Information About Puberty

"Puberty" is the term used to refer to the process of physical changes through which a child's body is transformed into that of an adult. Through the process of puberty, the individual becomes capable of reproduction. Puberty commences when certain hormones from the child's brain are transmitted to the testes or ovaries.

Males Versus Females

• Although the process of puberty can vary rather significantly from one child to the next, typically girls enter puberty about one to two years earlier than boys. The average age of puberty for girls is 9 to 14. The average age for boys is 10 to 17. Girls reach reproductive maturity within about four years of the start of puberty, while boys reach this milestone after about six years.

  The hormone that dominates puberty in males is testosterone. In females, the primary hormone is estradiol.

Physical Changes--Males

• The first sign of puberty in boys is an increase in the size of testicles. Testicular functioning commences at this time, meaning sperm production begins. Males going through puberty experience physical changes that include the appearance of pubic hair. Additionally, during puberty, males also develop facial hair.

  At the start of puberty, boys experience a growth spurt. They continue to grow, increasing their height and developing muscles. Additionally, a boy's voice begins to change--deepen--during puberty. Males experience more apparent body odor following the onset of puberty.

Physical Changes--Females

• Females in puberty begin to menstruate. During initial menses, the ovaries may not yet be functioning. However, as puberty progresses, a female does start to ovulate and is capable of reproduction.

  Their breasts also begin to develop. Their bodies also change through the addition of more weight along the hips. Females develop pubic hair as puberty commences.

  Females actually do undergo minimal changes in their voices, but nothing like what boys experience in puberty. Females will also experience more significant body odor once puberty starts.

Nutrition and Puberty

• Nutritional factors play significant roles in the timing of puberty. Young people, particularly girls, who consume surplus calories (which is commonplace today) tend to experience puberty at younger ages.

  Additionally, higher consumption of animal protein is also considered a reason for an earlier onset of puberty. On the other hand, intake of higher amounts of dietary fiber is thought to delay the commencement of puberty. Calcium deficiency in girls can also account for a later start of puberty.

Genetics and Environment

• Two primary factors dictate when puberty commences. First, genetics governs when a boy or girl is likely to commence puberty. If a young person's parents entered puberty at early ages, it is likely that their child will have the same experience. On the other hand, if a young person's parents were so-called "late bloomers," the same likely is to be the case with their child.

  The environment also plays a role regarding the onset of puberty. For example, puberty occurs later in children who live at higher altitudes.