Physiological Changes During Adolescence
One term that is the most appropriate to describe the period of 12-18 years of age is metamorphosis. These teen years mark the journey of going from a young child to becoming an adult. Often described as a time of ‘storm and stress’, as a parent, understanding what your teen is going through is essential.
Despite having gone through the process yourself, being on the other end can drastically change how you perceive it. Getting educated on the basics of changes during adolescence is the first step in understanding your teen.
Understanding Puberty
It is not uncommon to hear a relative exclaim about how much your child has grown compared to the last time you met. You may have noticed the physical changes that your teen went through but it might not have actually registered. Still, it is nothing to fret about because puberty is a collection of small changes that gradually culminate in making your child an adult.
What is puberty?
Puberty is the marker of the beginning of adolescence. It can be defined as a period where rapid alterations in the body are brought on by hormonal changes. Puberty leads to sexual maturity and is said to last between 9 and 14 years in females and between 10 and 17 years in males (Marshall & Tanner, 1986). However, the onset of puberty can be earlier or later depending on various factors such as culture, genetics, and so on.
Puberty is characterized by:
- Physical growth and development
- Maturation of sexual organs
- Cognitive, emotional, and social changes
For getting a better look at all the aspects of puberty, let’s focus on the physiological changes.
Puberty in Females
The first phase of puberty in females starts with the release of female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are involved in triggering the appearance of female primary sexual characteristics. As a result, growing females start observing a white or colorless discharge from the vagina. Soon, they begin to menstruate. Proper awareness and preparation for their menarche or first periods can make the experience less traumatizing.
Young females also notice the enlargement of their external genitalia or vulva. Changes in the color of the skin, the thickness of the hair, and other similar phenomena are also common. As long as there is no discomfort or pain, there is no reason to worry about this.
Key Physical Changes Note in the Female Body
1. Females start puberty earlier than males and a growth spurt comes with it. The extremities of the body, such as the head and arms, may grow faster than the torso. Looking out of proportion is normal during these stages. Female bodies grow somewhere between 5cm and 20cm and stop growing around 16 or 17 years.
2. The most notable feature of female puberty is the development of breasts. During this growth, it is common for the chest area to tingle, itch, or ache. The breasts may feel sore and the nipples may become tender and swollen. Each breast develops at a different speed, so asymmetry in size is normal. If your child expresses the need for a bra if you think a bra could be helpful, getting them started with a sports bra can make a difference.
3. Another change you will notice is in the body shape. Females tend to gain some weight and grow curvier.
4. Hair growth is to be expected all over the body, especially in the genital area and under the arms.
Puberty in Males
In males, puberty is triggered by the production of the male sex hormone testosterone. The male primary sexual characteristics are presented through the enlargement of the penis, testes, and scrotum. Asymmetry in testicular size is normal and letting your child know about seemingly insignificant facts like this can save them from lots of stress.
During puberty, males are bound to experience erections and ejaculations suddenly and unexpectedly. Whether it occurs during sleep, in the morning, or during any other time of the day, you need to convey that emissions are completely normal during puberty.
Key Physical Changes Note in the Male Body
1. Again, the growth spurt is one of the features of male puberty. They may shoot up anywhere between 10cm and 30cm, and males tend to grow till the age of 18 or 20. Males also see their shoulders getting broader, limbs and heads growing faster, and look out of proportion for a while.
2. Due to the imbalance of testosterone and estrogen in the male body, some of them experience slight enlargement of the breasts. This usually disappears around 18-20 years when the hormones become more balanced.
3. Growth of hair is more visible in males. Hair grows thicker and darker on the face, underarms, and genitalia. Lack of facial hair like their peers might cause some insecurity in adolescent males, reassuring and supporting your child during such times is critical.
4. The prominent appearance of the Adam’s apple or the larynx is another key feature of male puberty. As the larynx gets larger, their voice will break and become deeper. The fluctuation of the pitch while talking is common and passes with time.
A point to note about puberty is that even though the process begins internally, visible changes may not be noted for a while. You also need to pay attention to how your child reacts to bodily changes like weight gain, acne, hair growth, and so on. Not experiencing puberty in the same way that their peers do might weigh heavy on your child, giving rise to insecurities, it is up to you to find a way to avoid such results.
Coming to Terms With Puberty
Adolescence is a time when there is too much on a child’s plate. Dealing with bodily changes, emotional fluctuations, social expectations, and academic demands can take a toll on them. Hoping that puberty will run its course without any intervention is not wise. Depending on the culture, peers, family dynamics, and other factors, pubescent individuals may become unable to accept changes happening to their bodies or process the situation unhealthily.
Everything from sex education to lending an ear to hear them vent can make a drastic difference. Trivializing the issues that your adolescent shares with you is only going to bring dire consequences. Since the stability you maintain can anchor them in such personally turbulent times, you need to step up and try to make your child’s transition to adulthood as smooth as possible.
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