Why Does Puberty Happen?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Puberty occurs when a part of the brain called the hypothalamus begins to produce a hormone (gonadotropin) that has an effect on the testes and ovaries causing an increase sex hormone — estrogen in girls and testosterone in boys. ... Some boys may develop some small breast buds during early puberty that is normal.

What are signs of puberty for a girl?

  • Breast Development. Girls usually begin puberty between the ages of 8 and 13 years old. ...
  • Body Hair. ...
  • Vaginal Discharge. ...
  • Periods. ...
  • Increase in Height. ...
  • Wider Hips. ...
  • Other Common Changes. ...
  • Parent FAQs about girls & changing bodies:

What is puberty and why does it happen?

Puberty is when a child’s body begins to develop and change as they become an adult . Girls develop breasts and start their periods. Boys develop a deeper voice and facial hair will start to appear. The average age for girls to begin puberty is 11, while for boys the average age is 12.

What are the 5 stages of puberty?

Tanner stages in boys Age at the start Noticeable changes Stage 2 Around age 11 Pubic hair starts to form Stage 3 Around age 13 Voice begins to change or “crack”; muscles get larger Stage 4 Around age 14 Acne may appear; armpit hair forms Stage 5 Around age 15 Facial hair comes in

How do u know if u hit puberty?

  1. your breasts develop.
  2. your pubic hair grows.
  3. you have a growth spurt.
  4. you get your period (menstruation)
  5. your body gets curvier with wider hips.

Can a girl go through puberty twice?

Second puberty isn’ t a real medical term . People use it to describe how your body changes during your 20s, 30s, and 40s. The term can be misleading, as these changes are different from puberty during adolescence. Many age-related changes are due to declining hormone levels over time.

Is it normal for a 7 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.

Why does my 4 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.

How do I know my daughter is starting her period?

Most of the time, a girl gets her period about 2 years after her breasts start to develop . Another sign is vaginal discharge fluid (sort of like mucus) that a girl might see or feel on her underwear. This discharge usually begins about 6 months to a year before a girl gets her first period.

At what age do kids start getting boners?

Boys typically enter puberty between 11-13 years old . Erections in class and wet dreams are often the things people associate with boys and puberty. It’s not just about that.

What is the last stage of puberty?

Tanner stage 5 : This final phase marks the end of physical maturation. Girls: Usually, puberty occurs around the age of 15 years. Changes include: Breasts reach approximate adult size and shape, although breasts may change till the age of 18 years.

At what age puberty ends?

It can start as early as age 9. Puberty is a process that takes place for several years. Most girls finish puberty by age 14. Most boys finish puberty by age 15 or 16 .

Can someone 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.

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.

Do late bloomers live longer?

Based on research by the University of California, San Diego, women who got their first visit from Aunt Flo later on were more likely to live longer. So that’s great news for all you late bloomers out there. ... The research showed that starting menstruation at the age of 12 was the best indicator of a longer life .

How many years does puberty last for a girl?

In girls, puberty usually begins between the ages of 9 and 14. Once it begins, it lasts about 2 to 5 years . But every child is different. And there is a wide range of what is “normal.” Your girl may begin puberty a little earlier or later and finish sooner or later than her friends.

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.