Adolescence is the transition period from childhood to adulthood. With the emergence of secondary sex characters, rapid growth is an important developmental process in which reproductive ability is acquired and sexual maturation is achieved, along with changes in body shape and size.
As a result of hormonal changes, as well as gender-specific physical and emotional differences, growth explosion, Increased appetite and behavioral changes begin. During this period, the brain also grows and develops rapidly. Just like the first two years of life, adolescence is a sensitive period both psychologically and biologically. Sensitivity to environmental factors (chemicals, infections) has also increased.
Normal Puberty in Girls
Puberty begins on average at the age of 10 -10.5 in girls. The first change is breast enlargement. Although breast development usually begins unilaterally, it can also begin bilaterally. Breast development is followed by hair growth in the armpit and genital area, followed by menstrual bleeding. Sometimes this order may be disrupted and begin with hair growth. There will be a rapid increase in height in the period leading up to menstruation. Girls experience the highest height increase in the early adolescence. After menstruation, the rate of height growth decreases.
Normal Puberty in Boys
Puberty begins at the average age of 11-11.5 in boys. The first change is testicular enlargement. Testicular growth is followed by penis growth and hair growth. Armpit hair growth, which begins around the age of 13, is followed by changes in body odor and acne. In boys, the growth spurt occurs in mid-adolescence. There is an increase in muscle mass and strength.
More attention should be paid to the nutrition of the child during adolescence, the goodness of the psychosocial environment, and exercise opportunities than in other childhood periods.
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