Puberty

Puberty and adolescence
MedlinePlus Topics
Puberty is the time in which sexual and physical characteristics mature. It occurs due to hormone changes.
Adolescence is the period between puberty andadulthood.
Information
The exact age a child enters puberty depends on a number of different things, such as a person's genes, nutrition, and gender. During puberty, various endocrine glands producehormones that cause body changes and the development of secondary sex characteristics.
* In girls, the ovaries begin to increase production of estrogen and other female hormones.
* In boys,the testicles increase production of testosterone.
The adrenal glands produce hormones that cause increased armpit sweating, body odor, acne, and armpit and pubic hair. This process is calledadrenarche. An underarm deodorant or antiperspirant often becomes necessary during this time.
PUBERTY IN GIRLS
Breast development is the main sign that a girl is entering puberty. The first menstrualperiod (menarche) usually follows within about 2 years.
Before the first menstrual period, a girl will normally have:
* An increase in height
* An increase in hip size
* Clear or whitishvaginal secretions
* Pubic, armpit, and leg hair growth
Menstrual cycles occur over about one month (28 to 32 days). At first, the menstrual periods may be irregular. A girl may go 2 monthsbetween periods, or may have two periods in 1 month. Over time, they become more regular. Keeping track of when the period occurs and how long it lasts can help you predict when you should have your nextmenstrual period.
In girls, puberty is usually complete by age 17. Any increases in height beyond this age are uncommon. Although full physical maturity has been reached at this time, educational andemotional maturity remain ongoing.
PUBERTY IN BOYS
The first sign of puberty in boys is enlargement of both testicles. Afterwards, boys will normally experience:
* Faster growth, especially...