Puberty is a period of dramatic change when a child's body transforms into an adult's. It's triggered by hormones released from the brain, and it typically happens between the ages of 8 and 14 for females and 9 and 14 for males, though there can be some variation. Here's a breakdown of what happens during puberty in males and females:
Similarities:
Growth spurts: Both boys and girls experience periods of rapid growth in height.
Body odor: Sweat glands become more active, leading to body odor.
Acne: Increased oil production in the skin can cause pimples.
Mood swings: Hormonal changes can lead to emotional ups and downs.
Hair growth: Hair grows under the arms and around the genitals (pubic hair). Hair on the arms and legs may also grow darker and coarser.
Differences:
Females:
Breasts: Breast development is one of the first signs of puberty in females. Breasts will continue to develop for several years.
Menstruation: The uterus lining starts to build up and shed each month, resulting in a menstrual period. The first period is called menarche.
Wider hips: Hips broaden to accommodate childbirth.
Males:
Testes: The testicles enlarge and start producing sperm.
Voice deepening: The voice box (larynx) enlarges, causing the voice to deepen.
Muscles: Males tend to gain more muscle mass than females during puberty.
Facial and body hair: Facial hair starts to grow, and body hair becomes more coarse and widespread.
It's important to remember that puberty is a personal journey, and the timing and sequence of changes can vary from person to person.