Stages and Changes during Puberty

Posted by Reyo on May 29th, 2021

What is Puberty?

Puberty is the phase in life when a child undergoes to become sexually mature and physiologically ready for reproduction. Puberty is related to the development of secondary sex characteristics and rapid growth, as your body will grow faster than at any other time in your life.

Puberty Age

Puberty in girls usually occurs between the ages of 9 and 14. Precocious Puberty occurs before the age of 9. Delayed Puberty is defined as the lack of start of sexual maturation at the specific age range.

Signs of Puberty

Breast development.

Growth spurt.

Growth of hair in the pubic area and the axillary areas too.

Menstruation or a period.

Hormonal Changes

Hypothalamus is a part of the brain which produces a hormone called Gonadotropin. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone acts on the ovaries that help to stimulate the release the sex hormones (oestrogen).

Physical Changes

Breast Development Breast development is the first phase of Puberty as it occurs at an average age of 11. Breast growth starts with a little swelling under the nipples. Sometimes there may be uneven breast growth, which is normal and it improves over time. Growth Spurt Growth spurt mostly occurs at a younger age for girls. Height growth generally occurs faster, after the breast starts to develop and before they get their period. When she started her first period, her growth slows down. Growth of Body Hair Hair starts growing in the pubic area, under the arms & on the legs. This is the second phase of puberty. Initially, the hair growth is sparse and lighter, later it grows coarser and thicker. Menstruation or a Period Starts On average, most of the girls get their first period after 2 – 3 years after breast development. Before 6 – 12 months of your first period, you may experience a clear or white vaginal discharge. This is completely normal, as it occurs due to increased oestrogen in the body. The parents need to give their child, enough knowledge about periods. You should reiterate that getting periods are normal. Emotional Changes Puberty not only brings hormonal and physical but also mental/emotional/social changes. During puberty, your emotions and feelings may become stronger and intense. The brain strengthens parts that allow you to feel these intense and complex emotions during puberty. The part of the brain that takes responsibility to regulate emotions, control feelings and decision making is often the last to develop. This may let you not cope up with these emotions, makes you out of control. Know Your Child’s Emotional Feelings Pay attention and try to acknowledge their feelings. Help them to understand what they are going through. Let them process their feelings by themselves, but be available when needed. Support them with solving their problems, but not to jump in. Encourage & praise their good behaviours. Collaborate with them to express their feelings & lighten their moods. Take care of their healthy eating habits and sleeping routines. Things to Consider If you’re noticing that your child continually feeling down, it may need serious consideration. Either talk to them or get help from your General Practitioner. A Mood lasts for more than 10 days. Frequent changes in their behaviour and thoughts. Affecting studies, friendship and family.