Puberty 101
Information on puberty
Growing up is a wonderful experience, but sometimes it can get a little tough, especially when kids enter puberty. Puberty is the period over which girls and boys mature into adults, and while it can sometimes be an awkward experience, teen puberty is something everybody has to deal with.
Most schools provide puberty education to students as they mature, but it’s worth making sure that your child has the resources available to learn about the stages of puberty, as well as the signs and symptoms that he or she may encounter.
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Male Puberty
There are many signs of puberty in boys. They’ll get taller and their muscle density will increase. Their voice will deepen and they might develop some zits. In puberty boys will also grow facial and body hair. All of this may occur at different times as boys mature into adults.
Puberty for boys can be a funny time. In puberty male children don’t always enjoy what they’re going through, and they may not realize that the symptoms they experience are normal for everybody. Boys puberty is famous for occasionally having some pretty embarrassing symptoms, like voice cracking. But don’t worry - it’s all just part of growing up.
Female Puberty
In puberty girls may experience some of the same symptoms that boys do - they’ll get taller, and their bodies will mature. But girls puberty is also very different. As young women enter sexual maturity, they begin their periods. This is a stage that every girl will go through, but it can still be traumatic, so it’s worth talking with your daughter about it before it happens. Make sure she’s not surprised by any of the changes happening in her body. Also make sure she has the resources available to learn more about female puberty, whether they are books, Internet sources, the family doctor or nurse or even an older sibling, cousin or close friend.
Puberty in girls typically takes place earlier than in boys, so girls may experience a growth spurt before the boys in their class. Don’t worry, this is perfectly normal.
Every Body Is Different
Some young adults may encounter early puberty, and some may not experience puberty stages until well into their teens. This is rarely cause for serious concern. Everyone’s internal clock is different, and while precocious puberty is normal for some people, delayed puberty is perfectly normal for others. Whatever rate your body develops at, it is important to be open and honest with your family physician or other medical professional about the changes that have or haven’t occurred in your body. He or she will best be able to determine what is normal in your particular circumstance.
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My son is 8 and I believe is showing signs of puberty. He has also discovered "himself". I'm very concerned about his sexual orientation.... I caught him experimenting with my close friend's son. I am very concerned. Is this an early sign that he may be gay or is he just confused about what he's feeling? Please respond.
Posted on 2/28/2010 5:05:00 PM by Anonymous
hi im 10 my penis is 4 and a half inches erect no voice crack my balls are like pretty bigg go on a site and look at the ball sack chart im like a 4 or a 5 i have little hair on my penis and i have mood swings i need more info email me at dalacaillade@gmail.com ps i masterbate to is that normal
Posted on 2/14/2010 1:13:00 AM by Anonymous
i spot every month and idk if its my period
Posted on 12/27/2009 6:34:00 PM by Anonymous
ok so i started my period at 10 and started developing breasts at age 8. Im 12 now and to be honest...its not scary at all. I dont think girls should be woried about puberty. The only thing that sucks about your period is the cramps and if it bleeds through your pants but youll get over it eventually
Posted on 12/13/2009 12:53:00 PM by Anonymous
tell ur friggn mum whats she gonna say???!!!!
people are so stupid
Posted on 11/28/2009 12:48:00 AM by Anonymous
My son is 10 and I believe is showing signs of puberty. He has discovered "himself". However, his emotions are running ramped. I'm very concerned about his sexual orientation.... He seems attracted to anyone and anything. On the other hand, he has a strong attraction to males. This has me deeply concerned. Could it be early signs that he may be gay or is it just major puberty? PLEASE HELP!
Posted on 11/16/2009 8:00:00 PM by Anonymous
im in 6th grade and were deodarant
Posted on 11/12/2009 12:08:00 AM by Anonymous
Im 14 and only have a 3 1/2 inch penis it hasn't grown much and im worried because a lot of my friends have already had sex. Please help.
Posted on 11/1/2009 7:40:00 PM by Anonymous
im 13 ive hit puberty but my penis isnt getting bigger what should i do ???
Posted on 10/25/2009 9:55:00 PM by Anonymous
I'm an 11 year old male I have a 3 inch penis is this normal I also want to have sex with this girl in my class is this normal also.
Posted on 10/6/2009 12:39:00 PM by Anonymous
Im 14 turning 15 and i still have'nt started my period yet!!!!!!!!! Im soooooooooo fustrated cause everybody else has !!!!!!!! and i also have alot of the signs !!!!!!!!! so if anybodys in my situation you know how i fell. !
Posted on 9/30/2009 6:34:00 PM by Anonymous
I think that girls should tell their mom about puberty and what they think about the changes of their body and dont be afraid about it just ask your mom and just to let you know everybody goes through it so is very, very normal.
Posted on 9/30/2009 6:30:00 PM by Anonymous
to 11 year old girl who does not want to tell her mom, do not worry this is natural it is a sign of puberty, and you should spend more time with your mom and then tell her . i went through the same situation o.k : )
Posted on 9/23/2009 4:11:00 PM by Anonymous
I am 11 and I have the white, sticky stuff in my underware. I am afraid to tell my mom!
