Understanding
Puberty:
A Guide for Teens
Navigating the Changes
Author: Jawad Salam Hassan
1-) Overview of the Book
1) Introduction to puberty
2) Significance of puberty
3) Physical changes of puberty in boys & girls
4) Psychological changes of puberty in boys & girls
5) Hormones & hormonal changes
6) Effects of hormonal changes & tips to deal with them
7) Coping strategies with ups and downs
8) Sexual development & reproductive anatomy and physiology
9) Sexual Health
10) Hygiene and self-care
11) Nutrition & exercises
12) Relationships & communication
13) Concerns & frequently discussed topics
14) Books & other resources to read
15) Citation & a message from the author
1-) Definition of Puberty
Puberty refers to the transition from a child to an adult accompanied by
sexual maturity, physical and psychological changes, and the development of
secondary characteristics.
2-) Significance of Puberty
Puberty results in very rapid somatic growth, brain development, sexual
maturation, and attainment of reproductive capacity. It is accompanied by final
maturation of multiple organ systems and major changes in the central nervous
system and in psychosocial behavior.
3-) Duration & Start of Puberty
Puberty typically starts at 10-11 years for girls and 11-12 years for boys. It
can be earlier or later.
There’s no way of knowing exactly when your child will start puberty.
Early changes in your child’s brain and hormone levels can’t be seen from the
outside, so it’s easy to think that puberty hasn’t started.
Puberty can be completed in about 18 months, or it can take up to 5 years.
This range is also completely normal.
4-) Physical Changes in Puberty
Teenagers, through all generations, have passed through physical changes.
Some changes can be determined by previous signs or symptoms and other
can’t.
a) Physical Changes in Boys
In boys, these are the main external physical changes in puberty that you can
expect.
1) Around Age 11-12:
The external genitals (reproductive, private parts) will grow. The rate of growth
varies from an individual to another, yet it’s important to always know that final
sizes vary.
Public hair will start in growth. It will get thicker and more over time.
2) Around Age 12-14:
Growth spurts will happen. Height will increase, and chest and shoulders will
get broader. On average, boys grow 10-40 cm. They usually stop growing at around
18-20 years. However, some might continue growing till 21. In addition to that,
teenagers might grow as little as 5 cm and up to 60 cm.
It’s common for boys to have minor breast development. If it doesn’t go away or
if the breasts seem to be growing a lot, consult a doctor.
3) Around Age 13-15:
Body hair will increase and develop in more organs.
The hormone testosterone (a primary male sex hormone) is produced which
stimulates the testes to produce sperm. However, testosterone can be produced in an
early age (9-13) or late age (15-17).
Erections and ejaculations start to happen at this age. An erection is a
physiological phenomenon in which the penis becomes firm, engorged, and
enlarged. Ejaculation is the release of semen from a body.
The larynx (‘Adam’s apple’ or voice box) will become more obvious. Your
child’s larynx will get larger and their voice will ‘break’, eventually becoming
deeper. Some boys’ voices move from high to low and back again, even in one
sentence. This will stop in time.
b) Physical Changes in Girls
In girls, these are the main external physical changes in puberty that you can
expect.
1) In Ages 10-11:
Breasts will start developing. Any type of bra that might help in this issue can
be used.
Growth spurts will occur. Usually, girls grow 5 20 cm and wills stop growing
at age 16-17. However, this varies from an individual to another.
Body shape, outline, and form will change.
Hair will start to grow on external genitals (external private body organs). Hair
removal can be used at this age however it’s not preferable to be used at this age.
2) In Ages 12-14:
Hair will start growing in certain areas in the body. Hair removal is good to be
used in this age.
A white discharge will be released out of the vagina. It’s normal to happen
before periods (menstrual cycles).
The 1st period is most commonly to happen at this age. However, it can happen
earlier or later.
3) In Ages 15-18:
Breasts reach their approximate final size.
Periods become regular after 6 months to 2 years of the 1st period.
The approximate final height and body form is reached at this age.
Reproductive organs are fully developed.
c) Additional Changes
Brain
Teenage brain development affects your child’s behavior and social skills. Your child will
begin to develop improved self-control and skills in planning, problem-solving and
decision-making. This process will continue into your child’s mid-20s.
Bones, organs and body systems
Many of your child’s organs will get bigger and stronger. Lung performance improves,
limbs grow, and bones increase in thickness and volume.
Clumsiness
Because children grow so fast during puberty, their centers of gravity change and their
brains might take a while to adjust. This might affect your child’s balance. You might see a
bit more clumsiness for a while, and your child might be more likely to be injured.
Physical strength
Muscles increase in strength and size during this period. Your child’s hand-eye
coordination will get better over time, along with motor skills like ball-catching and
throwing.
Weight
Your child will gain weight and need more healthy food. Teenagers’ stomachs and
intestines increase in size, and they need more energy, proteins and minerals. Foods with
plenty of calcium and iron are important for bone growth and blood circulation.
Sleep patterns
Sleep patterns change, and many children start to stay awake later at night and sleep until
later in the day.
Sweat
A new type of sweat gland in the armpit and genital area develops during puberty. Skin
bacteria feed on the sweat this gland produces, which can lead to body odor. Hygiene is
important.
Skin and hair
Glands in the skin on the face, shoulders and back start to become more active during
puberty, producing more oil. This can lead to skin conditions like acne. If you’re
concerned about your child’s skin, first check whether the pimples or acne are worrying
your child too. If they are, consider speaking with your doctor. Children might find their
hair gets oilier, and they need to wash it more. This is normal.
Teeth
Children will get their second molars at around 13 years of age. Third molars – ‘wisdom
teeth’ – might appear between 14 and 25 years. These teeth can appear in singles, pairs, as
a full set of 4 wisdom teeth – or not at all. Healthy teeth and gums are vital to your teenage
child’s health, so teenage dental care is important.
5-) Psychological Changes in Puberty
Undergoing a bunch of emotional changes in adolescence is normal. This
means lots of changes in how you think and feel about yourself and the world
around you will happen.
Here are some of the emotional changes you’ll deal with during puberty.
1) Mood Swings
Mood swings can be a part of growing up. One minute you feel like you’re
on cloud nine, and the next you feel like you want to scream your head off.
Your body is being rushed with a whole bunch of new hormones that create
a host of emotional changes during puberty. It can feel hard to keep up.
2) Feeling differently about your peers
An important part of the mental changes that occur during adolescence is
starting to look at your relationships differently. This can mean forming deeper,
more emotional bonds with friends. Friends are people that you can confide in, not
just someone to play with like they were when you were younger.
Feeling differently about your peers can also mean developing romantic
feelings for a certain someone.
3) Becoming more sensitive to the world around you
This means gaining perspective about people and events beyond yourself. An
important psychological change during adolescence is getting a better grasp on
the world around you.
