The physical changes in puberty are important, but also natural and healthy. These physical, psychological and emotional changes are a sign that boys and girls they go from childhood to adulthood. In girls it begins around 10 or 11 years old, and in boys from 11 or 12 years old. But these ages are approximate, it can be advanced or delayed, it depends on the person.
During puberty a series of physical changes take place, in which boys and girls they grow in height, in their weight and their bodies get stronger. Major changes also appear in your sex organs, brain, skin, hair, teeth, and sweat glands.
When does puberty start?
Puberty begins when changes in a boy's or girl's brain cause sex hormones begin to release from the gonads, which are the ovaries and testicles. This usually happens around the age of 10-11 for girls, and around 11-12 years for boys. However, it is normal for puberty to oscillate between a higher range. Puberty in girls can begin between the ages of 8 and 13, and puberty in boys between 9 and 14 years.
There is no way of knowing when it will start puberty of a specific child, because the first brain changes and hormone levels cannot be seen with the naked eye. However, the duration of the puberty process is known, which can be completed between 18 months and 5 years. This long period is completely normal, so if your son or daughter takes a few years to complete puberty, there is no need to be alarmed.
Girls: Physical changes at puberty
Let's see the major physical changes that girls experience during puberty.
Between 10 - 11 years
The first and most visible sign that begins with puberty is breast development. It is normal for the left and right breast to grow at different rates, so if your daughter is concerned about this you can reassure her. Too it is normal for your breasts to be a little more tender while they are developing. If your daughter wants to start using a bra, a top, or a sports bra to feel more comfortable, this is the ideal time to make this first purchase.
As well it may grow disproportionately. That is, some parts of your body such as the head, face or hands grow faster than the extremities or torso. On average, girls grow between 5 and 20 centimeters during puberty. They usually stop growing around the age of 16 or 17.
Your body shape will change too. Your hips will widen slightly to form your reproductive system properly. Your vulva and pubic hair will begin to grow. This pubic hair will darken and thicken over time.
Between 12 - 14 years
About two years after the breasts have developed, new physical changes appear. But these changes can take up to four years. Hair will begin to grow in your armpits, affecting your sweat glands. This change in sweating will cause the appearance of the dreaded acne, both in girls and boys.
In addition, vagina it will begin to secrete a clear or white substance. This discharge appears several months before your first period starts., so it is a good time to prepare it for that moment. If this discharge bothers your daughter, out of embarrassment or discomfort, you can suggest the use of a panty protector. On the other hand, if it itches, hurts or smells bad, it should be taken to the doctor because it may have some type of infection. Without alarming symptoms, this discharge is totally normal.
Boys: Physical changes at puberty
Let's see the major physical changes that boys experience during puberty.
Between 11 - 12 years
Your external genitalia (penis, testicles, and scrotum) will begin to grow, being normal for one testicle to grow larger than the other. If this creates any insecurity in your son, you can assure him that probably no man has both testicles the same size. It is normal that they are different. Your pubic hair will also start to grow, and it will get darker and thicker over time.
The child will experience faster growth. You will grow in stature, and your chest and shoulders will broaden. As with girls, some parts of their body, such as the face, head, and hands, can grow faster than their limbs and torso. This can make it look a bit out of proportion, but it is normal during puberty. On average, children grow between 10 and 30 centimeters, and they usually stop growing between 18 and 20 years of age.
It is common for males to have less breast development. If your child is concerned about this, you can reassure him not only because it is normal, but because it goes away on its own with time. If this is not the case or the breast development is very striking, then it is better to consult with the doctor.
Between 12 - 15 years
Le hair begins to appear on different parts of your body, as in the armpits, on the face and on the rest of the body. The hair on the legs and arms will thicken. If your son is concerned about not having too much hair during this age, you can inform him that male body hair develops until his 20s, so if by 15 years he is not as much as his friends, by 20 he will have more.
Your body begins to produce the hormone testosterone, which stimulates the testicles to produce sperm. At this point, your son may start to have erections and ejaculate for no reason. If this situation distresses him, you can make him understand that it is normal and that normally no one else notices what is happening to him.
During these years your larynx will also be more pronounced, the one known as "walnut" will make its appearance. This will let your voice break and start to change, becoming deeper. If you start to experience ups and downs in your voice, you just need patience because in the end it will stabilize, leaving your adult voice perfectly balanced.