Puberty
- mrsaepts
- Jan 19, 2022
- 4 min read
BY Chalarin Uisrikoon, Jinnipa Banditmahakun, Pakchira Naranunn, Pathariya Pensiri
Edited by Tanyatorn Thienpaitoon
What is puberty
Puberty is the name for the time when your body begins to develop and change as you move from child to adult. Some noticeable changes are girls developing breasts and boys looking more like men. During this period, children grow faster than any other age group except toddlers. It usually starts between ages 8 and 13 in girls and ages 9 and 15 in boys.
Changes in Boy
There is no exact timing of when puberty starts in each individual. For boys, the average age is 12. Yet, not all changes occur at once, most are slowly changing. The first several signs are testicles increase in size, and the scrotum begins to thin and redden. Their public hair will be thicker and curlier. After a year, the following changes may happen: the size of their body will increase, some will swell in the breast area resulting from hormonal changes, and some experience voice cracks. Also, their hair will start to grow in the genital area, face, underarms, and legs. After a couple of years, they will physically look like an adult. Their growth rate may slow down and plateau around 16 years old. Most of them will reach full adulthood at the age of 18.
Changes in Girl
For girls, on the other hand, puberty usually starts at around 10-11. However, it is normal if puberty begins a year or two earlier or later. The first sign is often the development of their breasts. It’s normal if the left and right sides grow at a different rate. Moreover, public hair will start to grow. They will get thicker and darker over time. Some parts of the body might grow faster than others, such as the head or face might grow faster than limbs or torso. After a couple of years of changes, periods begin within 2 - 4 years after breast growth. A clear or white discharge from the vagina starts after several months before periods. Their taller rate will eventually slow down and stop at the age of around 16-17.
Preparation for Puberty
Teens are coping with many physical changes. If they take either food or drinks well, get enough physical activity, as well as sleep, and take good care of their hygiene, the changes in their body are most likely manageable.
Healthy diets
These children are likely to have an increase in their appetite. Therefore, a balanced and nutritional diet is required for their growth. The nutrition needs in their food are veggie, fruit, grain foods, reduced-fat dairy or dairy-free alternatives, and protein. On the other hand, overeating or consuming too many high-sugar and high-fat foods and drinks can lead to overweight or obesity.
Good physical activity
They need at least 1 hour per day of moderate to bold physical activity for good physical and mental health. For example, they should be actively moving in daily activities or be involved in a team and individual outdoor and indoor activities.
Healthy sleep routines
Teenagers need enough healthy sleep of 8-10 hours per night to maintain their physical and mental health. They should also stick to their regular bedtime. Reducing the amount of screen time on the phone and avoiding high-sugar or caffeinated food, at least an hour before bed, are habits recommended. If they have a good, quiet, comfortable place and environment, they’ll also have good-quality sleep.
The stages of puberty
The stages of puberty are known as the Tanner stages, classified into 5 stages:
Tanner stage 1
In Tanner stage 1, the brain begins to send signals to the body to prepare for changes. The hypothalamus begins to release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It travels to the pituitary gland, the small area under the brain that creates hormones that control other glands in the body. The gland also makes a luteinizing hormone (LH) and a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These early signals typically start after a girl’s 8th birthday and a boy’s 9th or 10th birthday. There aren’t any noticeable physical changes for boys or girls at this stage.
Tanner stage 2
The beginning of physical development
Girls: The buds, the first signs of breasts, start to form under the nipple, the darker area around the nipple (areola) will expand, the uterus begins to get larger, small amounts of pubic hair start growing.
Boys: In boys, puberty usually starts around age 11. The testicles and skin around the testicles (scrotum) begin to get bigger. In addition, the early stages of pubic hair form on the base of the penis.
Tanner stage 3
Physical changes are becoming obvious
Girls: There are a lot of physical changes. Breast buds continue to grow and expand. Hair stars forming under the armpits. The acne may appear on the face and back. The growth of the height rate is around 3.2 inches per year. Hip and thighs also change.
Boys: Around age 13, Physical changes in boys started. Boys begin to have wet dreams. Their penis gets longer as testicles continue to grow bigger. The voice changes and may crack, going from high to low pitches. Height growth increases by 2-3.2 inches per year.
Tanner Stage 4
During stage 4, Puberty is in full swing. Both boys and girls are noticing many changes.
Girls: Stage 4 usually starts around age 13. Height growth slows down to about 2 to 3 inches per year. The breasts are in a fuller shape, passing the buds stage. Many girls get their first period around this stage. Yet, it can happen earlier or later.
Boys: Stage 4 usually starts around age 14. The testes and penis continue to increase in size, pubic hair is of adult quality but not spread to the junction of the medial thigh with the perineum. Acne may start to appear.
Tanner stage 5
This final phase marks the end of your child’s physical maturation.
Girls: This final stage usually starts at the age of 15. Growth in height slows down and stops by the age of 16. The breasts will reach approximate adult size, and the public hair will fill out to the inner thighs. Hips, thighs, and buttocks fill out in shape.
Boys: The final stage usually starts at the age of 15. Growth in height plateau and completely stop by 17. However, muscles may still be growing. Penis, testicles, and scrotum will have reached adult size. Public hair will fill out to the inner thighs. Hair appears on the sides of the face. By the age of 18, most boys have reached full growth and look like mature men.
Reference
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