Puberty

Introduction
Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It refers to
physical and psychological changes that affect boys and girls differently. Puberty
usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls. For boys, puberty usually happens
between ages 12 and 16.

This reference summary explains puberty as it affects boys and girls. It includes
information about the signs of puberty and what to expect when you experience
puberty. A special section on early puberty is also included.

Hormones and Puberty

In order to understand puberty, it is important to know about the hormones that are
responsible for puberty, as well as the female and male reproductive organs that are
affected by these hormones.

Two areas of the brain produce the hormones

that are needed for puberty: the hypothalamus Hypothalamus
and the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus,
among many other functions, controls body
temperature, hunger, and thirst. The pituitary Pituitary Gland
gland is a pea-sized organ attached to the
hypothalamus.

The hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary

gland. These signals cause the pituitary gland to
make hormones that control other glands and
many of the bodys functions, including growth.

Puberty starts when the hypothalamus releases a hormone called the gonadotropin-
releasing hormone.

This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.

1995-2012, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com pdfp0101

Last reviewed: 10/14/2012
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The gonadotropin-releasing hormone tells the pituitary
gland to release two more hormones: the follicle-
stimulating hormone and the luteinizing hormone.
These hormones signal the start of sexual
development in both boys and girls.

In girls, the hormones act on the ovaries. The ovaries

are two small glands, located in the pelvis, with 2 main
functions:
1. The production of specialized hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone.
2. Ovulation, which is the release of eggs needed for reproduction. Ovulation is
controlled by many hormones.

For girls, puberty begins when the specialized hormones tell the ovaries to begin
producing another hormone, known as estrogen. Estrogen is responsible for most of
the changes in a girls body during puberty. It causes her body to mature and prepare
for pregnancy.

In males, the follicle-stimulating hormone and the luteinizing hormone act on the
testicles. The testicles, or testes, are two egg-shaped glands that produce sperm and
male hormones. They are located in the scrotum at the base of the penis.

When the hormones that signal the beginning of puberty reach the testes, boys begin
to produce testosterone and sperm. Testosterone is a hormone responsible for most of
the changes a boys body goes through during puberty. Sperm cells are necessary for
reproduction.

During puberty, girls and boys develop at

different rates and in different ways. The
following section examines the physical
changes that affect girls and boys once
their glands begin producing the
specialized hormones responsible for
these changes: estrogen for girls and
testosterone for boys.

This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.

1995-2012, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com pdfp0101

Last reviewed: 10/14/2012
2
Puberty
Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It is a physical
change that usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 and 16 for
boys. Boys and girls experience puberty differently. The differences in puberty for boys
and girls will be discussed more in later sections.

Usually, both boys and girls have a growth spurt, which is a rapid
increase in height. This time of rapid growth lasts for about 2 or 3
years. It brings boys and girls closer to their adult height, which
they reach after puberty.

Another sign that puberty has started is the growth of hair where
it didnt grow before. Hair will begin to grow in the pubic area and
under the arms. It will start out light but will become thicker and
darker as you go through puberty.

Acne is also a sign of puberty. It is caused by the puberty

hormones. Another name for acne is pimples. It often starts to
show up on the face. You may also notice acne on your upper
back or chest. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to
keep your skin clean and clear of acne.

The hormones released during puberty can also affect glands in

your skin. This can cause body odor. You can avoid body odor by bathing and
showering regularly and using deodorant.

Your emotions can also be affected by puberty hormones. You

may be more sensitive or lose your cool easily. Talking to
someone you trust like a parent or sibling can help.

Puberty is also the time when girls and boys become sexually
mature. You may have new and confusing feelings about sex.
This is normal.

You may feel embarrassed, but it is important to understand sex

and get the right information. If you do not want to talk to your
parents about sex, you can ask a healthcare provider or another
adult you feel comfortable talking to.

This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.

1995-2012, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com pdfp0101

Last reviewed: 10/14/2012
3
Puberty in Girls
The first sign of puberty in girls is usually breast development. As the breasts start to
develop, some soreness under and around the nipple is common. Other signs of
puberty in girls include the appearance of hair in the pubic area and armpits, as well as
acne.

Girls will also notice their bodies becoming curvier. This is

because girls gain weight on their hips during puberty.
Gaining weight is normal during puberty. Girls should not
try to diet and stop the normal weight gain. If you have
questions about how much weight gain is normal, talk to
your healthcare provider.

Menstruation, also known as a period, usually happens last and begins 2 to 2 years
after the breasts begin to develop. During the menstrual cycle, an egg is released from
an ovary. The egg travels down the Fallopian tube to the uterus, which is also known
as the womb. The uterus builds up a lining of blood and tissue before the egg is
released.

