HEALTH (Physical Changes at Puberty)
- 1. Growth and Development PHYSICAL CHANGES AT PUBERTY
- 2. Physical Changes at Puberty The word adolescence is from the Latin word adolescere, meaning “to grow up.” This is the period of growth after childhood and before adulthood. As you go through adolescence, you experience many changes on your body. These physical changes of adolescence occur at a time called puberty.
- 3. Physical Changes at Puberty During the puberty, hormones are released in very small amounts into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland, a pea-shaped gland that sits just below the brain. One of the hormones that is activated and circulated through the blood is the growth hormone.
- 4. Physical Changes at Puberty Adolescents also undergo changes in their reproductive or sex organs as hormones such as estrogen for WOMEN and androgen for MEN are released. These hormones mainly affect the growth and development of reproductive organs, reproductive cycles, and sexual behavior of both girls and boys. They also influence secondary sex characteristics such as Body Hair Distribution, Body Contour and Voice Pitch.
- 5. The table presents the comparison of the puberty changes between girls and boys. Changes in Boys Changes in Girls 1.) Height increases very quickly and later than girls 1.) Height increases very quickly and earlier than boys. 2.) Shoulders become broader 2.) Hips grow broader. 3.) Face alters. Changes in faces are more pronounced than girls. 3.) Face alters. Changes in faces are less distinctive than boys. 4.) Voice becomes lower and deeper. 4.) Voice becomes higher. 5.) Body hair and facial hair start to grow. 5.) Body hair starts to grow. 6.) Testes produce sperm cells. 6.) Ovaries produce egg cells. 7.) Nocturnal emission occurs. 7.) Menstruation occurs
- 7. Physical Changes at Puberty Menstruation is the monthly discharge or flow of blood from the uterus. It is a normal function of girls’ reproductive system. At birth, a girl already has thousands of undeveloped egg cells in her ovaries. Ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system, produce the egg cells. They are also responsible for the production of the female hormone estrogen that is responsible for the bodily changes in girls.
- 8. Physical Changes at Puberty The egg cells mature at puberty. The two ovaries alternate in releasing a mature egg cell. Each month, one egg ripens or matures in one ovary. This mature egg leaves the ovary and enters the fallopian tube. Fallopian tube is the passageway of the egg cells leading to the uterus, also known as the womb. A mucous membrane develops in the uterus to receive the mature egg cell in case of pregnancy.
- 9. Physical Changes at Puberty The mucous membrane or the endometrium is where the egg is implanted in the uterus when it is fertilized by a sperm cell from a male. It is also where a fetus or unborn baby stays, gets nourishment and protection as it grows. If no sperm cell fertilizes the egg, the egg dies. The mucous membrane in the uterus breaks and comes out along the dead egg, as a blood flow. This menstrual flow stops afterward and the cycle begins again. The cycle takes about 28 days in most cases.
- 11. Physical Changes at Puberty Boys’ reproductive system is mainly for the production and transport of sperm cells to fertilize mature egg cells. Sperm cells mature only at puberty. The changes in the body of a boy are triggered by the hormone testosterone produced by the sex gland testes.
- 12. Physical Changes at Puberty One of the pubertal changes that boys undergo includes experiencing a nocturnal emission or a “wet dream”. Nocturnal means “occurring in the night”; while emission means “discharge”. A wet dream is discharged from the penis during sleep. This emission comes out naturally. This is a natural occurrence among boys. It is a sign that your body is developing and maturing. The semen that your body produces has to come out to give space to new ones that your body continually produces.
- 13. Myths and Misconceptions About Premenstrual Syndrome and Menstruation There are strange stories and beliefs about menstruation. These stories and beliefs have been passed on from one generation to another. Some of these stories are still heard today. The following are some of the myths and misconceptions about menstruation.
- 14. Myths and Misconceptions About Premenstrual Syndrome and Menstruation 1) You become fat before your menstrual period. 2) Vigorous exercise is prohibited during one’s period. 3) Menstrual blood is dirty blood. 4) Washing your face with menstrual blood will result in a clear, smooth complexion and keep pimples at bay.
- 15. Myths and Misconceptions About Premenstrual Syndrome and Menstruation 5) Sit or jump from the third step of the stairs to shorten your period to three days. 6) Bathing or washing your hair during menstrual period will make you crazy. Bathing will also shorten the menstrual period. 7) Eating a certain food, especially sour fruits like green mangoes, is bad for a menstruating woman.
- 16. Health for Life Knowing and understanding your growth process and development is important to better understand the changes in yourself as well as in others.