What Happens During Adolescence and Puberty?
We all are aware that after a certain age we start noticing changes in our body like in our physical appearance, voice, hormonal changes, etc when we all hit our teenage years. Have you ever thought about this, what does it actually mean? We will cover all these changes in our body in puberty and adolescence.
Both puberty and adolescence are connected to each other giving links about how these changes are happening inside our body at the teenage age. Puberty and adolescence are linked with each other but are not the same as puberty tell us about change in our physical appearance whereas adolescence tells us about physiological and behavioural changes happening inside our body whether it be girl or boy. When we all hit puberty age it leads to adolescence and these changes may vary from person to person.
Variation in Period of Puberty And Adolescence
Phases of puberty and adolescence are not always the same as they vary from person to person. In the case of girls, puberty starts before adolescence age only which is known as preadolescence phase and some other developments in them occurs till the age of twenty. Similarly in case of males also their growth occurs till the age of twenty.
Thus defining the exact age of puberty and adolescence is not easy and we can only make a rough estimate of age. According to WHO ( World Health Organization ) study, adolescence hits between the ages of 11 years to 19 years. The human body undergoes so many changes during this time like development is at a faster rate, development of reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics.
The characteristics which are inborn are known as primary characteristics like the penis in men and vagina in females whereas the characteristics which are developed during puberty are secondary sexual characteristics like hair growth in the pubic region and change in height.
Difference Between Adolescence and Puberty
During the adolescence phase, so many changes take place inside our body which causes maturity in the reproductive process. Perfect age of beginning adolescence is 10 years and it may last until 18 to19 years and this phase is called the teenage phase.
The process of change in body structure is called puberty and puberty indicates the beginning of adolescence. When both puberty and adolescence ends it indicates the sign of maturity.
What are Secondary Sexual Characters:
Changes in the body which occur during puberty due to hormonal disbalance is known as secondary sexual characters. Few changes are similar in both genders while few are different in male and female as these changes are gender-specific. All these changes are happening due to a change in hormonal balance or hormone secretion in the body during puberty as these changes are seen in girls earlier than boys.
Examples of Sexual Secondary Characters:
1. Most common change which happens during adolescence is the change in individual height. This change occurs due to the release of growth hormone and bone growth hormone at a faster rate than earlier.
2. Outburst of pimples and acne in adolescents is due to an increase in the secretion of sweat and sebaceous glands.
3. Growth of hair under the armpit and pubic area.
Changes Occur in Male During Adolescence:
Some of the physical and behavioural changes occurring in male during adolescence are listed below:
1. As maturation of testis starts it leads to produce sperms.
2. Hair growth around the chest area.
3. Increase in size of Adam’s apple.
4. Increase in the size of the voice box leads to a much deeper voice.
Changes Occur in Female During Adolescence:
Some of the physical and behavioural changes occurring in females during adolescence are listed below:
Breast development due to the growth of mammary glands.
Hips get rounded in shape
Ovary starts to release a mature ovum
Start in ovulation and menstruation process
Reproductive Phase In Human Body:
When females reach the puberty stage, the thickened uterine lining sheds off along with the eggs in the form of bleeding known as menstruation.
Facts regarding menstruation:
First menstrual flow is termed as menarche.
At the age of 45 to 50 menstrual cycle stop being known as menopause.
The menstrual cycle occurs every 28 to 30 days.
FAQs on Adolescence and Puberty: Key Changes Explained
1. What is the main difference between adolescence and puberty?
The main difference lies in their scope. Adolescence is the entire transitional period from childhood to adulthood, typically from ages 11 to 19, encompassing physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Puberty, on the other hand, is the specific biological process within adolescence where the body matures sexually and becomes capable of reproduction. In simple terms, puberty is the set of physical events that happens during the time of adolescence.
2. What are the major hormones that trigger the key changes during puberty in males and females?
The key changes during puberty are triggered by sex hormones. In males, the testes begin to produce testosterone, which is responsible for the development of male characteristics. In females, the ovaries start producing estrogen, which governs the development of female characteristics and the initiation of the menstrual cycle.
3. What are some examples of key physical changes that occur during puberty?
During puberty, several significant physical changes take place, including:
Sudden increase in height: Both boys and girls experience a rapid growth spurt.
Change in body shape: In boys, shoulders broaden and muscles develop. In girls, the region below the waist becomes wider and breasts develop.
Change in voice: In boys, the voice box (larynx) grows, leading to a deeper voice. This change is less prominent in girls.
Growth of hair: Hair grows in new areas such as the armpits and the pubic region in both sexes. Boys also start to grow facial hair.
Increased gland activity: The sweat and sebaceous (oil) glands become more active, which can lead to acne and pimples.
4. What are secondary sexual characteristics and can you provide examples for boys and girls?
Secondary sexual characteristics are the physical features that develop during puberty and are used to distinguish between males and females, but are not directly involved in reproduction. Examples include:
In Boys: Growth of facial hair (moustache and beard), deepening of the voice, broadening of the shoulders, and hair growth on the chest.
In Girls: Development of breasts, widening of the hips, and the onset of menstruation (menarche).
5. Why is a balanced diet and personal hygiene so important during adolescence?
A balanced diet and personal hygiene are crucial during adolescence for two main reasons. Firstly, the body is undergoing a rapid growth spurt which demands more energy and nutrients; a balanced diet provides the necessary building blocks for bones, muscles, and overall development. Secondly, the increased activity of sweat and sebaceous glands can cause body odour and acne. Maintaining good personal hygiene, such as regular bathing, helps prevent skin infections and promotes confidence and well-being during this sensitive period.
6. How exactly do hormones start the process of puberty?
The onset of puberty is controlled by the endocrine system. The process begins when the pituitary gland, often called the master gland, releases hormones called gonadotropins. These hormones travel through the bloodstream and signal the reproductive organs (gonads) to mature. They stimulate the testes in males to produce testosterone and the ovaries in females to produce estrogen. It is these sex hormones that then trigger the development of secondary sexual characteristics throughout the body.
7. Is adolescence just about physical changes, or do emotional and mental changes happen too?
Adolescence is not just about physical growth; it is also a period of significant emotional and psychological change. It is common for adolescents to experience mood swings, feel more self-conscious, and become more independent. Their way of thinking also matures, allowing for more abstract thought and reasoning. This is a normal part of brain development as an individual transitions from a child's mindset to an adult's. Peer relationships also become extremely important during this time.
