Puberty is a natural process that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. During this time, children experience physical and emotional changes as their bodies prepare for reproduction. While it’s a normal part of life, it can be a confusing and overwhelming time for both teens and parents. Banner Health is here to provide information and support throughout your child’s puberty journey.
The first signs that indicate your child is going through puberty are usually smaller physical changes. They are different for boys and girls.
Girls
Puberty in girls typically starts earlier than it does for boys. Girls usually start puberty between ages 8 and 13. Changes your daughter may notice that signify they are going through puberty include:
Boys
Puberty in boys usually starts a little later than girls – typically around age 11. Some changes your son may notice when they are going through puberty are:
There are five main stages of puberty, often referred to as the Tanner stages. These stages describe the physical changes that occur in both boys and girls.
This first stage describes a child’s appearance before any physical changes start to develop. During the end of stage 1, the brain is starting to send signals to the body to prepare for changes.
For girls, this phase starts around age 8. For boys, this phase happens around 9 or 10.
Stage 2 is the stage in which physical changes start to appear.
Girls
Stage 2 for girls starts between ages 9 and 11. During this stage, the first signs of breasts, called “buds,” start to appear. Buds can be different sizes, might grow at different rates and may also be itchy or tender. The areola will also begin to expand during this time.
In addition to breast development, girls will notice small amounts of pubic hair start growing. The uterus also begins to get larger during stage 2.
Boys
The second stage usually starts around age 11 for boys. Boys will notice the testicles and scrotum starting to get bigger as well as early stages of pubic hair forming around the base of the penis.
Stage three is where the physical changes appear more obvious.
Girls
The rest of a girl’s physical changes typically start after they turn 12. Physical changes for girls include:
Boys
For boys, the physical changes in stage 3 start around age 13. These changes include:
In stage 4, puberty is in full swing. This is when your child will start noticing many changes.
Girls
Stage 4 in girls usually begins around age 13. Girls will see several physical changes including:
Boys
Stage 4 in boys usually starts around age 14. Changes seen in boys during this time include:
During puberty, your child will do the majority of their physical growth. Boys and girls experience growth spurts at different rates, especially as they start going through puberty. A growth spurt refers to sudden and quick growth during a short period of time. Due to the disparity in growth, doctors will use different growth charts for boys and girls.
Girls will usually experience a growth spurt a year or two before they get their first period. After that, another growth spurt happens between ages 10 and 14. During this second spurt, girls will grow about 1 to 2 inches within a couple of years after they get their first period. Girls will reach their adult height by age 15.
Boys will grow at different rates during puberty. There are early maturers, who start puberty at ages 11 or 12, and late maturers who start puberty around age 13 or 14. Regardless of when they start puberty, boys will grow about 3 inches per year. By age 16, boys will have reached most of their adult height.
If you’re concerned your child may be experiencing growth delays during puberty, talk to your doctor.
Growing pains are generally described as a throbbing or aching in the legs. This sensation is usually experienced in the front of the thighs, calves or behind the knees. Growing pains usually affect both legs and often occur in the late afternoon or early evenings. In some cases, growing pains may wake a child from sleep.
The cause of growing pains is unknown – there’s no evidence that a child’s growth is painful. Growing pains may be linked to restless legs syndrome or overuse during the day from activities such as running or jumping.
If your child is experiencing persistent pain, pain in the joints, growing pains that are still present in the morning or that interfere with your child’s normal activities, speak to your pediatrician. They can help by providing additional tests to see if there’s another underlying cause of their leg pain.
For girls, one of the most significant changes during puberty is the onset of the menstrual cycle. This is a normal bodily function that occurs approximately every 28 days. It’s important to educate girls about menstrual hygiene and the emotional and physical changes associated with their cycle.
As your child goes through puberty, they may experience a range of emotions and questions. Some common concerns include:
If you have concerns about your child’s emotional or physical well-being during puberty, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a health care provider.
While puberty is a normal process, there are instances when it’s essential to consult a pediatrician. These include:
Delayed puberty is when body changes do not occur or progress normally between the ages of 10 and 14.
Contrasexual pubertal development happens when a child’s hormone levels increase dramatically and cause physical and hormonal changes. In girls, this may cause a deeper voice or facial hair. Boys will mainly develop breasts if they experience contrasexual pubertal development.
Precocious puberty is when a child’s body begins to mature at an abnormally early age – typically before age 8 in girls and 9 in boys. You will see the first signs of puberty start to develop during precocious puberty. In addition to early signs of puberty, your child may also experience acne and have a growth spurt.
Premature thelarche happens when girls develop breast tissue before the typical age range (10 to 14 years old) for breast development. In most cases, girls are diagnosed with premature thelarche before the age of 3.
Premature adrenarche is the appearance of pubic hair before it normally occurs. Other symptoms of premature adrenarche include oily skin, unexplained, rapid growth and body odor.
Banner Children’s offers comprehensive pediatric care to address your child’s needs throughout their puberty journey. Our experienced health care providers can provide guidance, support and treatment when necessary.
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