Puberty Explained - Ajit Patel Goldshield, Ajit Patel Wellness,Ajit Patel UK

The age of normal puberty

Puberty is a natural process, a part of human development, and goes through well recognised phases, although the precise timing will vary between individuals, depending on genetic, environmental and ethnic differences.

Girls generally notice changes slightly earlier than boys, usually starting from age eight to 14, and changes begin from nine to 14 in boys.

Although the exact trigger to puberty is poorly understood, there is increasing secretion of a hormone called gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the brain, leading to the production of many hormones such as the sex hormones and gonadotrophins along with growth hormone, which in turn stimulate the changes of puberty.

Physical changes in puberty

Girls

•     The pubertal growth spurt may be the first obvious sign in girls. It’s at its fastest as the breasts develop with height growth up to eight cm a year and slows as her periods start, to an average four cm a year.
•     Breast development (‘Thelarche’), usually begins from ten to 11 years of age and there is growth and shape change, along with nipple and areola development until around the age of 16.
•     There is gradual enlargement of the sex organs (the uterus and ovaries) with thickening of the uterine lining (endometrium) and the vaginal lining (mucosa), which also becomes pinker in colour, as well as the external genitalia – the labia (which may darken and pigment) and clitoris.
•     Pubic and axillary hair development then occurs, along with increased sweat production and more noticeable body odours in these areas.
•     Period development (Menarche) usually happens two to three years after the first breast changes.
•     Mild acne is common in puberty and reflects the rise in androgens, the male hormones which girls also produce, although in smaller amounts than boys.

Boys

•     Boys may be slower to notice the early pubertal changes, which begin with slow testicular enlargement, probably triggered by the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Puberty is considered to have started when the testis has reached four ml in volume.
•     As well as the testes growing, so do the other sex organs, including the epididymis and seminiferous tubules, seminal vesicles and prostate.
•     One to two years later on average, penile enlargement begins, the scrotum reddens and thickens and at the same time pubic and axillary hair develops.
•     The development and production of sperm (‘spermarche’) by the testis occurs at about the same time as the menarche in girls (on average 12 to 13) and from this point both girls and boys are fertile and capable of reproduction.
•     The pubertal growth spurt starts, on average one to two years later in boys than girls, but growth is faster leading men to be on average 12.6cm taller than women. The growth spurt is usually first noticed in the hands and feet, then the trunk and peaks at around ten cm a year.
•     There is a generalised increase in muscle bulk, particularly around the shoulder area.
•     Mild breast growth may also be common in many boys but will settle.
•     Lastly the voice deepens, facial hair develops and
•     Mild acne may occur.

Psychological and behavioural changes in puberty

The physical changes of puberty are accompanied by psychological changes which are harder to define and will be affected by cultural and social differences, but lead the child to an adult life. Subsequently their behaviour changes too as they move slowly towards independence.

The effect of testosterone on the male brain leads to thought of, and fantasising about, sex, to moodiness and aggression, clumsiness, and sleeping a lot. Masturbation and wet dreams are common behaviours in normal teen boys and should be expected. Part of the process of puberty and developing into an adult is learning to deal with these more extreme feelings and desires, but for some this is a difficult time. Support from friends or adults such as family, teachers or community leaders is essential in learning how to cope with adult emotions without getting into trouble.

For girls too, the hormonal effect on their sex drive leads them to an increased sexual awareness and to masturbate. Moodiness and an increase in sleeping occur, and in particular they will experience the cyclical changes in mood and emotion associated with the menstrual cycle and many will find pre-menstrual tension (PMT) a problem.

For both sexes, puberty ends during the latter part of their teen years. Their bony growth stops as the growth plates in the long bones of the limbs fuse, their sexual development is complete and their behaviour continues to mature as they take on responsibility for their actions and decisions."

For more information please click Ajit Patel Goldshield

Ajit Patel UK, Ajit Patel Sanda, Ajit Patel Wellness, Ajit Patel Wellbeing, Ajit Patel Goldshield, Ajit Patel Wemet