What Is Puberty?
As much as puberty can get baffling and overwhelming for teens, it is also a time filled with lots of exciting changes – both physical and emotional.
Ahh! Puberty it is! A word you’ve heard floating around in school mostly, but ever wondered what exactly makes up the entire process of puberty? In simple words, the meaning of puberty is the time in your life when a host of emotional and physical changes take place, a time when you mature. It is the time when your organs are in the process of development to prepare your body for reproduction.
Understanding the meaning of puberty?
So, what is it that’s happening in your body? Here is the crux of it - your brain releases a hormone called gonadotropin (GnRH) that triggers a whole lot of changes. When this hormone reaches the pituitary gland, it releases two more puberty hormones into the bloodstream.In girls, the pituitary gland sends out a message to the ovaries to start producing the primary female sex hormone - estrogen, and in boys, it is the testicles that get the message to start producing more testosterone.The general signs of the puberty age include acne on the face and body, more sweating, and you may start having body odour, along with hair growth in the armpits, pubic area, and legs. Besides, the skin may become oilier.
What are changes seen in girls at the time of puberty?
The first sign of puberty in girls is usually breast development, beginning with something known as breast budding. This is followed by hair growth in the armpits and pubic area. The hips get wider and you may become curvier. Menstruation is usually the last to happen. Getting your period is one of the highlights of puberty.
What are changes seen in boys at the puberty age?
The puberty stages in boys usually begin with the testicles and penis getting bigger, hair growth in the armpits and pubic area. As the puberty age continues, the muscles grow, the voice deepens or gets lower and facial hair gradually grows, the Adams apple (bump in the throat) may get bigger and prompt, and chests and shoulders broaden.
When do you reach the puberty age?
There’s no ‘right time’ to reach the puberty age, Reaching the puberty age has much to do with genetics. Puberty in girls can begin as early as 8 or as late as 14. Thus, there is nothing good or bad about starting the puberty age early or later. Each body is different and works differently, so relax!
Tips to cope with puberty age changes
Agreed, puberty can be less fun given the physical changes happening and the awkwardness that accompanies it, but everyone goes through these. But look at it this way - it is a good time to develop your personal hygiene habits that include frequent showers focusing on intimate hygiene, good skincare, and taking care of the body. It’s always better to speak to a trusted adult or a friend if you are particularly overwhelmed with puberty age changes.
Emotional changes during puberty age?
Now that we have seen the physical changes during the puberty age, it is worth looking at the emotional rollercoaster faced by the teens. The psychological and emotional transformations that come along with the numerous physical changes of puberty can impact their daily life.Becoming self-conscious of the physical changes happening may lead to mood swings, anxiety, confusion, and sensitivity.
On the brighter side, this is a perfect time to focus on your interests and goals. The maturity in thoughts will make you decisive and act responsibly. This is a great time to build your confidence, knowing you are not the only one experiencing the changes. All your friends are going through the same. One of the other perks of the puberty age includes a spurt of emotions that can be thrilling and wonderful. These include developing the first ‘crush’ on someone, or just that exciting feeling towards your peers.
What is delayed puberty age?
Not a whole lot to worry about but a delayed puberty age is when there is no breast development in girls by 13 and a half years of age, and by the age of 14, there has been no increase in testicular volume in boys. Sometimes, delayed puberty tends to be genetic and adolescent development happens normally despite the delay.Many girls who engage in rigorous exercise or have very little body fat may also experience a delay since a certain amount of body fat is required for the initiation of puberty. For more puberty age consultation, consider talking to a trusted adult, a friend, or a sister. Although it could get awkward to kickstart the conversation, understand that this is a natural event that every person goes through.
Knowing the meaning of puberty and what the puberty age entails will help you understand what to expect when you go through the myriad changes, physically and emotionally. Now that you know more about it, it’s time to enjoy this beautiful phase.
