Puberty

Puberty is a term used to describe the time in life when the body begins to develop certain characteristics, such as changes to the reproductive organs. Puberty marks the gradual progression from a non-fertile child to a sexually developed adult.

Puberty is caused by the release of hormones that act as powerful messengers. These messengers are capable of stimulating the growth and change of many different parts of the body.

Puberty can result in the following changes:

• physical changes such as rapid growth spurts, the development of breasts in girls and an increase in penis size in boys,
• psychological changes that often cause teenagers to become moody, self-conscious and aggressive, and
• behavioural changes that can cause some teenagers to experiment with new and potentially risky activities, for example smoking, drinking alcohol and sex.

When does puberty start?

There is no set age for the onset of puberty. The age at which puberty begins and the rate of development can differ from child to child.

Most girls will begin puberty between eight and 13 years of age, with the average age being 11. Girls develop more quickly than boys, with most reaching full maturity within four years of beginning puberty.

Boys tend to develop later than girls, and the development process usually takes longer. Most boys begin puberty at 10-15 years of age, with the average age being 12. Most boys reach maturity within six years of beginning puberty.

Glossary

Onset

The onset is the beginning or early stages of a condition