Puberty

Puberty is when a child begins to grow and develop into an adult. This stage in life involves physical and psychological changes which are caused by chemicals in the brain called hormones.

Everyone’s body is different so people will start puberty at different times. For example, some children start puberty as early as eight years old and others might not start until around the age of 14. It all depends on when your body is ready.

During puberty you will experience changes to your body and the way you feel. But don’t worry, it is all natural. However, if you are feeling worried, you could speak to an adult you trust.

A lot of the physical changes will be similar regardless of your sex. Some hormones (adrenal androgens) will cause the same changes to all bodies including:

• Growing taller
• Developing body hair, including pubic hair
• Sweating more
• Skin producing extra oil (sebum) which can cause spots or acne
• Changes to body shape

Some hormones travel to the ovaries and will encourage the body to:

• Grow and release eggs
• Release oestrogen which causes changes to a female body and prepares for pregnancy.

The change in hormone levels will mean that females will usually experience:

• Breast growth
• Growth of genitalia
• Vaginal discharge
• Gradual deepening of their voice
• Hips getting wider
• Menstruation (they will start their period)

Some hormones will travel to the testes and encourage the body to:

• Start producing sperm
• Release testosterone which will cause changes to the male body

The change in hormone levels will mean that males will usually experience:

• Growth of genitalia
• Enlargement of the larynx (Adam’s apple)
• Gradual deepening of their voice

Emotions

Your hormones are also linked to your emotions, which is why you can go through changes in how you feel during puberty. Emotions can often feel like they are “out of control” and it’s possible to start feeling unhappy or angry, without even knowing why.

These emotional changes are often known as mood swings and they are a normal part of going through puberty and growing up. However, if you find you’re always feeling upset or down and this is affecting your everyday life, then you should speak to an adult you trust or a member of the School Health Service.

Further information

Childline have a range of resources and videos on puberty including Trans-puberty myths, coping with change and growing pains. For further information visit Puberty | Childline.

Brook also have some great resources, you can find them at

• Puberty – Brook
• Periods – Brook
• Gender Vs Sex: What’s The Difference – Brook.

For further information on early or delayed puberty on NHS.uk.