Puberty - meaning and definition
Alsoadolescencegoing through pubertypubescence
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Puberty is the stage of development when a child's body matures into an adult body capable of reproduction, driven by rising sex hormones.
At a glance
- Puberty is when a child's body matures into an adult body capable of reproduction.
- It is driven by rising sex hormones and usually begins somewhere between about 8 and 14.
- Timing varies a great deal between individuals, and the process takes several years.
- Changes include growth spurts, body hair and acne, plus changes specific to different bodies such as periods or a deeper voice.
- Puberty that starts much earlier or later than usual can be assessed by a doctor.
In detail
Puberty usually begins somewhere between about 8 and 14 years of age, and the timing varies a great deal between individuals. Changes can include growth spurts, body and pubic hair, acne, breast development and the first period, or growth of the testicles and penis, a deepening voice and first ejaculations.
The process takes several years and brings emotional changes as well as physical ones. Puberty that starts much earlier or later than usual can be assessed by a doctor. Accurate, age-appropriate information helps young people feel less anxious about what is happening.
In a sentence
- Our school has a puberty workshop where students can ask questions anonymously.
- The paediatrician said his growth spurt was a normal part of puberty.
Where the word comes from
From Latin pubertas, meaning the age of maturity, related to pubes, the signs of adulthood.
Common questions
At what age does puberty start?
It usually begins somewhere between about 8 and 14 years of age, and timing varies widely between people. Starting earlier or later than friends is common. If puberty starts much earlier or later than usual, a doctor can check whether anything needs attention.
Is it normal to feel emotional during puberty?
Yes. Puberty brings emotional changes as well as physical ones, as hormones and life circumstances shift. Accurate, age-appropriate information and someone trusted to talk to can make it easier. If low mood or anxiety becomes hard to manage, a doctor or school counsellor can help.