HELP ME!!!!!!
Posted on 9/23/2009 12:52:00 AM by Anonymous
I do not know why but my mom will not let me shave.She says she needs a good purpose for it.
Posted on 9/5/2009 6:29:00 PM by Anonymous
i know what you are talking about 12 year old girl who doesnt want to tell her mom, im not close with my mom, so far the only help shes given is that she told me to wear a bra, and she supplied a couple, and she told me to shave my underarms, but she didnt even give me a razor, shes so stupid
Posted on 8/25/2009 10:17:00 PM by Anonymous
my penis is bigger than alot of my friends and im like 1 year younger than all of them but i do masterbait daiy is that normal
Posted on 7/29/2009 9:08:00 AM by Anonymous
Im 12 and I think I might get my period soon because there is some sticky white stuff in my underwear and i hear it's normal right b4 ur period i dont wanna tell my mom though.
Posted on 7/28/2009 11:42:00 AM by Anonymous
what are sum signs for geting your peared???
Posted on 7/21/2009 8:50:00 PM
by teengirl1
i'm 12 and when i was 10 i had these three days where i would bleed like i hit puberty and started my period so i called my mom from school and told her i had started my period but ever since then i havent bled at all i am worried help me!!!!!!.
Posted on 7/13/2009 8:59:00 AM by Anonymous
awh you guys~dont worry everyone adapts differently, dont worry everyone goes through them..i started shaving my legs in fourth grade, now im a freshman in high school...dont worry i didnt get my period until i was about 12-13...i know kids who stil dont have their period at 16. in time you will all adapt and become beautiful in every way..by the way, dont be afraid to ask questions...i was nervous to but now im like, "what? yeah you need a tampon? here you go ...next" lol, ask me i know how you feel....sammy3xo@aim.com
Posted on 7/2/2009 2:09:00 PM by Anonymous
I'm 12 turning 13 and have all signs of puberty (underarm hair, pubic hair and i ve been having white vaginal discharge for about a year . also ive had breast buds for about two years a a hlaf but my period still hasnt started yet and im getting frustrated. Any answers or advice?
Posted on 6/17/2009 10:44:00 AM
by travis_babylove
Im 12 years old and i have no pubic hair no arm pit hair i shave my legs still didnt get my period!Should i be concered
Posted on 6/7/2009 11:36:00 AM by Anonymous
im 13 years old and havent gotten my oppuberty yet is something wrong??
Posted on 6/5/2009 4:35:00 PM by Anonymous
I started my period at 12. It has been irregular for the past 2 years. 6 months ago it just stopped and i haven't had it since. Am i going through menopause?
Posted on 5/28/2009 3:08:00 AM by Anonymous
Your period will come eventually., but until then don't worry about it. I didn't get mine until i was 12 and now I'm 16 you'll be fine. My friend is in high school and still hasn't started so your not the only one that might be starting it late.
And talk to your mom about only getting your period 2 times so far, if you go to your mom then she will know that you trust her. My period was irregular like yours, it will eventually even out but you might have to see a doctor
Posted on 5/19/2009 11:08:00 PM by Anonymous
Im 12 and i havnt statrted my period and everyone else has and i feel left out. ANYBODY HAVE ANY ADVICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on 5/19/2009 10:02:00 PM by Anonymous
it is ok to get ur period irregualry for the first year or two, i know. but i ve only gotten it twice in a year and i havent even as much as looked at a buy. i m too scared to tell my mom.
Posted on 5/18/2009 4:48:00 PM by Anonymous
is it normal to start a girls puberty (mainly pubic hair and breasts) at age nine? This little girl is NOT exposed to too many BHT's or hormones, hardly any at all.
Posted on 5/18/2009 4:44:00 PM by Anonymous
I got pubes at 7 yrs old
Posted on 4/12/2009 6:44:00 PM by Anonymous
started my period at age 7
Posted on 4/11/2009 4:02:00 PM by Anonymous
I'm 9 and having my puberty
Posted on 4/9/2009 1:42:00 PM by Anonymous
I've had my period since i was 11 and been wearing a bra since i was in 4th grade! I'm now 14 years oold and know that although puberty (and starting my period) was a big deal at the time, all girls go through that stuff. I'm especially glad i told my mom about what i was going through too. She was great. To the girl that sugested The Body Book and The Beauty Book (i've read them both... they're great!!!) and i also suggest BeautyLab by nancy rue. It's got some fun stuff to try.
Posted on 4/7/2009 12:35:00 AM by Anonymous
I'm 11 and I'm going though puberty just a little bit. I'm scared about it.
Posted on 4/3/2009 10:20:00 AM by Anonymous
what if you dont know if your going to get your period soon(if you have almost all but not 1 syntem how would you deal with it. i dont get the whole thing about when your period hits and my mom wont tell me. -a very,very,very worried 11 year old. im not fat either
Posted on 3/9/2009 7:33:00 PM by Anonymous
I started my period for the first time on Jan. 15 . I haven't had another one since! I am a complete virgin, never been kissed, and I don't know whats wrong! Help me!
