Puberty how can you tell

The girls hear mostly about menstruation and training bras, while boys hear about erections and changing voices. But girls also should learn about the changes boys go through and boys should learn about those affecting girls. Check with teachers about their lesson plans so you know what gaps you need to fill. It's a good idea to review the lessons with your child, as kids often still have questions about some topics. When talking to kids about puberty, be reassuring. This time brings so many changes that it's easy for kids to feel insecure and alone.

Often, kids going through puberty worry about how they look. It can help them to know that everyone goes through these changes, many of them awkward.

They also should know that the timing of these changes can vary greatly. Acne, mood changes, growth spurts, and hormonal changes — it's all part of growing up and everyone goes through it, but not always at the same pace. Girls may begin puberty as early as second or third grade. It can be upsetting if your daughter is the first one to get a training bra, for example. She may feel alone and awkward or like all eyes are on her.

With boys, changes include the cracking and then deepening of the voice, and the growth of facial hair. A boy who is an early or late bloomer might feel awkward or like he's the subject of stares from his classmates. Not surprisingly, kids usually have lots of questions as they learn about puberty. Give your child the time and opportunity to ask questions.

Then answer them honestly and openly. Let your child know that you're available to talk, but start conversations too. Discuss puberty — and the feelings that come with its changes — as openly as possible. Read on to learn about the Tanner stages and what you can expect to see in boys and girls during each stage.

Toward the end of stage 1, the brain is just starting to send signals to the body to prepare for changes. The hypothalamus begins to release gonadotropin-releasing hormone GnRH. GnRH travels to the pituitary gland , which is the small area under the brain that makes hormones that control other glands in the body.

The pituitary gland also makes two other hormones: luteinizing hormone LH and follicle-stimulating hormone FSH. Stage 2 marks the beginning of physical development. Hormones begin to send signals throughout the body. Puberty usually starts between ages 9 and They may be itchy or tender , which is normal. The darker area around the nipple areola will also expand. In addition, the uterus begins to get larger, and small amounts of pubic hair start growing on the lips of the vulva.

On average, Black girls start puberty a year before white girls, and are ahead when it comes to breast development and having their first periods.

Also, girls with higher body mass index experience an earlier onset of puberty. In boys, puberty usually starts around age The testicles and skin around the testicles scrotum begin to get bigger. Also, early stages of pubic hair forms on the base of the penis. Acne can be a problem for both boys and girls. It tends to happen in females earlier than in males.

This article gives an overview of puberty, including what changes to expect, when they happen, and why. During puberty, the body goes through many internal and external changes. Among other things, this is the time when a person:. The physical and psychological changes of puberty happen slowly over time.

They typically begin between the ages of 8—13 in females and 9—14 in males. Puberty lasts throughout the teenage years. A person may be 20 years old by the time all the changes take place. Puberty begins when an area of the brain called the hypothalamus starts signaling to the rest of the body that it is time to develop adult characteristics. It sends these signals through hormones, which cause reproductive organs — the ovaries in females and the testes in males — to produce a range of other hormones.

These hormones cause growth and changes in various parts of the body, including the:. The skin becomes oily and the body produces more sweat. Many people develop some form of acne. Some people start using deodorant. Puberty usually has the following psychological effects:. During puberty, many people begin to explore their sexuality and start to figure out whether they are homosexual, bisexual, heterosexual, or have another identity.

Not everyone will have feelings of attraction for others, and this is nothing to worry about either. People who do not develop sexual attraction may choose to identify as asexual.

During puberty, some people begin to notice that their gender identity — how much they feel like a girl, a boy, or neither — does not match their body. If this happens, the physical changes of puberty can cause emotional distress known as gender dysphoria. Many changes that occur during puberty are related to shifting hormone levels. Some main hormones related to puberty are:. One of the first signs of puberty in females tends to be a breast bud, a small amount of firm tissue under the nipple.

Periods typically begin around 2 years after breast development — at the age of about Along with periods, people may experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome , known as PMS. Emotions may fluctuate more around the time of a period, due to natural variations in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.

Other signs of puberty include the start of vaginal discharge , body odor, and hair growing in the pubic area, under the arms, and on the legs.

Often, the hips widen, the waist becomes proportionally smaller, and extra fat develops around the stomach and buttocks. This can lead to skin conditions like acne. If they are, consider speaking with your GP. Teeth Children will get their second molars at around 13 years of age. These teeth can appear in singles, pairs, as a full set of 4 wisdom teeth — or not at all. Children with additional needs are likely to go through the physical changes of puberty in the same way as other children.

Some children might have delayed physical development because of chronic health problems, which might cause a delay in the onset of puberty. How your child manages puberty emotionally might also be affected by additional needs.