During puberty there are many changes that are happening in your body - some visible from the outside, some occurring inside. First, let’s chat about what is happening on the outside of your body.

If you are a boy…

Pimples. Body hair. Moody moments. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re likely on the path of puberty. It’s a road everyone travels, and it certainly has its bumps. But it’s also an amazing time! 

• Puberty begins and body changes; growth spurts occur
• Testes mature and produce sperm
• Genitals enlarge (penis, testes)
• You can start having pimples

Pimples can appear - on your face, back, anywhere! - for many reasons. Especially during puberty, your skin produces more oil - and combined with bacteria and dirt, your pores get clogged and the result is acne. Other people have a family history of acne - whether you get it or not sometimes is genetic.

Here are some tips for preventing and getting rid of acne: 

• Keep your face clean. Wash your face daily, gently, with warm water.
• Don’t pick or pop your pimples, no matter how much you want! (No matter how irresistible) Picking and popping can lead to scarring and more pimples.
• Ask your pharmacist - there are drugs that can provide relief for some acne.
• If it’s really bad, ask your doctor. He or she might be able to prescribe you some medicines that are stronger than what you can find at a pharmacy.

Pubic hair grows

• You can experience nocturnal emissions (“wet dreams”)
• Muscles enlarge
• You will grow taller and your body becomes mature

If you are a girl….

Pimples. Growing breasts. Body hair. Moody moments. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re likely on the path of puberty. It’s a road everyone travels, and it certainly has its bumps. But it’s also an amazing time! 

• Puberty begins and body changes; growth spurts can occur
• Menstruation begins in most girls
• Your breasts start developing
• You can start having pimples 

Breasts come in endless shapes, sizes, and colors. There’s no way to predict how big or small your breasts will be, and there’s no way to know how long it will take your breasts to fully develop. On average, it takes about 4-5 years for your breasts to fully develop into their adult size.

A woman’s breast size is in her DNA - that means she is born with a predetermined size, and it cannot be changed with injections, medicines, vitamins, or special foods. 

• Genitals enlarge (Vulva, Vagina)
• Growth pubic hair

Your pubic area is the triangular patch above your vagina. As you go through puberty, you will begin to notice that hair begins to grow here. This is called pubic hair!

Another potential change in your pubic area is a discharge from your vagina. You may notice this as a sticky liquid in your underpants. This is totally normal. The discharge comes from your vagina, and is normally clear, or white, and has very little smell. Your vagina makes this discharge to keep itself clean!

Warning: If the discharge has a different color or a strong smell, this may be the sign of an infection. Your vagina also might feel itchy or swollen. If so, contact a doctor or nurse - you may have an infection.

• Acne develops

Acne can appear - on your face, back, anywhere! - for many reasons. Especially during puberty, your skin produces more oil - and combined with bacteria and dirt, your pores get clogged and the result is acne. Other people have a family history of acne - whether you get it or not sometimes is genetic.

Here are some tips for preventing and getting rid of acne: 

• Keep your face clean. Wash your face daily, gently, with warm water.
• Don’t pick or pop your pimples, no matter how much you want to! (even though it can be soooo irresistible) Picking and popping can lead to scarring and more pimples.
• Ask a doctor or nurse - there are drugs that can provide relief for some acne.

Hips widen 

Ovulation

Menstruation

You are now able to get pregnant.

You will grow taller and your body becomes mature

Women come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and weights. Some girls are tall and curvy, while others are short and skinny. Some girls worry if their weight is normal for their age, but remember: everyone has a different body type, so it’s not useful to compare yourself to others.

It’s important to treat your body right your whole life - and especially during puberty when your body is going through so many changes. Try to develop healthy eating habits - drink lots of water, eat fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugary snacks like soda and candy.