Puberty
From ChildWiki.com
Puberty is the developmental stage in which the body undergoes hormonal changes resulting in sexual maturity to allow for reproduction. These hormonal changes are initiated by the brain, which stimulates the pituitary gland, activating other glands. These internal changes begin at least a year before any visible external changes occur. The process occurs in stages, and starts at different ages in different people.
The age at which puberty begins can vary among individuals, but most children begin to experience signs of puberty between the ages of eight and seventeen years old. The onset of puberty is based on several factors, including: health, nutrition, body size, and genetics. Since ages vary, it is normal for a child to start developing, even if his or her friends haven’t yet.
Because of the unfamiliar changes to their bodies, experiencing puberty is often unusual and, in some cases, uncomfortable for boys and girls. Puberty is accompanied by adolescence, which is marked by an increase in physical, emotional, psychological, social and mental growth.
[edit] Puberty in Girls
- Stage One (between ages 8 and 11): Production of the female hormone, estrogen, begins and the ovaries enlarge. External physical development is not yet visible.
- Stage Two (between ages 8 and 14): Breast development is the first external sign of female puberty. Breast buds develop, accompanied by tender, elevated nipples. Nipple size will also increase. Pubic hair and underarm hair may begin to grow in. The body will also experience an increase in height and weight, and the female body will become curvier.
- Stage Three (between ages 9 and 15): Breasts continue to grow, and a bra may become necessary. Pubic hair will become thicker and darker. White vaginal discharge may become present, and menstrual periods often begin during this stage.
- Stage Four (between ages 10 and 16): Breast aureoles may become darker and appear to sit atop the developing breast. Pubic hair will begin to develop in a triangular growth pattern. If menstruation did not already begin, it should start in this stage. Ovulation may also start, but possibly on an irregular basis.
- Stage Five (between ages 12 and 19): In this final stage of development, girls reach full height and ovulate regularly. Pubic hair fills in, and the breasts become fully developed.
[edit] Puberty in Boys
- Stage One (between ages 9 and 12): The male hormone, testosterone, becomes active, but no physical development is noticeable. A growth spurt may occur.
- Stage Two (between ages 9 and 15): Height and body shape change, including development of muscle and fatty tissue. Nipples will darken and increase in size. Pubic hair begins to grow at the base of the penis. The testicles and scrotum will experience growth, but the penis usually does not.
- Stage Three (between ages 11 and 16): The penis grows in length. Pubic hair becomes thicker and darker. Shoulders broaden, height increases, and faces take on a more mature look. Muscle tissue continues to increase and the voice begins to deepen. Facial hair may begin to develop above the lip.
- Stage Four (between ages 11 and 17): The penis will grow in width as the testicles and scrotum continues to grow. Growth of underarm and facial hair increases. Skin becomes oilier, and the voice continues to change.
- Stage Five (between ages 14 and 18): Boys reach their full height, and pubic hair and genitals look like those of an adult man. Daily facial shaving may be necessary. Some men continue to grow after this stage, into their twenties.