Posted on 3/3/2009 9:30:00 PM by Anonymous
this article was cool
Posted on 2/16/2009 4:14:00 PM by Anonymous
the young women of faith books really can help anybody who needs help with life and puberty, from the non-fiction books like my two faves "The Body Book" and "The Beauty Book" to the
fiction "Lily" series, both of these types of books are from the same auther and series, they helped me learn about life and they might help you too. :'-) i'm so happy to help
Posted on 1/17/2009 2:14:00 PM by Anonymous
I just wanted to say, before you look at all these websites for puberty make sure you ask an adult for advice , and then if you don't get much out of them GO TO GOD!!!!!!
Posted on 1/17/2009 2:06:00 PM by Anonymous
and the most common symtoms for puberty are,
wite discharge in your underwear, feeling wet a lot,
pimples on the forehead and face, and you will mostlikely get
your period about a year after you grow breasts and start wearing bras, i havn't even gotten puberty yet but i've read all about it in books.
Posted on 1/16/2009 10:02:00 PM by Anonymous
For the girl who just started her period, you should tell your mom
and if you are close enough to your step dad you or your mom
can tell him, but if you aren't that close yet you can tell him later
Posted on 1/16/2009 9:37:00 PM by Anonymous
I'm going to address several of the questions posted here. As a parent of a 12 year old son, 10 yr old daughter and an 8 yr old son I feel it's VERY important for communication to be kept open with your parents about your changing and maturing bodies. I hope some of the information I give will help many of you.
To the 12 yr old that thinks puberty is approaching, not knowing if you're male or female makes the question a bit difficult to answer so I will give you this information: If you are a young man, try this site: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/peds_adolescent/pam.cfm If you are a young woman, try this site: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/peds_adolescent/paf.cfm
To the 15 year old who is having depression issues during her period. If you find that this is the only time of the month that your mood changes severely, you're normal and very much like 99% of the rest of us women. There is a possibility that you will even grow out of it. If you find yourself feeling "nippy" and depressed at other times of the month, then it would be a good idea to speak with a doctor. If it's only around the time of your period, it's truly nothing to worry about. :)
To the 11 year old young lady that has started her period, remember that this is a very normal and natural thing that you are experiencing. I know that it can be difficult at first to realize that men know about this stuff just as much as women do. You need to tell your mom. Yes, you may feel uncomfortable at first and a bit embarrassed for your step dad to know, but in a few years you'll most likely be happy to send him to the store to buy your sanitary pads and/or tampons.
To the 15 yr old who has only gotten her period twice, it would be best to discuss this with your parents and your family doctor. Also, you may wish to try asking your school nurse. Most schools have educated nurses whom could answer many of your questions.
To the 14 yr old who has yet to start her period: Try not to worry too much. We are all individuals and there is no set rule to how nature works. Simply because you have family that started at a certain age, does not mean you will start at the same age/ages as they did. Again, talk with your parents about this or try your school nurse. There is probably nothing to worry about.
In closing, I hope I've helped a bit. I encourage all of you to realize what you are going through is normal, you are far from being alone, and above all I stress communication with your parents.
Posted on 1/16/2009 7:00:00 PM by Anonymous
i am 12 years old and i think im going through puberty but i dont know wat are the most common symptoms of puberty
Posted on 1/14/2009 9:05:00 PM by Anonymous
I have had my period since I was 11 and every time I had it I would nip at people and know that Im 15 I fell depressed if I get told a promise and it dosn't happen I get depressed.
Posted on 1/13/2009 9:49:00 PM by Anonymous
I'm 11 years old...I'm going through period...My mom told me..."You are going to get you period soon" but, now that I have it...I'M TO SCARED TELL HER!!! I don't want my step-dad to know...but I wanna tell her! But she will tell him! What should I do???
Posted on 1/10/2009 12:01:00 AM by Anonymous
my 8 year old son (he just turned 8 in Dec) has some hairs on his testicles. During his yearly examination, his pediatrician recommended blood tests to see if he is starting puberty early. One of the blood tests came back positive so the doctor recommends an x-ray of his bones to see the growth as well as going to a specialist. We are still awaiting the results of the other blood test. He was born prematurely (weighed 2lbs, 6 1/2 ounces) and I was given steriods in order for his lungs to develop. Would this have anything to do with the early puberty? Also, what are the treatment options? Thank you, Suzanne.
Posted on 1/5/2009 8:30:00 PM by Anonymous
I am having similar problems. I am 15 and ive only gotten my period twice that was when i was 13. I want it to come back im afraid something is wrong with me but am way too weirded out to get anything checked. What should I do?
* For the person under be you could be a late bloomer or inherite late period from the women in your fathers side. it might be akward but talk to a close aunt or ask ur mom if any of her sister or even her mother got it late.
Posted on 11/30/2008 4:32:00 PM by Anonymous
I'm 14and I didn't get my period yet my mom got it when she was 13, my sister got it when she was 13 and my other sister got it when she was 11. What should I do?
Posted on 11/25/2008 7:23:00 PM by Anonymous