Puberty: Just The Facts

Puberty happens to everyone – it’s just part of growing up.

It’s one thing we all have in common. Just like the weather – your body changes and the changes can be very unpredictable.

Puberty usually happens between the ages of 8-16. Not everyone goes through it at the same time though as we’re all different, so don’t worry if your friends have started to change and you haven’t, or if you have begun changing but your friends haven’t; we all get there in the end.

During puberty, your body will grow faster than any other time in your life. 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 straight away.

Take a look at our other posts on puberty for more information about the changes you can expect:

• 7 changes everyone will experience through puberty
• 4 puberty changes only females experience
• 7 puberty changes only males experience

How to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.

• w: NHS- Growing Up- What's it all about?
  
• w: Childline- Puberty