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Puberty
- A Beginner's Guide
Usually between the ages of 8 and 18 years old, your body starts growing
and changing. These changes occur from head to toe, and are completely
natural as your body responds to increased hormones. In girls, the
main hormone guiding the body's new instructions is called estrogen.
In guys, it's testosterone. All of these changes together are called
"puberty."
Puberty is the
bridge between being a kid and becoming an adult. As you cross this
bridge, your body and your feelings change a lot. You also may feel
differently about your family, friends and classmates-and view the
things that they do in whole new ways. You may feel like changing
what you do with them, the way you dress and the things you talk
about. These differences are called "social" and "behavioral"
changes.
Puberty means
major changes, but is simply your body's transition from childhood
to adulthood. You may even begin to wonder where you fit in the
world. But these many physical and emotional changes are NORMAL!
There is no
exact age when everyone experiences puberty. This differs from person
to person. Girls can expect puberty to hit between the ages of 8
and 17. Boys can expect puberty between the ages of 10 and 18.
Physical Changes
Emotional Changes
Puberty for Boys
Puberty for Girls
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