comment on the pattern of growth in Human beings during puberty
Answers
Around 12-14 years (about two years after breast development starts)
Hair will start growing under your daughter’s arms.
Your daughter will get a clear or whitish discharge from her vagina for several months before her periods start. If the discharge bothers your daughter, you could suggest she uses a panty liner. If your daughter says she has itching, pain or a bad or strong odour, check with a GP.
Periods will start. This is when the lining of the uterus (womb), including blood, is shed every month. Your daughter might get pain before and during her period, like headaches or stomach cramps. Her periods might be irregular at first.
Boys: key physical changes in puberty
If you have a son, these are the main external physical changes in puberty that you can expect.
Around 11-13 years
The external genitals (penis, testes and scrotum) will start to grow. It’s normal for one testis to grow faster than the other. You can reassure your son that men’s testes usually aren’t the same size.
Pubic hair will start to grow. It will get darker and thicker over time.
Around 12-14 years
Your son will have a growth spurt. He’ll get taller and his chest and shoulders will get broader. Some parts of his body – like his head, face and hands – might grow faster than his limbs and torso. This might leave him looking out of proportion for a while. On average boys grow 10-30 cm. They usually stop growing at around 18-20 years.
It’s common for boys to have minor breast development. If your son is worried by this, you can let him know it’s normal and usually goes away by itself. If it doesn’t go away or if your son’s breasts seem to be growing a lot, he could speak to his GP.
Around 13-15 years
Hair will start growing on other parts of your son’s body – under his arms, on his face and on the rest of his body. His leg and arm hair will thicken. Some young men will grow more body hair into their early 20s.
Your son will start producing more testosterone, which stimulates the testes to produce sperm.
Your son will start getting erections and ejaculating (releasing sperm). During this period, erections often happen for no reason at all. Just let your son know that this is normal and that people don’t usually notice. Ejaculation during sleep is often called a ‘wet dream’.
Around 14-15 years
The larynx (‘Adam’s apple’ or voice box) will become more obvious. Your son’s larynx will get larger and his voice will ‘break’, eventually becoming deeper. Some boys’ voices move from high to low and back again, even in one sentence. This will stop in time.
The start and stages of puberty happen at different times for different children. But if you’re worried that your child is starting puberty early or late, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP.
Other physical changes in puberty: inside and out
Brain
Changes in the teenage brain affect your child’s behaviour and social skills. Your child will begin to develop improved self-control and skills in planning, problem-solving and decision-making. This process will continue into your child’s mid-20s.
Bones, organs and body systems
Many of your child’s organs will get bigger and stronger. Lung performance improves, limbs grow, and bones increase in thickness and volume.
Clumsiness
Because children grow so fast during puberty, their centres of gravity change and their brains might take a while to adjust. This might affect your child’s balance. You might see a bit more clumsiness for a while, and your child might be more likely to be injured.
Physical strength
Muscles increase in strength and size during this period. Your child’s hand-eye coordination will get better over time, along with motor skills like ball-catching and throwing.
Weight
Your child will gain weight and need more healthy food. Teenagers’ stomachs and intestines increase in size, and they need more energy, proteins and minerals. Foods with plenty of calcium and iron are important for bone growth and blood circulation.