Body Changes in Puberty: The Teenage Attack

Teenage is a period when our body undergoes a lot of physical and psychological changes. The teenage starts as soon as we turn 13 and goes on till we reach adulthood, i.e, 18 years of age. Teenage which is also known as adolescents is basically a developing stage of both mind and body. There are many hormonal changes in our body due to which our body grows and deals with emotional changes.

These changes caused due to puberty makes you an adult from a child.

Why Do These Changes Take Place?

When our body reaches a certain age, the brain releases a special hormone that starts the changes of puberty. These hormones are known as Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone or GnRH for short. When GnRH reaches the pituitary gland, this gland releases into the bloodstream two more puberty hormones. Both boys and girls have this hormone in their body and depending on their sex, these hormones work accordingly in changing the body.

What Are The Changes That Takes Place In The Body?

Physical Changes In Boys -

• The first change in boys' body is an enlargement of the scrotum and testes which leads to the growth of the penis both in size and length.

• Hair growth in genital areas, underarms, face and on the legs. 

• Boys may have more oily skin and sweating due to puberty hormones.

• Voice changes due to enlargement of vocal cords. The voice may get heavier and louder.

• Increase in height and development of the body. The body becomes more like a man than a boy.

Physical Changes In Girls -

• Enlargement of the breasts.

• Hair growth in genital areas, underarms, face, and legs.

• The menstrual cycle starts as ovaries get bigger and start producing estrogen and progesterone.

• Increase in height.

• Hips widen and body fat increases.

What Your Child Will Expects From You During Teenage

As your child grows and starts becoming an adult he undergoes many changes and he expects many things from his parents but parents still think that their child is very young for all the things he is demanding. This often leads to a clash between both parents and children.

Your child will expect you to give him freedom and independence of wherever he wants to go and whatever he wants to do. He will expect you to not to question him for anything that he demands.

During teenage romantic relationships become important. They start having a long-term relationship commitment. They will expect you to understand their relationship and its value in their life.

Peer influence and acceptance is very important. This is the age where a child will build a strong relationship with you. You should build such a relationship where your child is able to talk to you about any problem instead of getting scared of your reaction to it.

How To Discuss These Changes With Your Child

Your child needs to understand these physical changes that he will be going through. He should know everything about his body so that he/she is not feeling uncomfortable when these changes occur. You as a parent should always find an opportunity to talk to them about these changes and explain to them that this happens with everyone and there is nothing to worry about as it is just a natural process.

You should not feel shy or awkward while discussing this with them as this will make them uncomfortable as well. You should also discuss the emotional changes that are going to take place and how can they control their emotions at this stage. Keep a track on your child's physical changes and if you see any abnormal change then contact your doctor.

Remind your child that their friends are also going to feel the same change but it is not necessary that the rate of change will be the same for everyone. Their friends may grow at a different rate but they will eventually catch up with one another.