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| Quick reference medical handouts used
by Pediatric offices |
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Puberty - What happens When?
Puberty: What Happens When?
Every child develops according to his or her own biological clock.
A girl may enter puberty as early as age 9 or as late as 15 and still be
considered normal. The changes of puberty are triggered by the pituitary
gland, a pea-sized structure at the base of the brain and under the influence
of the hypothalamus gland. Before puberty begins, higher brain functions
prevent the hypothalamus from allowing the pituitary gland to begin secreting
hormones. Puberty begins once the hypothalamus gland allows the pituitary
gland to release chemical messengers called hormones. Hormones in turn stimulate
the growth and development of the reproductive organs, as well as related
changes throughout the body. A hormone secreted by the pituitary, for example,
causes a girl's ovaries to produce the hormone estrogen. In boys, a hormone
released by the pituitary signals the testicles to produce the hormone
testosterone. Estrogen and testosterone spur the development of a child's
secondary sex characteristics, such as breast development in girls and the
growth of facial hair in boys. Fluctuating levels of hormones may also bring
on familiar adolescent mood swings. These ups and downs are tough for both
child and parent to deal with, but they're an inevitable part of puberty.
Girls
| Age Range |
Average |
Development |
8-11 yrs |
--- |
There are no outside signs of development,
but a girl's ovaries are enlarging and
hormone production is beginning. |
8-14 yrs |
11-12 yrs |
The first sign is typically the beginning
of breast growth, including "breast buds."
A girl may also grow considerable height
and weight. The first signs of pubic hair
start out fine and straight, rather than curly. |
9-15 yrs |
12-13 yrs |
Breast growth continues, and pubic hair
coarsens and becomes darker, but there
still isn't a lot of it. A girl's body is still
growing, and their vagina is enlarging
and may begin to produce a clear or
whitish discharge, which is a normal
self-cleansing process. Some girls get
their first menstrual periods late in this stage. |
10-16 yrs |
13-14 yrs |
Pubic hair growth takes on the triangular
shape of adulthood, but doesn't quite cover
the entire area. Underarm hair is likely to
appear in this stage, as is menarche.
Ovulation (release of egg cells) begins
in some girls, but typically not in a
regular monthly routine until the next stage |
12-19 yrs |
15 yrs |
This is the final stage of development,
when a girl is physically an adult. Breast
and pubic hair growth are complete, and
their full height is usually attained by this
point. Menstrual periods are well
established, and ovulation occurs monthly. |
additional resources:
Boys
| Age Range |
Average |
Development |
9-12yrs |
10 yrs |
Male hormones are becoming active,
but there are hardly, if any, outside
signs of development. Testicles are
maturing, and some boys start a period
of rapid growth late in this stage. |
9-15 yrs |
12-13 yrs |
Testicles and scrotum begin to enlarge,
but penis size doesn't increase much.
Very little, if any, pubic hair at the
base of the penis. Increase in height
and change in body shape. |
11-16 yrs |
13-14 yrs |
Penis starts to grow in length, but
not much in width. Testicles and
scrotum still growing. Pubic hair
starts to get darker and coarser and
is spreading towards the legs. Height
growth continues and body/face shape
look more adult. Voice begins to deepen
(and crack). Some hair around the anus
grows. |
11-17yrs |
14-15 yrs |
Penis width increases, as well as length.
Testicles and scrotum still growing.
Pubic hair begins to take adult texture,
although covers a smaller area. Most
boys have first ejaculations. Underarm
hair develops. Facial hair increases on
chin and upper lip. Voice gets deeper
and skin gets more oily. |
14-195yrs |
16 yrs |
Nearing full adult height and physique.
Pubic hair and genitals have adult
appearance. Facial hair grows more
completely and shaving may begin now
or soon. During the late teens and early
twenties, some men grow a bit more and
develop more body hair, especially chest
hair. |
additional resources:
As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as
medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your child’s pediatrician.
Please read our full disclaimer.
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