What is puberty?

Puberty is the process by which a child’s body begins to change into an adult’s body. It is a natural, normal and healthy process. Some of the changes that happen during puberty make it possible for you to  become a mother or father someday.

When does puberty start?

Everyone develops at their own pace. There is no set age when puberty starts. For girls, puberty usually starts between ages 8 to 13. For boys, it usually starts between ages 9 and 15.

What happens during puberty?

During puberty substances called hormones cause changes in the body. Some of these changes are:

• Growth spurt: When children go through puberty, they may grow quite quickly. In just a few years, they become much taller. By the end of puberty, they reach their adult height.
• Body hair: During puberty, hair starts growing on parts of the body where hair did not grow before. Hair grows in the armpits, the pubic area and sometimes other areas as well. Look at the picture below

^{Hair growing in areas like the armpits and pubic area is normal during and after puberty.}

• Body odor: Children may notice a smell coming from their armpits. This is called body odor. It is important to shower often and use deodorant to reduce body odor.

^{It is important to keep your body clean to reduce body odor.}

• Acne: Children going through puberty may develop oily skin and acne (pimples). Washing your face twice a day with a mild soap can help control pimples. 

^{Getting pimples in a normal part of puberty.}

Note: Not all the changes during puberty are physical. During puberty children may feel confused. They may feel very strong emotions that they never had before. Also, they may get upset very easily. Learning to manage your emotions is an important part of growing up.