Adolescence ( Puberty Notes) From 12-18

Ground Rules for Puberty Unit Be mature and respectful It is ok to giggle but do not laugh or make fun of others No side conversations during notes Ask questions when you have a question Visit kidshealth.org and discuss information with parents

Adolescence (12-18) 3 Changes are happening Mental/Emotional Social Physical

Mental/Emotional Changes Might experience “mood swings.” Feel happy one moment then sad the next. This is partly due to hormones (chemicals in the body.)

Social Changes Start to hang out with different people. Spend time with the opposite gender.

Physical Changes All the physical changes that happen in your body are called Puberty.

What is puberty? It is the time when our bodies change from a child’s body to an adult body. Girls – Start to release eggs Boys – Start to make sperm cell

What causes Puberty? Puberty is caused by the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. What body system makes most of our Hormones?

The Endocrine System Creates hormones that start puberty Two major hormones: Testosterone and Estrogen ( both found in males and females)

Changes in both Genders Sweat Increases Pubic and underarm hair grows Acne External genitals (private parts) enlarge

Changes in Males Only Muscles Develop Voice Deepens Facial and body hair appear. Shoulders broaden. Nocturnal emission

Males only Males may experience “wet dreams” or nocturnal emissions This is when a male may ejaculate or release fluid known as semen while sleeping Semen contains sperm Completely normal and usually happens a few times during Puberty

Changes in Females Only Hips widen Breast develop Body fat increases Menstruation begins

Girls Only During puberty, a girl will have her first period Ovulation is when one unfertilized egg is released from a woman’s ovaries and travels toward her uterus. In a few days, If the egg remains unfertilized, the egg will begin to disintegrate and there will be some bleeding. This is known as a period.

Developmental Task Become independent of parents Define your values Find your identity Accept your body Form mature relationships