The term adolescence is taken from the Latin word adolescere, which means “to grow up.”  This period of growth involves all sorts of changes, from the way you think and feel, to the way you behave or react to things and events around you.  You may also experience many changes in your body.  The stage when these physical changes of adolescence occurs is called puberty.  During this period, the body grows rapidly because of the growth hormone.  This hormone enters the blood and makes the body starts to grow and change.

 

 

When does puberty start?

 

Girls reach puberty anytime between the age of 8 and 17 years.

Boys mature a little later than girls.  Boys reach puberty anytime between 10 and 18 years.  At a certain age, girls tend to be taller than boys, but boys catch up by the time they are 14.  growth in height varies with individuals as well.

 

 

 

What happens to boys and girls when they reach puberty?

 

Besides physical changes, the growth and development of the sex organs also occur.  These organs start producing the sex cells necessary for reproduction.

 

 

 

Physical Changes During Adolescence

 

Boys:

1. Height increases very quickly.
2. Shoulders become broader.
3. Some facial changes takes place.  Boys’ faces change more than girls’.
4. Voice becomes lower and deeper.
5. Biceps and chest muscles become more defined.
6. Hair grows under the arms. 
7. Pubic hair grows.
8. Testes produces sperms.

 

Girls:

1. Height increases very quickly.
2. Hips grow broader.
3. Face alters.
4. Voice changes in pitch.
5. Onset of a bust line.
6. Hair grows under the arms.
7. Pubic hair grows.
8. Menstruation starts.

 

 

 

 

Personal Care

 

            Care and cleanliness of the body should be observed especially during puberty.

 

Girls should take care of their bodies during menstruation.

• Always keep yourself clean.  Take a warm bath daily.
• Use sanitary pads or napkins.  Change your pad often.  It is good rule to change it as often as possible.  Be careful in disposing of the used pads.
• Observe proper diet.
• Drink about 8 to 12 glasses of water a day to help prevent constipation or irregular bowel movement that may cause discomfort and menstrual pain.

 

 

Care of the External Sex Organs

• Wash your external organs with mild soap and water every day.
• Wear clean underwear daily.
• Wash your underwears with soap and water.  Keep them in a clean box or cabinet after pressing them.
• Visit or consult a doctor when you feel something wrong.

Related posts:

1. Endocrine System: The Endocrine Glands
2. The Human Reproductive System
3. Common Disorders of the Endocrine System
4. The Human Body and The Sense Organs