Puberty || Entry into adolescence - stage of biological and sexual maturity

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Puberty is the stage of life during which you become biologically and sexually mature. It is the entry into adolescence, a period of tremendous changes in the body, emotions, attitude, values, intellect and relationships. This is the transition from the world of the child that gives way to the world of the adult.

No one can escape puberty as it happens to all of us - boys and girls. In girls, it may start at the age of 9 or 10 and in boys it may begin around 12 or 13 years, although there is variation in the age from one person to the other.

Puberty and adolescence - becoming biologically and sexually mature

Puberty is often talked about as a period of turbulence and trials because you begin to develop a sex drive, experience mood swings, develop relationships with people of the same and/or opposite gender, and face different kinds of pressure at home and at school. Change is always a difficult process, but is an inevitable part of life. Without change and without pain there is no journey, there is no quest, there is no progress. Holding on to the past can be comfortable and secure, and the future often appears uncertain; but try to think of it as an exciting adventure into and with yourself.

Most adolescents feel that they do not get adequate information about the changes they are going through, and don't feel like the adults around are being understanding. So there is worry, fear, and insecurity. However, feelings like this are normal during puberty, and all of us, even your parents once felt the same way.

Some of our greatest anxiety at this stage is about our physical body because it is changing and growing in new and uncertain ways; it appears to have a life of its own and nothing you are thinking or feeling can stop it's rate of change. Hardly anyone talks to us openly about it, and even when they do its as if they are hiding the most important part of the truth! Understanding these physical changes will make you realize that that you are not alone in this journey, and will help you make your way through the turbulent sea of adolescence.

There are some very visible and invisible changes that occur in your body. Some changes occur silently without you realizing them, and there are other more obvious changes that are loud and confusing. Though the external feeling is confusion or awkwardness, there is an internal chemistry that is in harmony, all changes are interconnected and proceed smoothly within. What it all reveals is the miracle of life and the mystery of the human body as it prepares itself for change and choice and growth.

Puberty in boys and girls begins in a tiny corner of the brain called the pituitary gland; it sends out chemical messengers called hormones to the reproductive organs to release another set of hormones, which will lead to changes in the body. In boys, the hormone that creates these changes is called testosterone, and in girls it is estrogen.