Answer 1: Puberty is the transition period from childhood into early adulthood and is marked by the body’s physical maturation. This period is most closely related to the onset of hormonal changes in the body that begin during early childhood and continue to progress through adolescence. During puberty, sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone cause the reproductive organs to develop and the body to experience physical and emotional changes. Hormonal changes associated with puberty are also associated with physical changes such as increased height and weight, increased muscle mass, and changes in facial features, among others. While these changes begin to occur at different times for each individual, the age range in which they begin is usually between 10 and 14 years.
Understanding what happens during puberty and the changes associated with it is key to helping adolescents and their families navigate this process. Educational and mental health support can help adolescents adjust to their changing bodies and cope with the emotional and social changes that accompany puberty. It is also important for parents and caregivers to provide guidance to adolescents during this time so they can make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.