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Puberty

Puberty refers to the stages the body and brain go through to reach sexual maturity, as a result of new hormones being produced. For girls, puberty happens between the ages of 10 and 16. For boys, puberty happens between the ages of 12 and 18.

During puberty the sexual organs mature, the secondary sexual characteristics (such as breasts and body hair) develop and reproduction becomes possible. It is at this time that the skeleton and muscular system grow into their adult form.

Puberty can be a worrying time, particularly for young people who start to develop earlier or later than their friends. However, it is perfectly normal for puberty to happen at different times, and at different rates.

Growth and nutrition

During puberty, the hands and feet tend to grow first and quite quickly. This means that many young people can feel awkward and clumsy until the rest of the body catches up. It is very important to have a healthy, nutritious diet; young people should be discouraged from crash dieting or weight-training until they have stopped growing.

Sweat

The apocrine glands are large sweat glands found in the armpits, the breasts and around the genital-anal area. They develop during puberty and start to release sweat in response to stress, emotion and sexual excitement. Washing twice a day and using deodorant should control body odour.

Spots

Many young people going through puberty will develop spots on their face and back as a result of the hormonal changes. These changes affect the skin glands and cause excess sebum (an oily substance that keeps the skin supple) to be produced and pores to become blocked. The problem can range from mild (a few spots) to severe (acne). Creams, tablets and anti-bacterial washes are available from your GP or pharmacist.

Emotions

Young people going through the changes of puberty may feel like they are on an emotional roller coaster. They may feel depressed, have mood swings and low self-confidence. This is all part of growing up and adjusting to becoming an adult.

Young people find they need a greater degree of freedom, independence and privacy. They are learning about the person they will become, looking for a sense of belonging and establishing self-esteem.

Puberty is a time when bullying can occur. It is also the time when first 'crushes' can be experienced.

Sleeping patterns may also be affected, hence the reason that young people go to bed later and get up later.

Health

Sexual education is taught throughout the school years, although it is also important for parents or carers to talk through the subject with children when they feel ready.

It is during this time that young people may experiment with smoking, drinking, drugs (including solvents) and sex. They may find it helpful to talk to a parent, teacher or adult they feel comfortable with, about these issues.

Young people may be tempted to start drinking, smoking, taking drugs or having sex because they think all their friends are; but this rarely the case. For those young people who decide they are ready to start having sex, it is vital that they have access to information about contraception. Condoms are available free from family planning clinics, GPs, and can be bought from pharmacies and supermarkets.

Websites such as the BBC, Talk to Frank and Ruthinking? are aimed at young people and can be very helpful. Please see the selected links section for more details.

Sexuality

During puberty, it is common for young people to think about their sexuality. It can be an anxious time for anyone who is concerned or confused about their sexuality, as they may worry about not being accepted by their friends and family.

There are websites and helplines that offer information and advice for anyone in this situation. Please see the selected links section for more details.

Early or late (delayed) puberty

Young people often become anxious or worried if they think they are early or late developers. They may ask themselves “am I normal?� and compare their bodies with those of their friends. It is important to remember that no two people go through puberty at the same time or at the same rate. A lot depends on the genes we are born with and our body shape and size.

If you are concerned about your health during puberty, you can make an appointment to see your GP. However, there is usually nothing to worry about, as everyone develops at a different rate.

If you have not shown any signs of puberty by the age of fifteen, it is a good idea to visit your GP for a check-up.

• Causes

• Paget's diseasePainkillersPancreatitisPanic disorderParkinson's diseasePatient Advice and Liaison ServicesPatient and Public Involvement ForumsPatient choicePelvic inflammatory diseasePemphigus vulgarisPeptic ulcerPerforated eardrumPericarditisPeriodsPeriods, absentPeriods, heavyPeriods, irregularPeriods, painfulPeritonitisPersistent vegetative statePET scanPhenylketonuriaPhobiasPhosphate testPhysiotherapyPilonidal sinusPlasma productsPlastic surgeryPleurisyPneumococcal infectionsPneumoniaPoisoningPoliomyelitisPolycystic ovarian syndromePolymyalgia rheumaticaPolyps, nosePost-mortemPost-natal depressionPost-traumatic stress disorderPotassium testPre-eclampsiaPreconceptionPregnancyPremenstrual syndromePreoperative testsPressure ulcersPriapismPrickly heatPrimary biliary cirrhosisProgestogen-only pillProlapse of the uterusProstate diseasePsoriasisPsychiatryPsychosisPsychotherapyPuberty

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