen
- May start to have spontaneous erections
- May start to have wet dreams (ejaculate while asleep)
- Able to ejaculate
- Genitals develop and darken
- Pubic hair will start to grow
- Increase in body hair (arms, legs, face, back, chest etc.)
- Body hair may become darker and thicker
- Increase in body odour
- Mood changes
- Skin may become oilier and you may develop pimples/acne
- You grow taller
- You may start to become sexually aroused, “horny”
How long does puberty last?
Puberty typically lasts 1-6 years but it varies from person to person.
Online resources
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