What to Expect During Puberty

Puberty is a natural phase of life, but for many tweens and teens, it can feel confusing, exciting, and overwhelming all at once. It’s the time when the body changes from a child’s to an adult’s triggered by shifting hormones that affect everything from growth and skin to emotions and reproductive health.

Whether you’re preparing for puberty or supporting someone going through it, understanding the signs and stages can help make the transition smoother and less stressful.

What Exactly Is Puberty?

Puberty marks the time when the body becomes physically capable of reproduction. It usually begins between the ages of 8 and 13 for girls and 9 and 14 for boys, although some start earlier or later. These changes are sparked by signals from the brain (specifically the hypothalamus), which tell the body to begin producing sex hormones like estrogen or testosterone.

As a result, you may notice growth spurts, changes in mood, and the development of sexual and secondary physical characteristics.

Hormonal Changes and What They Do

• In girls, estrogen levels rise, triggering breast development, body fat redistribution, and the start of menstruation.

• In boys, testosterone prompts growth of the penis and testes, muscle gain, voice changes, and facial hair.

Both boys and girls may also experience acne, body odor, and mood swings during this time.

Physical Signs of Puberty in Girls

If you were assigned female at birth, puberty typically follows a general pattern:

• Breast buds (small, tender lumps under the nipples)

• Growth of pubic and underarm hair

• Widening hips and increased body fat in the thighs and buttocks

• The first menstrual period (usually about two years after breast buds appear)

• A growth spurt, which generally happens a year or two before periods start

After menstruation begins, most girls grow only an additional 1–2 inches in height.

Physical Signs of Puberty in Boys

For those assigned male at birth, physical changes during puberty include:

• Enlargement of the penis and testicles

• Growth of pubic, underarm, and facial hair

• Erections and ejaculations become more common

• Voice deepens (often cracking at first)

• Broadening of the shoulders and muscle development

• A growth spurt, typically between ages 12 and 15

Boys often stop growing in height around age 16 but can continue gaining muscle mass into their 20s.

Emotional Changes You Might Notice

Puberty doesn’t just change your body it affects your mind and mood, too. Emotional changes can include:

• Stronger feelings or mood swings

• Irritability or frequent frustration

• Increased anxiety about physical changes

• Embarrassment in social settings

While these changes are normal, prolonged sadness or withdrawal may signal a deeper concern like depression. If emotions feel unmanageable or disruptive, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider.

What If Puberty Starts Early or Late?

Not everyone starts puberty at the same time. The process can begin early or late, and both are considered normal in many cases.

• Early puberty (before age 8 in girls or age 9 in boys) may run in families or be linked to conditions involving the brain or hormone-producing glands.

• Delayed puberty (after age 13 in girls or 14 in boys) can also be genetic or tied to factors like chronic illness, intense athletic training, or low body fat.

Medical conditions like Turner syndrome (in girls) or hormone deficiencies (in boys) may also delay development. Often, late bloomers catch up with peers in time, but professional evaluation is recommended if puberty hasn't started by the expected age.

How to Tell If Puberty Has Started

If you’re unsure whether puberty has begun, consider these questions:

General Questions for All Genders:

• Has your skin become more oily or acne-prone?

• Are you growing taller quickly?

• Do your emotions feel more intense or unpredictable?

• Have you developed pubic or underarm hair?

For Girls:

• Are your breasts beginning to grow or feel tender?

• Have you noticed your hips getting wider?

• Have you gained weight recently?

• Have you started having periods?

For Boys:

• Have your testicles or penis started to grow?

• Are erections or ejaculations happening more often?

• Is your voice starting to deepen or crack?

• Are your shoulders becoming broader?

These signs vary from person to person, but they all point to one thing: your body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to.

When to Talk to a Doctor

If there are concerns about early or late puberty or if changes seem unusual it’s best to check in with a pediatrician or family doctor. They can assess growth, hormone levels, and overall health to rule out any underlying issues and provide reassurance about the process.

Like this article? Subscribe to our newsletter or share it with someone navigating puberty today.