Tuesday 23rd March 2021

What is Puberty?

Puberty: you may have heard of it, you might not have. Puberty is when a child's body begins to develop and change as they become an adult. It usually starts at the age of 8-14, however, this may vary depending on gender. If you start early (before the age of 8) or late (after 14), it is probably best to go and see a doctor just to make sure you're in good health.

Impact on Females

One of the first signs of going through puberty (as a girl) are breasts developing. It is very normal for breast buds to be tender (sore). Breasts are developing for the future, when you are pregnant because that is where the baby will get the milk from. You will only develop milk when you are pregnant. This is called breast milk. Also, you will notice that you are sweating more than usual: this occurs because of your hormones. When hair starts to grow in weird places (arms, armpits, legs, etc.), you may feel frightened,  but don't worry, it's all completely normal. When you have permission, you can start shaving. Girls also experience periods, which is when an unfertilised egg bleeds, so you may see blood in your underwear. You will need some things to stop the blood from staining: sanitary towels, or pads as some people call them; sanitary towels will absorb all of the blood, so it doesn't stain. You could also use tampons. Hot water bottles and warm baths can help with cramps. You will also notice that you would have acne, don't worry this is all normal. Spots are just a skin condition. These are caused by many things: sweat, dirty face, and more. You might notice that you are gaining weight - completely normal. If you find that you are laughing one minute, then crying the next, you are experiencing mood swings. These are exactly how they sound, they're when your mood keeps changing.

Impact on Males

Boys tend to experience acne (spots) during puberty too. Don't worry, these are normal, they are just a skin condition, which means they come because of your hormones, dirty or greasy skin. Washing your face regularly can make them disapper. Do not squeeze them because you could scar. At one mnute, you could be laughing and happy, but at the next you might be crying - this is just your hormones changing. These are called mood swings. Moreover, you will experience a change in your voice. This is also known as your voice 'breaking'. Your voice can change when you are speaking, so at one point your voice could be squeaky, then deep. You would also experience growth in hair, which may grow in weird places. You will sweat more, which is also caused by your hormones.

Impact on Males and Females

Mood swings, acne, hair growth, sweating more, growing taller, and more are all that boys and girls experience during puberty even though they're different genders. Tips: when you sweat more, the best thing to do is wash often and to use deodrant. When you grow hair, the best thing to do is shave. 

Males begin puberty between the ages of 9-14, whilst females start puberty between 8-14. All of these signs mean that you're going through puberty, which means you're growing up.