What is puberty?
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 things you talk about, and the way you dress. These differences are called “social” and “behavioral” changes.
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.
What’s going on with my body?
This is a very confusing time for all teenagers. Expect to feel weird; it’s normal! There are many changes that occur. Some of these changes occur in both boys and girls. Others occur based on which sex you are.