How Do I Know If I’m Hitting Puberty?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

The first signs of puberty in boys is that

your testicles (balls) begin to get bigger

. After that, you may notice your penis becoming larger or wider and hair growing in your groin. Your doctor can easily check for signs of puberty during your physical exam. They can tell you if there's anything to worry about.

What are the 5 signs of puberty?

  • Breast “buds” continue to grow and expand.
  • gets thicker and curlier.
  • Hair starts forming under the armpits.
  • The first signs of acne may appear on the face and back.
  • The highest growth rate for height begins (around 3.2 inches per year).
  • Hips and thighs start to build up fat.

Is hitting puberty at 4 normal?

But it's perfectly normal for puberty to begin at any point

between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys

. There's not usually any need to worry if puberty does not start around the average age, but it's a good idea to speak to your GP for advice if it starts before 8 or has not started by around 14.

Is it possible to not hit puberty?


Most cases of delayed puberty

are not an actual health problem. Some kids just develop later than others – what we call a “late bloomer.” This has a medical name: “Constitutional Delay of Growth and Puberty.” In many of these cases, late puberty runs in the family.

Why does my 7 year old have pubic hair?


During adrenarche, the adrenal glands

, which sit on the kidneys, begin to churn out weak “male” hormones. That, in turn, can cause kids to develop some pubic hair, underarm hair and body odor. Those adrenal-related changes can happen in the absence of “true” puberty, Kohn explained.

Is it normal for a 9 year old to have pubic hair?


Adrenarche is usually normal

in girls who are at least 8 years old, and boys who are at least 9 years old. Even when pubic and underarm hair appear in children younger than this, it is still usually nothing to worry about, but your child does need to see their pediatrician for an exam.

How can I hit puberty faster?

  1. Speak up. If you're worried about your development, don't keep it to yourself. …
  2. Get a checkup. Your doctor has seen tons of kids go through puberty. …
  3. Ask your doctor about treatment. …
  4. Educate yourself. …
  5. Connect with other kids like you. …
  6. Eat a healthy diet. …
  7. Get active. …
  8. Don't overdo it.

At what age do boys start ejaculating?

Boys, capable of having erections since infancy, can now experience ejaculation. Usually, this first happens

between the ages of 11 and 15

, either spontaneously in connection with sexual fantasies, during masturbation, or as a nocturnal emission (also called a wet dream).

What are signs of a late bloomer?

  • You Were The Last Of Your Friends To Lose Your Virginity. …
  • Your Awkward Phase Lasted Way Too Long. …
  • You Didn't Misbehave Until Your Late Teens/Early Twenties. …
  • Your Parents Still Talk About What A Good Kid You Were. …
  • You're Extremely Familiar With Urban Dictionary.

Why have I not hit puberty at 15?


Girls' bodies need enough fat before they can go through puberty

or get their periods. Delayed puberty can also happen because of problems in the pituitary or thyroid glands. These glands make hormones important for body growth and development.

What is the oldest age you can hit puberty?

According to the National Institutes of Health, puberty usually begins in girls between 8 and 13 years of age, and in boys

between 9 and 14 years of

age. Puberty is considered to be early in boys before age 8 and girls before 9 years old.

What can trigger puberty?

  • Being a girl. Girls are much more likely to develop precocious puberty.
  • Being African-American. …
  • Being obese. …
  • Being exposed to sex hormones. …
  • Having other medical conditions. …
  • Having received radiation therapy of the central nervous system.

Can a 7 year old start her period?



It is not uncommon for girls to start their period as young as 8 or 9

,” says Dr. Sara Kreckman, UnityPoint Health pediatrician. “This can be both emotionally and mentally challenging for girls this young, as well as their parents.”

Is it normal for a 7 year old to develop breasts?


It is normal for Caucasian girls to begin developing breast buds as young as seven years old

and African American girls could be as young as six years old. It is advised to consult a pediatrician to evaluate breast bud development and check for other signs of puberty.

What age do girls start growing pubic hair?

Puberty generally starts earlier for girls, some time

between 8 and 13 years of age

. For most girls, the first evidence of puberty is breast development, but it can be the growth of pubic hair.

When should girls start shaving?

There's no “magical” age that girls should start shaving, but the general consensus is that most girls start at some point

between the ages of 11 and 14

. If your daughter expresses the desire to start shaving, chances are this is something meaningful and important to her, and that's really all that matters.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.