Physical changes during puberty

Teenagers experience significant growth spurts during puberty. This is the phase in which primary and secondary sexual characteristics develop. Puberty generally starts earlier in girls than it does in boys.

Growth in boys during puberty

Increasing body size is a significant feature of puberty. For example, during this phase, boys can grow by anywhere from five to eight centimetres in just a year – that's 20 to 24 centimetres by the end of puberty. This has an impact on the body’s proportions: legs become longer in relation to the torso, and muscle and fatty tissue increase. These changes can lead to growing pains in different parts of the body, such as the arms, legs or back. But it's not just bones and tissue that change. Facial and body hair increase too.

Growth in girls during puberty

Girls grow during puberty too. In particular, their legs get longer – something which, likewise, can lead to growing pains. As well as that, girls’ breasts grow, their hips get wider, and fatty and muscular tissue increase. Starting to menstruate and the growth of pubic hair are further indications of puberty.

Growth spurts in girls and boys can lead to an increased metabolic rate. This can increase the body temperature and cause increased sweating during puberty.

Puberty is a time of major transformation for teenagers and their parents, and not just a physical one. We have tips to help parents navigate this challenging period.

During puberty, the body undergoes a great deal of change. The sexual organs mature for one, indicative of reproductive ability.

Breasts during puberty

Breast development in girls is just one of many visible changes. The mammary gland begins to grow, and the breast tissue stores more body fat. Breast growth may occasionally cause breast pain.

It is normal for one breast to be larger than the other during puberty. Breasts are rarely exactly the same size, not even in adulthood. During puberty, however, there can be greater differences. However, these more or less balance out before they finish growing. A doctor should be consulted where significant differences are observed.

Equally normal is gynaecomastia – a swelling of the mammary gland in boys during puberty. The trigger for this is an imbalance between female and male sex hormones. By the end of puberty, the swelling around the nipples usually disappears completely.

The vagina during puberty

Like the breasts, the vagina also changes during puberty. Externally, this can be seen in the growth of the vulva – the outer and inner labia become larger. Inside, the vagina produces secretions referred to as discharge. This serves to clean the vagina and prepare it for sexual intercourse.

Testicles during puberty

Physical change during puberty is set in motion by the brain, which emits various signals. For instance, the testicles begin to produce the male sex hormone testosterone. This promotes the development of the primary male sexual characteristics and is responsible for the production of sperm. During this process, the testicles enlarge. This growth can cause testicular pain during puberty, which is not usually a cause for concern. However, if the pain persists for a longer period of time, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

The penis during puberty

Testosterone also affects the growth of the penis. This changes in length and circumference during puberty. Erections will now also occur more frequently and may lead to ejaculation.

The increased production of testosterone causes the larynx to grow. The vocal cords, which are located in the larynx, also change: they become longer and thicker. This allows the vocal cords to produce a lower pitch. But until then, the voice can fluctuate between high and low tones, sounding brittle and croaky. When does your voice break? Usually, the first signs of the voice breaking will appear anywhere between the ages of 12 and 16 and can last anywhere from six months to two years.

Do girls’ voices break too? No, girls’ voices do not break, but their voice does change, as their vocal folds and larynx grow during puberty too.

Orthodontic treatment is usually carried out in the phase of secondary dentition between the ages of 10 and 12 – i.e. before puberty. The jaw undergoes significant growth during this time. Braces can more easily compensate for misalignments of the jaw at this time.

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Hormonal changes experienced during puberty can cause the hair to become greasy more quickly. This is primarily due to the increased production of sex hormones. Testosterone, in particular, can stimulate the sebaceous glands in boys and girls. Tried and tested home remedies for greasy hair during puberty include apple cider vinegar, black tea or chamomile tea, which can be used to rinse hair after shampooing.

Hormonal change can also lead to hair loss. Both boys and girls are affected by this. Hormone-related hair loss should be investigated by a doctor, as it could also be indicative of conditions such as polycystic ovaries in girls.

There’s no puberty without spots! But why do we get spots during puberty? Again, sex hormones are responsible for this. That's because the increase in these produces more sebum. The consequences: clogged pores, blackheads, inflammation, spots and acne.

What causes acne? Why do you get spots during puberty and why should you not squeeze them? More on this in our blog post about acne:

It is important to recognise that aggression, angry outbursts and mood swings are normal during puberty. These may not necessarily be directed towards parents but are an outlet for coming to terms with the many changes they are undergoing. Communicating openly and honestly can help during puberty. Accept that your child is developing a new need for autonomy. Ample patience, calm and affection are key to overcoming this challenge.