Puberty - A Beginner's Guide
Usually
between the ages of 8 and 18 years old, your body starts
growing and changing. These changes occur from head to toe,
and are completely natural as your body responds to increased
hormones. In girls, the main hormone guiding the body's new
instructions is called estrogen. In guys, it's testosterone.
All of these changes together are called "puberty."
Puberty
is the bridge between being a kid and becoming an adult. As
you cross this bridge, your body and your feelings change a
lot. You also may feel differently about your family, friends
and classmates-and view the things that they do in whole new
ways. You may feel like changing what you do with them, the
way you dress and the things you talk about. These differences
are called "social" and "behavioral"
changes.
Puberty
means major changes, but is simply your body's transition from
childhood to adulthood. You may even begin to wonder where you
fit in the world. But these many physical and emotional
changes are NORMAL!
There is
no exact age when everyone experiences puberty. This differs
from person to person. Girls can expect puberty to hit between
the ages of 8 and 17. Boys can expect puberty between the ages
of 10 and 18.
Physical
Changes
Emotional
Changes
Puberty
for Boys
Puberty
for Girls
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