Puberty

A brief digest about this topic

Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It is a physical change that usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 and 16 for boys. Puberty affects boys and girls differently.

In girls:

  • The first sign of puberty is usually breast development.
  • Other signs are the growth of hair in the pubic area and armpits, and acne.
  • Menstruation (or a period) usually happens last.

In boys:

  • Puberty usually begins with the testicles and penis getting bigger.
  • Then hair grows in the pubic area and armpits.
  • Muscles grow, the voice deepens, and acne and facial hair develop as puberty continues.

Both boys and girls also usually have a growth spurt (a rapid increase in height) that lasts for about 2 or 3 years. This brings them closer to their adult height, which they reach after puberty.

NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Provided by: NIH - National Institute of Health

Links shared publicly online about this topic

Understanding Puberty

kidshealth.org — “Puberty was awkward enough when you were the one going through it. So how can you help your kids through all the changes?View full resource at kidshealth.org

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Most Recently Shared on June 8, 2010 at 8:00 pm By:

Understanding Puberty

kidshealth.org — “Puberty was awkward enough when you were the one going through it. So how can you help your kids through all the changes?View full resource at kidshealth.org

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Most Recently Shared on September 8, 2011 at 6:45 am By:

Boys and Puberty

kidshealth.org — “On the way to becoming a man, a boy's body will go through a lot of changes, including your body growing bigger, your voice changing, and hair sprouting everywhere. Find out more.View full resource at kidshealth.org

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Most Recently Shared on February 25, 2010 at 2:09 pm By:

Delayed Puberty

kidshealth.org — “Concerned about your growth or development? Puberty can be delayed for several reasons. Luckily, doctors usually can help teens with delayed puberty to develop more normally.View full resource at kidshealth.org

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Most Recently Shared on February 21, 2009 at 1:20 am By:

Precocious puberty

childrenshospitalblog.org — “Precocious pubertyView full resource at childrenshospitalblog.org

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Most Recently Shared on February 25, 2011 at 4:32 am By:

Obesity_OW Obesity OW OW Health

Precocious puberty: For most parents, few developmental milestones are more dreaded than their daughters startin... http://bit.ly/hkpDXL

1 year ago...

Precocious puberty

ow.ly — “Precocious pubertyView full resource at ow.ly

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Most Recently Shared on February 25, 2011 at 12:15 am By:

mamapedia Mamapedia Health Site and Parenting Supporter

Attn new parents: American girls are starting puberty earlier than ever. What’s it mean for your little girl? http://ow.ly/431tA...

1 year ago...

Puberty | Strollerderby

blogs.babble.com — “Is there anything parents can do to help prevent early puberty in their daughters?View full resource at blogs.babble.com

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Most Recently Shared on October 2, 2010 at 12:42 am By:

Puberty | Strollerderby

blogs.babble.com — “Strollerderby, Babble.com's parenting news blog, is a non-stop stream of parenting news, analysis, and personal insights from some of the most tuned-in, thoughtful, witty parents in the blogosphere.View full resource at blogs.babble.com

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Most Recently Shared on October 4, 2010 at 4:32 am By:

girlology Melisa Holmes, M.D. Physician, Doctor, ObGyn Physician, and Surgeon

THX to Paula Bernstein of Babble for talking about early puberty prevention and mentioning our blog and new book! http://fb.me/ESSqTT3i

2 years ago...

What Is Puberty? What Is Early Puberty? What Is Late Puberty?

medicalnewstoday.com — “Puberty is the period in children's lives when they experience physical changes by which their bodies eventually become adult bodies that are capable of reproducing. Puberty is triggered byView full resource at medicalnewstoday.com

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Most Recently Shared on July 6, 2009 at 11:06 am By:

mnt_healthnews MNT Health News Health News

What Is Puberty? What Is Early Puberty? What Is Late Puberty?: Puberty is the period in children's lives when th.. http://bit.ly/19ubKG

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What Are the Signs of Precocious Puberty?

kidshealth.org — “Precocious puberty - the onset of signs of puberty before age 7 or 8 in girls and age 9 for boys - can be physically and emotionally difficult for children and can sometimes be the sign of an underlying health problem.View full resource at kidshealth.org

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Most Recently Shared on October 16, 2009 at 2:50 pm By:

All About Puberty

kidshealth.org — “Voice cracking? Clothes don't fit? Puberty can be a confusing time, but learning about it doesn't have to be. Read all about it in this article for kids.View full resource at kidshealth.org

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Most Recently Shared on July 21, 2009 at 1:36 am By:

KidsHealth KidsHealth Health Site

Article for kids - All About Puberty | Todo acerca de la pubertad: http://bit.ly/2SsFu

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Early Puberty and Agression in Women?

healthline.com — “Early Puberty and Agression in Women?View full resource at healthline.com

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Most Recently Shared on January 27, 2010 at 3:32 pm By:

Drug injection delays puberty

naturalnews.com — “Drug injection delays pubertyView full resource at naturalnews.com

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Most Recently Shared on April 22, 2011 at 5:19 pm By:

Lead exposure delays puberty

doctor.ndtv.com — “Exposure to lead in early childhood may delay puberty in girls.View full resource at doctor.ndtv.com

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Most Recently Shared on September 22, 2010 at 12:35 pm By:

Drug injection delays puberty

naturalnews.com — “Drug injection delays pubertyView full resource at naturalnews.com

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Most Recently Shared on April 22, 2011 at 4:40 am By:

HealthScout Nancy Michelli Nutritionist

Drug injection delays puberty: (NaturalNews) Children with supposed "Gender Identity Disorder" (GID), a rare con... http://bit.ly/ecBBtZ

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