Pubertal Counseling

Puberty is a term for the changes the body goes through during the preteen and teen years (Adolescence). It refers to the physical transitions that occur during adolescence. Adolescents also experience cognitive maturation and psychosocial maturation.

Puberty is caused by hormones in the body. These hormones come from the brain as well as organs called the ovaries (in girls) and the testicles (in boys). The ovaries make a hormone called "estrogen." The testicles make a hormone called "testosterone." Estrogen and testosterone cause many changes in the body.

Puberty starts at different times in different children. Girls usually start puberty between ages 9 and 12. Boys usually start puberty between ages 10 and 13. But it can be normal for children to start puberty before or after these ages. The exact time a child starts puberty depends on different factors, including his or her genes, nutrition, and weight.