Puberty is the time when a girlís body and a
boyís body changes or matures.
Your child begins to change from a girl into a woman, or a boy
into a man.
When does it occur?
Girls usually start puberty earlier than boys.
There is a wide range of ages that it can occur.
Girls usually start puberty between 9 and 13 years of
age.
Boys usually start puberty between 10 and 16 years of
age.
It usually starts about the same time the parentsí
puberty happened.
What causes it?
Hormones cause the changes.
What changes can a girl expect?
Her breasts will grow. This is usually the first change.
Her period (menstrual cycle) will start. This usually happens
within 2 years of the breasts growing.
Hair will grow in the pubic area (the area between her
legs).
Hair will grow under her arms.
Her skin can be oilier. She may have pimples (acne).
Body odor starts.
She will start to gain weight, especially around her
hips.
She will grow taller faster.
What changes can a boy expect?
His penis and testicles (balls) will grow. This is usually the
first change.
His voice will deepen.
He will grow taller.
His shoulders will widen.
Hair will grow under his arms, on his face, on his legs, and
in his pubic area (the area between his legs).
His skin can be oilier. He may have pimples (acne).
Body odor starts.
He will start to gain weight.
How long does it last?
Puberty can last up to eight years.
Some people go through puberty faster. Others go through
puberty slower.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor if you have any concerns about the changes
your child is going through.
Quick Answers
Puberty is the time when a childís body begins to
change into an adult.
It usually starts between the ages of 9 and 13 in girls, and
between the ages of 10 and 16 in boys.
Hormones cause the changes.
The first change in girls is usually the growth of her
breasts.
The first change in boys is usually the growth of his penis
and testicles (balls).
Call your doctor if you have any concerns about the changes
your child is going through.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. Puberty: Information for Boys
and Girls. 2002. (cited 2002 August 27). URL:
http://www.aap.org/family/puberty.htm
http://www.aap.org/family/puberty.htm
Center for Young Womenís Health Childrenís
Hospital of Boston. A Guide to Puberty and Menstrual Cycles. 2000
February 4. (cited 2002 August 27). URL:
http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/menstrual.html
http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/menstrual.html
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