What is Puberty?
Puberty is when your body goes from being a kid to an adult. People usually start going through puberty between ages 8 and 14. Females oftens start buerty before males.
Puberty is your body going through lots of changes that happen in stages and takes many years. Puberty is a healthy and normal part of growing up.
During puberty changes, your emotions might feel stronger and more intense and you will see lots of changes in your body physically.
Puberty is a normal part of life and it is common to feel anxious, excited and confused about it. Knowing what to expect can make is less confusing or stressful. Talking to a parent or a trusted adult can also help with understanding your body and emotions as you go through puberty.
What happens to my body during Puberty?
Our bodies change- no matter what! Here is some things to expect.
All Bodies
- Body odor
- Zits or pimples on your face and or body
- Hair growing under armpits
- Hair growing around your genitals- called pubic hair.
- You might grow more hair on your arms and legs, and hair might get darker.
- You may have “growing pains” where you feel pain in your arms and legs as you grow.
Males
- Voice gets deeper. It may crack sometimes as you are talking, this happens during the changing process.
- Hair might start growing on your face, chest, and back.
- Your chest and shoulders get broader
- Your penis and testicles get bigger
- You may have swelling around your nipples, this usually goes away and only last a few months but can last up to a few years.
Females
- Your breast develop and get bigger
- Your hips get wider
- You start getting your period.
- Your Labia may change color and grow bigger.
Puberty and your emotions
Puberty is controlled by the change of hormones, these hormones affect your feelings and your body. It is common to go through mood swings and your emotions may become stronger and more intense.
During puberty, you’ll probably start having more sexual thoughts and urges. You might feel attracted to males, females, or both and develop what is sometimes called a “crush”. Exploring your sexuality and having urges and thoughts that are more sexual is completely normal.
Puberty can be a very confusing time in your life. Your emotions and feeling might feel like they are our of control. Talking with adults you trust may help you sort out the way you are feeling. For more information on puberty visit Planned Parenthood.