If the egg is fertilized by sperm, it remains in the uterus and develops into a baby. The
fertilized egg uses the lining of blood and tissue in the uterus for nutrition. If the egg is
not fertilized, it leaves the body with the blood and tissue lining of the uterus. This is
the menstrual period. A period usually lasts about 5 to 7 days and happens about once
a month.

Unless you become pregnant, this cycle of the lining of the

uterus building up, the egg being released, and the menstrual
period will continue to happen every 28 days until menopause.
Menopause is the time when a woman stops having a monthly
menstrual period, usually between the ages of 40 and 55.

This cycle is known as the menstrual cycle. It may be longer

or shorter than 28 days during puberty

Girls might also notice discharge from the vagina, which

connects the uterus to the outside of the body. This discharge
is usually white and sticky. This is normal and just another
sign of puberty.

This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.

1995-2012, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com pdfp0101

Last reviewed: 10/14/2012
4
Puberty in Boys
In boys, puberty usually begins with the testicles and penis getting bigger. Then hair
grows in the pubic area and armpits.

As puberty continues, the body starts to become more

muscular. Puberty also causes the voice to deepen in boys.
Your voice may crack while this is happening. Acne and
facial hair develop as well.

Some boys may grow a small amount of breast tissue at the

beginning of puberty. This is normal and usually goes away
before the end of puberty.

Boys will also start to get frequent erections during puberty. Erections are when the
penis fills with blood and becomes hard. This happens when boys think about sexual
things. But it can also happen for no reason at all and without having any sexual
thoughts.

Ejaculation is also a normal part of puberty for boys. When a boy ejaculates, semen
comes out of the penis. Semen is a white-colored fluid that contains sperm among
other components.

Sperm is what fertilizes a female egg to make a

baby. Millions of microscopic sperm swim in
semen. An ejaculation contains, on average, one
teaspoonful of semen.

Some boys also experience erections and ejaculate

while asleep. This is called nocturnal emissions, or
wet dreams. As boys grow older, wet dreams do
not happen as often. They may eventually stop.

Early Puberty
Puberty can have different patterns, so children may experience puberty at different
ages. Some children may begin puberty earlier than expected, and some children may
not experience puberty until later than expected.

Some children may begin puberty earlier than normal. This is a condition known as
precocious puberty. Precocious puberty is usually just a variation of normal puberty.

This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.

1995-2012, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com pdfp0101

Last reviewed: 10/14/2012
5
However, if signs of puberty happen early, parents
should talk to their childs healthcare provider to see
if treatment is needed. For girls, early puberty is
puberty that begins before age 7 or 8. Early puberty
for boys is puberty that begins before age 9.

Sometimes there is a medical reason for early

puberty. But in many cases, there is no known
reason for puberty starting early.

Delayed Puberty
Other children may have delayed puberty. This means the process begins later than
normal. Delayed puberty in girls is when breasts have not developed by age 14, or if
no periods have started for 5 or more years after the appearance of breast tissue.

Boys have delayed puberty when their testicles have not developed by age 14. They
also have delayed puberty if some of the male organs have not fully developed 5 years
after they first started developing.

Like early puberty, sometimes there is a medical reason for puberty

starting late. But in many cases, there is no known reason for the delay.
Delayed puberty can be hereditary. If a child has a parent or blood-
relative that developed later than usual, he or she is more likely to
experience delayed puberty.

There are also several medical problems that can cause a delay in
puberty. The following illnesses can make it difficult for the body to
grow and develop, and may cause delayed puberty:
Asthma
Cystic fibrosis
Diabetes
Kidney disease

Malnutrition can also cause a delay in puberty. Malnutrition happens

when your body isnt getting enough of the foods you need to properly
develop. Children with an eating disorder or children who do not have
access to healthy foods may experience delayed puberty for this
reason.

This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.

1995-2012, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com pdfp0101

Last reviewed: 10/14/2012
6
If development is later than normal, parents should talk to a healthcare provider. A
healthcare provider can make sure there is not a medical condition causing the delay.
However, most children with delayed puberty need no treatment and puberty will begin
when their body is ready for it.

Summary
Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It refers to
physical and psychological changes that affect boys and girls differently.

Puberty usually happens between ages 10 and

14 for girls. For boys, puberty usually happens
between ages 12 and 16. Puberty starts when the
hypothalamus begins releasing a certain
hormone. Hormones play an important role in the
puberty process.

Puberty can have different patterns, so children

may experience puberty at different ages. Some
children may begin puberty earlier than expected,
and some children may not experience puberty
until later than expected.

This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.

1995-2012, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com pdfp0101

Last reviewed: 10/14/2012
7