What is Puberty (Adolescence) and The Changes Occurring at the time of puberty

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In this article, we will share some detailed information on what is puberty (Adolescence) and the changes occurring at the time of puberty. And if you are interested in more articles, comment to us below.

What Is Puberty?

Puberty is generally referred to the duration or period of life in which the body develops the ability to reproduce due to increased gametogenic and endocrine functions of the gonads in the body.

• In males, puberty occurs between the ages of 9-14 years.

• In females, puberty occurs between the ages of 8-13 years.

What Causes puberty?

At the time of puberty, the frequency or amount of secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) increases and in turn leads to increased secretion of reproductive hormones like luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) that bring changes in the male and female body.

Changes Occurring At The Time Of Puberty:

In Females:

The changes in the female body at the time of puberty are due to the increased secretion of FSH and LH that in turn stimulate the secretion of female reproductive hormones called progesterone and estrogen.

10 common changes occurring in females during puberty are:

• Widening and enlargement of pelvis region.

• Growth of pubic and axillary hairs.

• Vaginal discharge occurs.

• Body shape begins to change.

• Increase fat deposition in the buttocks.

• Development of acne on the face and back.

• Development or enlargement of breasts.

• Hips and thigh grow bigger.

• Beginning of the menstrual cycle.

• Enlargement of fallopian tube, ovaries, vagina, and uterus.

What Are Female Reproductive Or Sex Organs?

Female reproductive or sex organs refer to the organs of the female body that directly or indirectly involved in the process of reproduction, conceiving, and labor (giving birth).

The reproductive organs are classified as primary and accessory sex organs:

Primary Reproductive Organ:

• Ovaries

Accessory Reproductive Organ:

• Vagina 
• Fallopian tube
• Uterus

What Is Menarche?

The beginning of the onset of the first menstrual cycle is called menarche and this usually occurs between the ages of 11-13 years.  

What Is Menopause?

The natural process of decline or stopping of menstruation is called menopause and it usually occurs once the individual fails to attain menstruation for 12 months between the ages of 45-55 years.

In Males:

The changes in the male body at the time of puberty are due to increased secretion of LH and FSH that in turn stimulate the production of male reproductive hormones testosterone.

10 common changes occurring in males during puberty are:

• Increased muscular development.

• Stronger and longer development of the pelvis region.

• Development of aggressive behavior.

• Growth of axillary, pubic, and facial hairs.

• Increasing interest towards the opposite sex.

• Development of acne or pimples on the face and back.

• Growth of the external reproductive organs (genitalia).

• Development of broad shoulders.

• Penile erection and discharge occur.

• Enlargement of the larynx resulting in a deeper and louder voice in males.

What Are Male Reproductive Or Sex Organs?

Male reproductive or sex organs refer to the organs of the male body that directly or indirectly involved in the process of reproduction or love-making or conceiving and producing their offspring.

The reproductive or sex organs are classified into primary and accessory sex organs:

Primary Sex Organ:

• Testis

Secondary Sex Organ:

• Penis
• Urethra
• Prostate
• Scrotum
• Epididymis
• Vas deferens
• Seminal Vesicles

What is Precocious Puberty?

Precocious puberty refers to the condition in which the period of puberty starts at an early age. The normal age for males is between 9-14 years and for females 8-13 years.

Causes For Precocious Puberty:

• Genetic syndrome.

• Tumors on the ovaries, brain, testis, adrenal glands, pituitary glands, etc.

• Central nervous system disorders.

• Injury to spinal cord or brain.

• Rarely due to hypothyroidism.

• Radiation therapy.

• Contact with an external source of sex hormone-like estrogen and progesterone through creams or ointments.

Results (Symptoms) Of Precocious Puberty:

• Abnormal body growth.

• Emotional or social issues.

• Increased adult-like body odor.

• Development of acne.

• Increased fat deposition in hips and thighs in females.

• Growth of axilla, pubic or facial (males) hairs.

• It leads to sweating and oily skin.

• In females, enlargement of the breast and onset of the first menstrual cycle.

• In males, growth of the penis, testicles, and louder voice.

Remedies For Precocious Puberty:

• Maintaining a healthy body weight.

• Avoiding contact with external reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone.

What Is Delay Puberty?

Delayed puberty refers to the condition in which the period of puberty does not occur at the appropriate age or taking 5 years more to attain puberty than normal age, but the normal age for puberty in females is 8-13 years and in males is 9-14 years.

Causes For Delayed Puberty:

• Hypopituitarism.

• Cardiac disorders.

• Hormonal disorders.

• Malnutrition.

• Constitutional delay of puberty.

• Chemo or radiotherapy.

• Due to intense physical training, exercise, gymnastics, etc.

• Genetic syndromes like turner's syndrome in females and Klinefelter syndrome in males.

Results (Symptoms) Of Precocious Puberty:

• No development in the penis and testicles in males.

• Lack of breast development in girls.

• Failure of onset of the first menstrual cycle in females.

• No growth of pubic, axilla, or facial hairs.

• Lack of development of voice in either gender.

Remedies For Precocious Puberty:

Administration drugs of testosterone hormones in males.

Administration of estrogen and progesterone drugs in females.

Maintaining a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients.

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