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Puberty is the process where your body changes from a child to an adult and is a normal part of growing up.

Puberty normally starts somewhere between eight and 14 and can take up to four years. The average age to start puberty is 11 for girls and 12 for boys but not everyone goes through puberty at the same time. Don’t worry if your friends have started to change before you.

During puberty, your brain releases hormones that tell your body it’s time to change. This happens gradually over a few years, not overnight so you might not even notice the changes happening first of all. Oestrogen and progesterone are the two main hormones responsible for the changes in girls and testosterone is the main one in boys.

Girls will develop breasts and start their periods and boys will develop a larger penis and testicles, a deeper voice and a more muscular appearance.

Here are some other signs that you may be starting or going through puberty:

Girls

  • Your hips will get bigger.
  • You'll grow taller.
  • Pubic hair will grow.
  • The hair on your legs might get darker and some girls grow hair on their upper lip.
  • Sexual thoughts and feelings.
  • You might get spots and start to sweat more.
  • You might feel more irritable and moody than usual - this is because of changes in your hormones.

Boys

  • Your voice gets deeper - some people might refer to this as your voice "breaking".
  • You'll get taller, bigger and more muscular with more hair on your face, arms and pubic area.
  • Your penis and testicles will grow larger.
  • Sexual thoughts and feelings.
  • You might get spots and start to sweat more.
  • You might feel more irritable or moody than usual - this is because of changes in your hormones.

If you want help online

If you want to talk to someone

  • ChatHealth - is a confidential texting service for young people aged 11 to 19. You can text the school health team about any concerns or health issues on 07520 618850 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)