What is puberty?

Sex and Sexuality

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by Sammy Mack (whyzz expert) >> more about the author

Puberty is the time when kids’ bodies start becoming grownup bodies. Sure, you’ve been growing physically and mentally ever since you were born, but puberty is when the really big changes happen.

Puberty is a little different for everyone. Most kids will get taller during a fast growth spurt. They’ll sweat more, grow more hair, build muscle and probably get pimples. This is also when kids’ reproductive systems mature and become functional. Girls will develop breasts and boys will notice their voices deepening.

Puberty starts when your body starts manufacturing adult hormones -- estrogen and progesterone in girls, testosterone in boys. Girls usually enter puberty between ages 8 and 13, while boys tend to start from ages 10 to 14. Some kids start earlier and some start later, but they all eventually go through it.

Find out what it’s all about

Everyone experiences puberty a little differently. It can be a confusing, exciting and frustrating time all at once. But you’re not alone—every adult you ever meet has gone through it. Try asking a parent or older sibling what puberty was like for them. What was the best part? What was the worst? You might be surprised how much you have in common!