Growing Up - Physical Changes

Puberty and sexual development doesn't happen at the same time for everyone so don't worry if you seem to be developing more quickly or more slowly than other people.

Body changes usually carry on into your late teens or early 20s. Whether you start early or late, mature quickly or slowly, body changes will continue until you are fully developed.

Lots of things could happen that might seem abnormal (such as 'growing pains'). However, speak to someone (such as a doctor or nurse) if you're at all concerned.

Girls

Sexual development can start at any time between 8 and 14, and is marked by a whole range of body changes, such as:

you grow taller.
hips will get broader.
pubic and underarm hair begin to grow.
breasts start to grow.
start of periods (roughly every month - but it might take a few years to settle into this pattern).
you might begin to get spots and blackheads on your face, neck and back.

You may feel moody and irritable at times due to the physical and hormonal changes happening to you.

Boys

Sexual development can happen at any time between 10 and 18, but usually begins around 13 or 14.

you get taller and more muscular.
your shoulders widen.
your voice deepens.
your genitals (penis and testicles) get bigger.
hair grows on different parts of your body - legs, genitals, arms, face and chest.
your nipples and breast area can become sensitive for a short time.
spots and blackheads may grow on your face, neck, chest and back.

You may feel moody and irritable at times due to hormonal changes happening inside.

These changes are a normal part of growing up but can be confusing if you're not prepared and not sure what's happening to you.

You can find a lot of information about puberty and other aspects of sexual development from Brook.