What Is Puberty?

As you grow up, your body begins doing things it didn’t before.

You may suddenly grow several inches.

Your skin may become oilier.

You might sweat more.

Your emotions may feel stronger, your sleep habits may change, and hair may begin appearing in places where there wasn’t much hair before.

Welcome to puberty.

Puberty is a normal stage of human development when a child’s body gradually develops toward adulthood. It involves physical changes, but it can also affect emotions, interests, and sleep.

Although everyone goes through puberty, no two people experience it exactly the same way.

For some children, changes may begin around age 8. For others, they may not start until several years later, sometimes around age 14.

The process also doesn’t happen overnight. Puberty generally unfolds over several years, with different changes occurring at different times.

That means looking around the classroom and comparing yourself with everyone else isn’t particularly useful.

Everyone has a different schedule.

Your Body Begins To Change

Some of the easiest signs of puberty to notice are physical.

A growth spurt can make someone taller surprisingly quickly.

Hair begins growing in new places, including the underarms and pubic area.

The body may produce more sweat, and body odor can become stronger. Skin can become oilier, which is one reason pimples and acne become more common during these years.

Other changes depend on the person’s developing body.

Breasts may begin to develop, and menstruation (having periods) may eventually begin.

Shoulders may broaden, facial hair may begin to grow, and the voice may deepen.

Not all these changes happen at once.

One person may grow taller first. Another may notice body hair. Someone else’s voice may begin changing while a friend the same age hasn’t noticed much.

That’s one reason puberty can sometimes feel awkward.

You can be surrounded by people your own age whose bodies seem to be following completely different instructions.

In a way, they are.

Your Feelings Can Change, Too

Puberty isn’t only about what happens on the outside.

Young people may notice changes in their emotions.

Feelings can sometimes seem stronger or change more quickly. A good day can suddenly become frustrating, embarrassing or upsetting.

That doesn’t mean puberty causes every difficult emotion, but growing up involves many changes at the same time.

There are physical changes.

Friendships may change.

School expectations can increase.

Young people may become more concerned about appearance and what other people think of them.

They may develop new interests and begin thinking differently about relationships, independence, and the future.

Put it all together, and it’s understandable that growing up can sometimes feel like an emotional roller coaster.

Even Sleep Can Be Different

Puberty can also change sleep patterns.

Young people may find themselves wanting to stay awake later at night and sleep later in the morning.

That can be frustrating when school still starts early.

Sleep is especially important while the body and brain develop, so getting enough rest matters even when falling asleep early becomes harder.

If sleep problems become frequent or make it difficult to function during the day, talk with a parent, caregiver, or another trusted adult.

Why Does Puberty Happen?

Puberty is part of the body’s development toward adulthood.

It eventually makes the body physically capable of reproduction — having children.

But being physically capable of reproduction is only one small part of becoming an adult.

Emotional maturity, judgment, independence, and the ability to handle adult responsibilities continue developing over time.

Puberty isn’t a switch that suddenly turns a child into an adult.

It’s one stage in a much longer process of growing up.

There Is No Race

One of the hardest parts of puberty can be comparing yourself to others.

A friend may be taller.

Someone else’s voice may have changed.

Another person may have developed earlier.

Someone may have acne while a friend doesn’t.

Those differences can make young people wonder whether something is wrong with them.

But puberty doesn’t come with a class schedule.

People begin at different ages, develop at different speeds, and experience changes in different orders.

Starting earlier doesn’t mean someone is more grown up.

Starting later doesn’t mean someone is behind.

Bodies develop at their own pace.

If you are worried that puberty seems to be starting very early or hasn’t started when expected, however, it’s OK to ask about it. A parent, caregiver, doctor or other trusted adult can help determine whether there’s anything that needs attention.

Questions Are Normal

Puberty can be confusing because many changes involve topics people may feel embarrassed to discuss.

Don’t let embarrassment keep you from asking questions.

Parents, caregivers, teachers, school nurses, and health care professionals have heard puberty questions before.

It’s normal to wonder why your body is changing or whether something you’re experiencing is normal.

If the changes leave you feeling anxious, unhappy, or overwhelmed, talk to a trusted adult.

Growing up can feel strange sometimes.

Your clothes may stop fitting.

Your face may look different.

Your voice may sound different.

Your emotions may surprise you.

And just as you get used to one change, another can begin.

That’s puberty.

It doesn’t happen the same way for everybody, and it doesn’t need to.

Growing up isn’t a race.

Your body has its own timetable.