Puberty
The changes!
Changing Bodies

During puberty you’re going to grow faster
and develop an adult body and mind. Many
changes will be happening in your body.
Such as:
Skin

During puberty, your skin can become oily.
This can lead to getting pimples or
developing acne. This is a result of a
sudden increase in hormone levels.
Washing regularly and using oil free
products on your skin can help reduce and
prevent acne.
Hair

Both boys and girls will start growing hair
on their legs, under their arms, face, and in
their pubic area. The amount of hair that
grows is different for every person. It is
common that females may start shaving hair
in these areas during puberty.
Breasts

Girls will notice that breasts change during
puberty. They may hurt or tingle as they
grow and develop. Breasts may not grow at
the same rate to the same size. It is normal
for breast size difference through puberty.
Puberty may be a good time to start self
examinations of the breasts to help detect
cancer.
Growth

Growth can be very quick or very slow.
However growth does occur during puberty.
Females will gain weight and grow in
height. Females hips tend to widen and it is
normal to gain weight during this time. The
body is becoming mature and able to have
children. Growing pains can occur with
growth. It is also possible to feel clumsy or
foreign to your body with growth changes.
Perspiration

Both boys and girls start to perspire (sweat)
more during puberty. Perspiration will have
a stronger smell. Many adolescents begin
using a deodorant or antiperspirant when
they begin to perspire through puberty.
Voice

The voices for both boys and girls will
change. This change is more noticeable for
boys. However girls voices may change as
well.
Masturbation

Touching or rubbing your own genitals can
feel good. This is called masturbation.
People of any age may choose to masturbate
or not to masturbate. Both choices are
normal.
Taking Care of Your Body
Puberty
Shower

Adolescents during puberty may want to
start taking a daily shower or bath if they
don’t already. This can keep the body clean
and reduce smell from perspiration.
Deodorant and Antiperspirants

The changes with hormones will cause
adolescents to sweat more and for sweat to
have a stronger odor. Daily baths and
showers help with the smell as well as
deodorants and antiperspirants. Deoderants
cover odor and antiperspirants close off
sweat glands so you don’t sweat. You may
want to talk to a parent or health
professional for which choice is better for
you.
Hair

Just like your skin, your hair may be more
oily than it used to. Washing it more often
can help maintain less oily hair.
Skin

With the increase of oil on the skin it is
important to keep skin clean. Washing your
face twice a day with a facial soap can help
keep things under control. If severe acne
persists, you may want to talk to a doctor
about your concerns with acne.
Teeth/Dental

As always, it is important to care for your
teeth. Brush and floss twice a day to
maintain good health.
Shoes

With an increase of perspiration and odor, it
is possible to notice feet developing an
odor. Clean socks each day and changing
shoes occasionally can help prevent smelly
feet. Feet sprays and a light dusting of
baking soda in your shoes can also help.
Tips for Staying Healthy

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Eating right - follow the pyramid!
Regular exercise
Sleep
Making Healthy Choices
Keeping your body clean
Changing Emotions
Feeling Grown Up

You may start to feel like an adult. You
probably want to be more independent and
make your own choices. It is common that
new interests and feelings are taking place
of old ones. This is a normal part of
puberty.
Feeling Attractive

You may become more interested in your
looks and presentation. This is not
surprising considering your body is
changing is so much. You may find
yourself wanting to look attractive or like
other people including famous people such
as models and acctresses. Keep in mind
that the “ideal” bodies we see are not
always ideal. Learning to like the unique
person you are is an important part of
becoming an adult.
Feeling Liked

During puberty you may find that you’re
more interested in wanting to “fit in” and be
like by others. It’s normal to want to be
liked. But you do not have to act like
someone else or do things you don’t want to
do to be liked.
Sexual Feelings

You and your friends may start having new
sexual feelings. You might discover that
looking at certain people or watching a
certain show or book can excite you. You
might imagine feeling loved or to kiss
someone. These can be powerful feelings
and it can take some time getting used to
these feelings. Talk to a parent, doctor, or
nurse if you have questions about these
feelings.
Changing Relationships

Your relationships may change as you
change in puberty. They may seem more
complex or different. This is normal due to
you changing as a person and maturing as
an individual. You may see a change in
relationships with:
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friends
family
dating
other adults
Decisions, Decisions

As you change through puberty and become
independent, you will find yourself making
a lot of decisions. Always remember to
DEAL and make the right choice.
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D - Describe Problem
E - Evaluate ALL Solutions
A - Act on the solution you feel is best for you
L - Learn from your decision (+ or -)