Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It is a process that usually happens between ages 8 and 13 for girls and ages 9 and 14 for boys. It causes physical changes and affects boys and girls differently.
In girls:
- The first sign of puberty is usually breast development.
- Then hair grows in the pubic area and armpits.
- Menstruation (or a period) usually happens last.
In boys:
- Puberty usually begins with the testicles and penis getting bigger.
- Then hair grows in the pubic area and armpits.
- Muscles grow, the voice deepens, and facial hair develops as puberty continues.
Both boys and girls may get acne. They also usually have a growth spurt (a rapid increase in height) that lasts for about 2 or 3 years. This brings them closer to their adult height, which they reach after puberty.
NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Health topic summary reproduced with attribution.
