My Body · Puberty, Explained
Puberty: What Changes and Why
By the eva team · · 1 min read
Puberty is the natural stage when hormones begin changing your body from a child’s body toward an adult body. You may grow taller, develop breasts and body hair, notice changes in your skin and sweat, and eventually begin having periods. These changes do not happen all at once or in exactly the same order for everyone.
1. What Exactly Is Puberty?
Puberty is a gradual process of physical development. It does not happen overnight. Your brain and hormones begin sending signals that lead to changes in your height, body shape, skin, hair, reproductive organs and menstrual cycle.
2. Your Brain Starts The Process
Puberty begins when an area of the brain starts releasing hormone signals. These signals activate other hormones that guide growth and sexual development. Hormones are chemical messengers, not something you can consciously start, stop or control.
3. Your Body Begins To Grow And Change
During puberty, you may grow taller and gain weight as your body develops. Breasts may begin growing, hips may become wider and hair may appear under the arms and around the vulva. These are expected parts of development, not flaws that need to be fixed.
4. Skin, Sweat And Hair Can Change Too
Puberty hormones can make the skin and hair oilier. You may notice acne, stronger body odour or more sweating. Body hair may also become darker or thicker. These changes are common, although everyone experiences them differently.
5. Periods Usually Come Later In Puberty
Breast development is often one of the first visible signs of puberty in girls. Pubic and underarm hair usually develop afterward, and the first period commonly begins about two to three years after breast development starts. The exact order and timing can still vary.
6. There Is No One “Correct” Puberty Body
Puberty does not follow one perfect schedule. Two people of the same age may look completely different while both are developing normally. Avoid comparing your height, breasts, body hair, skin or period timing with someone else’s body. Ask a trusted adult or healthcare professional when a change worries you or you have questions about your development.