Changes during Puberty / Adolescence

We have a biological clock built in our brains that ‘switches’ on at around 8 -9 yrs to start the process of changing a child into an adult. The process takes anywhere up to 10 -15 yrs, physical maturity generally preceding mental and emotional maturity.
The process of physical maturation is called puberty while adolescence includes the psychological and emotional changes as well.
Physical changes during puberty
Girls mature about 2 years earlier than boys. Here is a short summary of the physical changes which occur.
Changes that occur in Girls

• Height Increases rapidly. Starts at around 9 years and peaks at around 12-13 years. About 6cms are added on after the periods start.
• Structure Pelvis widens for childbirth. Store more fat in the body.
• Voice deepens and becomes less high pitched
• Thyroid gland slight, temporary increase
• Development of pubic hair starts at 10 years Can begin as early as 8 years.
• Underarm hair develops last, sometimes after menstruation begins.
• Blushing at slightest provocation during puberty.
• Pimples start 1-2 years after onset of puberty and remain till late adolescence, subside on their own
• Breast Development starts around 9- 10 years, develops by 14- 16 years.
  Breast and areola are enlarged, nipple projects outwards.
• Development of reproductive organs Lips of vulva thicken and enlarge. Mucus like vaginal discharge starts about 2 years before menses starts- often leaves yellowish stains on underwear.Menstruation usually start about 2 years after pubic hair starts appearing. Normally around 11-12 years, but range is 9-15 years.

Similarly boys also undergo some physical changes. Here is the summary of changes in boys

Changes that occur in Boys

• Height Increases rapidly. Starts around 10-12years and peaks at around 14-15 years.
• Structure Shoulders broaden. Develop more muscle in the body.
• Voice first cracks, then deepens
• Thyroid gland Slight, temporary increase
• Development of pubic hair Starts around 10 years.
• Underarm hair Last to develop.
• Blushing at slightest provocation during puberty.
• Pimples start 1-2 years after onset of puberty and remain till late adolescence, subside on their own
• Breast Development Breast develops slightly during puberty. May be sensitive to touch
• Development of reproductive organs Penis and testes start enlarging at around 10 years and continues till 15 years. Erection of the penis during a bath or on getting up from sleep is common from younger age, but ejaculation develops by 12-14 years.

As the body is changing there are also some Emotional & Psychological changes that both boys and girls go through. here is the list...

• Forming one’s identity
• Setting goals
• Forming one’s values
• Looking for independence
• Desire to explore, take risks
• Need for acceptance- especially by the peer group.
• Wanting to fit in with peer group
• Mood swings
• Self –conscious
• Curiosity about body and how it works
• Feelings of sexual attraction