Are you wondering what's happening to your body as you enter your teens or even pre-teens, and just how do you handle all these changes! Well, here are the answers you’ve been looking for.
From mood swings to spots, puberty can be a bumpy ride. But it's also a time of incredible growth and discovery, as you begin to develop your own identity and explore the world.
Before we uncover the tips and tricks for handling puberty, it helps to understand it better. Puberty is the natural process of transitioning from child to young adult, it will affect how you look, feel and act and can start from the ages of around 8-14 for most young people, and can last for between 2-5 years. It can be super unpredictable and yes, a little overwhelming too!
Common changes during puberty include:
You may be wondering what triggers puberty? How come one minute you’re happily being a kid and the next you feel very different and sometimes out of control!
Well, it all starts in the brain and the tiny area called the Hypothalamus gland, hormones from this part of the brain flood into your bloodstream and circulate around the body. For males it’s mainly the hormone Testosterone that tells the testicles to make sperm and for females the hormone oestrogen is produced and triggers the ovaries to release eggs.
These puberty hormones stimulate various organs and tissues in the body to grow and mature. It’s truly impressive how much your body transforms during this time.
Knowing what to do when you hit puberty is a matter of learning as you go, because everyone’s experience will be different. Here are some tips that may help you:
Remember, everyone's journey through puberty is different. It's about embracing change, staying informed, and being kind to yourself. You've got this!
Puberty can easily lead to feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and self-doubt. These feelings are commonly referred to as "puberty blues," a term used to describe the ups and downs of growing up. It's important to know that you are not alone in experiencing these emotional changes and that it's totally normal to feel a little overwhelmed during this time.
Be sure to have open and honest communication with trusted adults, such as parents, teachers, or healthcare providers, who can offer guidance and support. In some cases, you might need to chat with a counsellor or psychologist.
Puberty comes with its fair share of surprises, and one common guest is the appearance of spots. We recommend washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt. You can also keep your skin hydrated with a moisturiser and avoid touching your face or popping the spots.
A long-term solution to clearing spots and pimples is maintaining a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water. And if needed, chat with your guardians about visiting a doctor or dermatologist who can help. With patience and consistent care, you'll be on your way to clearer skin. There’s also nothing wrong with having spots. It’s more common than you think!
Puberty brings more than just physical changes— it can also introduce various health concerns that might leave you wondering where to turn. From managing your first period to understanding sexual feelings, it's important to equip yourself with knowledge and resources.
If you're experiencing persistent health problems like irregular periods, extreme mood changes, or concerns about body image, don't hesitate to open up to a trusted adult, like a parent or school nurse. You're not alone on this journey.
Puberty certainly involves parents and guardians. If you’re a teen reading this, feel free to share this part of the article with the adults in your life. They might need some puberty advice too.
Overall, puberty is a complex process that involves many different changes and challenges. Understanding all this can help you and your family to navigate this important stage of development with greater ease.
For many of us, that means being equipped to manage your first period as it generally starts mid-puberty. With Lil-Lets, you can find all the period products you need to start your menstruation journey with confidence.
Puberty happens when hormones from the brain initiate development. These hormonal changes tell the body exactly what to do. In females, the growth and release of mature eggs from the ovaries initiate puberty. And for males, the testicles start producing sperm.
Puberty certainly affects maturity, both physically and emotionally. Not only are you noticing physical changes to the body, but puberty also impacts on your brain development too, you might notice your perspective on many things changing and sexual attraction towards people becomes more noticeable.
Puberty is necessary in humans as the outcome is sexually mature adults with fully developed reproductive organs. It means people can have children if they want to and when they’re ready. It’s also the time in our lives when we become more self-aware and start to experience a wider spectrum of emotions.
Puberty is incredibly normal, even if it feels like a roller coaster ride of emotions and physical changes. It’s part of your life cycle and your development into sexually mature adults.
The latest you can hit puberty is not at a specific age. It truly varies from person to person. Typically, you’ll start puberty between the ages of 8 and 13 in females, and 9 and 14 in males. If you don’t notice the key signs of puberty by 16, speak to a responsible adult and visit a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Almost everyone goes through puberty and it typically starts between the ages of 8 and 14. However, there are some rare medical conditions that might delay or prevent the onset of puberty. For example, those with Turner Syndrome, a genetic condition in females, might have delayed puberty.
This is a tricky one, the end of puberty is marked by the completion of physical and hormonal development and the beginning of young adulthood. You typically reach your adult height and size around the ages of 18, sometimes sooner and often later. But the physical and emotional changes may continue for a few years after puberty. Additionally, emotional development and reproductive health are ongoing processes that require attention throughout your life.
Puberty is a gradual process, and there isn't a clear-cut "done" moment. Generally, when you've experienced most of the physical changes associated with puberty, like your first period and body changes, you're likely nearing the end of this phase.
