PUBERTY: Growth and Development

…changes
 Puberty

PUBERTY = physical, mental, and emotional

changes as a young child becomes and young
adult.

Physical Changes begin in girls between ages

of 8-10 and last until around 15-16.

Physical changes begin in boys between 10-12

and last until around 17-19
 From Birth to Adulthood

Infancy Early Middle Late

(birth to Childhood Childhood Childhood
age 1) (ages 1–3) (ages 3–5) (ages 6–11)
In the Increased mental In this stage
During this
toddler years skills during the children begin
period
children preschool period to interact more
infants with their
learn that give children the
develop peers. They
they can do ability to play
trust and are simple tasks make-believe and gain mastery
dependent without help. imitate real-life over objects
on others. situations. and activities.
Adolescence and Adulthood (cont’d.)

Adolescence Adulthood (age 19

(ages 12–18) and onward)
During this period During adulthood
teens take on people work to
greater develop
responsibility and relationships, to
begin to develop achieve goals, and
their adult to understand the
personalities. meaning of their
lives.
 Hormones and The Endocrine System

The hormones that cause the physical and

emotional changes of adolescence are
produced by your endocrine system.

 The endocrine system produces hormones that go

directly into your bloodstream.
 The hormones are then carried to different parts of
the body to control various functions.
 The Endocrine System (cont’d.)

Pituitary gland
Parathyroid glands The pituitary gland produces
These glands regulate the several hormones that control the
levels of calcium and work of other glands and organs.
phosphorous in the blood.
Thyroid gland
The hormone produced by
Adrenal glands the thyroid gland
The adrenal glands regulates body growth and
produce hormones the rate of metabolism.
that help regulate
the balance of salt
Pancreas
and water in the The pancreas controls the
body. level of sugar in the blood
and provides the small
Ovaries (in female) intestine with enzymes.
Hormones produced Testes (in male)
in the ovaries control The hormone produced
sexual development in the testes controls
and the maturing sexual development
of eggs. and the production of
sperm.
 Hormones responsible for Puberty

The Female hormone

responsible for puberty
changes is Estrogen. It is
produced in the Ovaries.
The male Hormone
responsible for Puberty is
Testosterone. The
hormones are made in the
Ovaries (females) and
Testicles (males) but in
reality. Both organs
produce both hormones.

Obviously boys should

have more testosterone,
etc.
CHANGES DURING PUBERTY
 Emotional Changes

Puberty may bring on powerful emotions. You

may even experience mood swings.

Mood swings are a natural part of being a teen.

They are caused by the release of hormones as
well as the changes that you are going through.

The fluctuations in your emotions are signs that

you are maturing emotionally.
 Expressing Your Emotions

No matter what you are feeling, it is

important to express your emotions in
constructive and appropriate ways.

 Try to face feelings of anger, sadness, or

frustration instead of hiding them.
 Tell someone if a problem is bothering you or
if you often feel sad.
 If you are angry or upset with someone, take
time to consider the other person’s point of
view.
 Mental changes

Through puberty, your brain begins to be

able to solve more complex problems. Teens
must be very careful however because the
part of their brain responsible for decision
making is one of the last parts of the body to
mature.
THUS...many times, teenagers make
decisions with their emotions rather than
logic
 Social Development

As you progress through your teen years, your

sense of identity is likely to undergo major
changes.

As a result of these changes, you will become

part of new social groups and be involved in
interests and activities that are important to
you.

The interests and activities that you pursue in

adolescence, as well as your influences around
you that develop your attitudes, beliefs and
values, will help shape the type of person you
will become as an adult.
 Adolescence and Adulthood

The physical, mental/emotional, and social changes you

experience during your teen years serve as a bridge
from childhood to adulthood.

The decisions you make now will affect the person you
become as an adult. These decisions include the
following:

 Eating healthful foods.

 Engaging in sports or other physical activity.
 Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.
 Doing well in school and/or receiving training in an
area you may find a job in later
 Managing Stress
 Finding positive solutions to conflicts
 Preparing for Adulthood

Remember the slide that said teens make decisions with

their emotions not logic??

Changes in your thinking abilities will eventually lead

you to consider more factors when you face complex
situations. You begin to ask yourself “what if” questions.

Asking yourself questions about the consequences of

your actions will help you make safe and healthful
choices.

Be careful though, teens and young adults aren’t finished

emotionally maturing until between 19-24.