Answering Questions: Puberty
Teens often have a wide range of questions about puberty, which can vary based on their personal experiences and development. Here’s a list of common questions they might ask regarding physical changes, and responses you can use as a parent:
What are the main physical changes during puberty?
Puberty is a stage where your body starts to transform from a child’s body to an adult’s, thanks to changes driven by hormones. For everyone, it involves growth spurts, where you’ll get taller quickly, and your muscles and bones get stronger. You’ll also notice that hair starts to grow in new places, like under your arms and, for boys, on the face, while both boys and girls get more hair around the genital area. Girls will also start developing breasts, and their hips might get a bit wider, while boys will notice their voices deepening and might experience more muscle growth. Additionally, your skin might get oilier, leading to acne for some people, and your sweat glands become more active, which is why body odor changes.
It’s all part of your body’s natural way of getting ready for adulthood. These changes might feel different or unexpected at first, but they’re signs that your body is working just as it should. And if you have any specific questions about what’s happening, I'm here to talk about it with you.
What is the first outward sign of puberty?
The first outward signs of puberty typically start with the testicle or breast development. Testicles will start to get bigger, and curly hair may sprout just about the penis and on the scrotum. Breast development usually starts with small, firm, tender lumps (called buds) under one or both nipples. They will then get larger over the next couple of years.
Why do some people start puberty earlier or later than others?
The timing of puberty can be different for everyone, and there are a few reasons why this happens. For some, it’s based on genetics – just like we inherit traits like eye color from our parents, we can also inherit the timing of when puberty starts. Some families naturally start earlier or later than others. Nutrition, health, and even the environment can also play a part. For instance, being active, getting good nutrition, and overall health can sometimes influence when puberty kicks in.
It’s perfectly normal for people to start at different ages. For some, changes may start as early as age 8 or 9, while others may not notice changes until they’re closer to 13 or 14. Everyone’s body has its own unique timeline, and there’s no ‘right’ time to start or finish. The most important thing to remember is that, no matter when it happens, your body is just following its own natural process. If you ever feel concerned or have questions about how things are going, we can always talk, or even check in with a doctor to understand more about it.
Why do I get acne, and how can I prevent or treat it?
Acne is super common during puberty and is a natural part of what many teens experience. During this time, your body starts producing more hormones, which can make your skin's oil glands work overtime. This extra oil, along with dead skin cells, can sometimes clog your pores, leading to pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads. It can be frustrating, but remember that it's a normal part of growing up, and most people go through it.
To help manage acne, keeping your skin clean is key. Try to wash your face gently twice a day with a mild cleanser and avoid scrubbing too hard, which can actually irritate your skin more. If you’re using products on your face, like makeup, choose ones that are oil-free or labeled 'non-comedogenic,' which means they won’t clog your pores. Also, keeping your hands off your face can help prevent spreading oils or bacteria.
If your acne becomes more bothersome, we could talk to a doctor or dermatologist who can suggest specific treatments or products that might help. You’re not alone in this, and it’s something that tends to get better with time as your body adjusts. In the meantime, know that acne doesn’t define you, and many people around you are going through the same thing.
Do pimples or acne go away after puberty?
Yes. For many people, acne tends to improve or often goes away after puberty. During puberty, hormonal changes can lead to an increase in oil production, clogged pores, and the growth of acne-causing bacteria, resulting in pimples and acne breakouts. However, once most people reach adolescence and their hormones begin to stabilize, their acne may become less severe.
Can puberty change your hair? Will my hair go back to normal after puberty?
Yes, hormonal shifts may cause a couple of changes to your hair:
Hair Texture: Hormonal shifts can affect the texture of your hair. It might become curlier, straighter, frizzier, or smoother.
Oiliness: During puberty, the production of sebum (the natural oil that keeps your scalp and hair moisturized) increases. This can result in oilier hair and sometimes contribute to scalp acne.
Typically, these changes are temporary! As your hormones stabilize post-puberty, your hair will likely return to its previous state.
When will my hormones balance out after puberty?
Hormones during puberty may take a while to balance out. Everyone is different, so there’s no specific time frame for hormonal stabilization. However, generally by the end of adolescence — or your late teens or early twenties — your hormones should balance out.
If you have any concerns about your hormone levels or notice any unusual symptoms, call your pediatrician.
What’s normal when it comes to body hair growth?
Body hair growth is another part of puberty that everyone experiences, but it can look a little different from person to person. During puberty, your body starts growing hair in new places, like under your arms, on your legs, and around your private areas. For some people, hair might also start appearing on the chest, stomach, or even the face, depending on genetics and hormones. It’s all normal, and the amount, color, and thickness of hair can vary widely from one person to another.
There’s no ‘right’ amount or place for body hair, and it’s okay if yours looks different from what you see on others. It’s also natural for body hair to change over time as you keep growing. If you’re thinking about grooming or shaving, we can talk through the options, since some people choose to trim or shave, and others prefer to leave it as it is. The main thing to remember is that this is just another sign that your body is developing, and everyone’s version of ‘normal’ is unique. Whenever you have questions or want to know more, I’m here to help you figure it all out.
Is body odor a sign of puberty?
Yes, body odor is a common sign of puberty. During puberty, your body undergoes various changes, including an increase in the production of sweat and the activity of the sweat glands. As a result, body odor can become more noticeable.
To manage body odor during puberty, make sure to practice good hygiene and focus on areas prone to sweat and odor. Using antiperspirants or deodorants can also help.