Puberty 101
What is Puberty?
Puberty is the time in life when a young person starts to develop and change into an adult body
and become sexually mature. In girls, puberty usually starts around 11 years of age, and in
boys, puberty usually starts around 12 years of age, although puberty can start earlier or later
for some young people. Puberty is a process that goes on for several years. It is also the time
when you become capable of sexual reproduction (or having babies). Many physical and
emotional changes begin to take place in the body during this time.
What are the First Signs of Puberty?
The first sign of puberty in most girls is breast development. The first sign of puberty in boys is
an increase in the size of the testicles. Puberty can be a very confusing time for teenagers.
There are many changes that occur. Both boys and girls will:
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Begin to gain weight
Grow taller
Grow more body hair
Begin to speak with a deeper voice
Develop acne
Along with the many physical changes, emotional changes will also most likely occur. Common
emotional changes include:
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Moodiness due to increase in the hormones of estrogen and testosterone
Concerns about body appearance
Worries about comparing self to others
Feelings of awkwardness and embarrassment
Sexual curiosity and attraction
Feelings a need to become independent from parents
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When Does Puberty Begin?
Everyone’s body is different. People develop in different ways. The time when puberty begins
depends on such things as family genes, nutrition, and gender. Girls typically begin puberty
before boys.
For example, in girls, puberty can start between the ages of 9 and 16 and for boys, puberty can
start between the ages of 10 and 17.
Puberty in Girls
There are many changes that occur and here is what to expect in girls:
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Growth spurt
Breast growth
Wider hips
Smaller waist
Beginning of menstruation
5 Stages of Puberty for Girls
1. There are no outside signs of development, but a girl’s ovaries enlarge and hormone
production begins.
2. The first sign is breast growth, “breast buds”. A girl will begin grow considerably in
height and weight. The first signs of pubic hair will begin to show.
3. As breast growth continues, pubic hair coarsens and becomes darker. While the body is
still growing, the vagina enlarges and begins to produce a clear or whitish discharge.
Some girls get their first menstrual periods in this stage.
4. Pubic hair growth takes on the triangular shape of adulthood. Underarm hair begins to
appear. Ovulation, the release of eggs, begins.
5. This is the final stage of development. The girl physically becomes an adult. Breast and
pubic hair growth are complete. Full height is attained. Menstrual periods are well
established and ovulation occurs monthly.
Physical Changes in Young Women:
Breasts: In girls, puberty starts with breast growth. When her breasts start to develop, she may
notice “breast buds”. The breasts will continue to grow until they reach their destined size.
Hair: Soft hair will start to grow in the pubic area. This hair will eventually become more coarse,
thick and curly. They will also grow hair under their arms and legs.
Body Shape: Girls’ hips will grow wider and their waist will grow smaller. They will also begin to
build up fat in the stomach, buttocks and legs.
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Body Odor, Skin Changes & Acne: She will notice “adult” body odor from her armpits when she
sweats, and will need to wash her underarms daily and use deodorant. Her skin may become
oily which could lead to acne or pimples.
Menstruation (period): Menstruation (period) is a monthly discharge of blood and tissue from
the uterus through the vagina. The first menstrual bleeding is called menarch. Menses
(menstrual periods) are not always regular and/or monthly in the beginning. Over time, they
will eventually become regular occurring approximately every 28 days and will last anywhere
from 3-7 days. During or just before each period, a young woman may feel some bloating,
cramping, swelling or soreness of breasts, headaches and even moodiness. This is called
premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Puberty in Boys
The first sign of puberty in boys is an increase in the size of the testicles. Puberty can be a very
confusing time for teenage boys. There are many changes that occur and this is a list of what to
expect.
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Height growth
Muscle and shoulder growth
Larger hands and feet
Growth changes to penis, scrotum and testicles
Voice changes and deepens
5 Stages of puberty for Boys:
1. Male hormones become active but there are no outside signs of development or
change. The testicles are maturing and some boys begin to grow in height.
2. There is a noticeable change in body shape and height. The testicles and scrotum begin
to enlarge.
3. The voice begins to change, starting with cracking then deepening. Pubic hair grows
becoming darker and coarser with time. There is also an increased hair growth on legs.
The penis grows in length while testicles and scrotum continue to grow also.
4. Development of underarm hair is noticeable. Facial hair also begins to grow on the chin
and upper lip. The voice continues to deepen and skin becomes oily with some acne
appearing. The penis grows in width and the testicles and scrotum continue to grow as
well. Boys begin to have first ejaculations.
5. Full adult body and height is reached. The pubic hair and genitals have an adult
appearance. Facial hair grows and the onset of shaving may occur. Continuing hair
development to the chest and back with time.
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Physical Changes in Young Men:
Body Shape & Size: The arms, legs, hands and feet will grow in size. They will get taller and their
shoulders will get broader. They will gain weight as well. His face will change in shape to
become more adult looking.
Voice: His voice will change. It will first crack and then deepen with time.
Hair: Hair will appear under his arms, on his legs, face and above his penis. Chest and back hair
may appear later.
Body Odor, Skin Changes and Acne: He will begin to notice “adult” body odor from his armpits
when he sweats, so he will need to wash his underarms daily and use deodorant. His skin may
also become oily which can lead to acne or pimples.
Penis: His penis, scrotum and testicles will get larger. He may have erections due to an increase
in hormones. Erections occur when the penis gets stiff and hard, sometimes for no reason. This
is normal. His body will also begin to produce sperm during puberty. This means that during an
erection, he could experience ejaculation, which occurs when semen is released through the
penis. At this time, it is possible to get a girl pregnant by having sexual intercourse. Nocturnal
Emission or “wet dreams” can also occur, which is normal and will stop as they get older.
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