Your Puberty Survival Guide: What You Need to Know

When you think of puberty, it might make you feel a bit awkward or embarrassed, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Puberty is a natural part of growing up, and while it can bring about many changes, understanding what’s happening can make the journey smoother. Let’s dive into what you need to know. 

What Is Puberty? 

Puberty is a stage of development where you go from childhood to adulthood. During this time, you’ll experience physical and emotional changes, such as: 

• Growing quickly: You might get taller in a short space of time. 
• Hair growth: Hair may appear on your armpits, legs, face, and around your genitals. Where and how much varies person to person. 
• Skin changes: You might experience more spots or acne on your face, back and arms. 
• Body odour: You might notice stronger body smells as you get sweatier. 
• Emotional shifts: Mood swings, irritability, and new feelings can start to occur. 

It’s important to remember that puberty looks different for everyone. Some people start earlier, others later. For most people, puberty happens somewhere between the ages of 8-18. It tends to be a little earlier for girls and people with a vagina, while for most boys and people with a penis, changes might begin to start around age 10. Some changes happen quickly, while others take time. It’s important that you don’t compare yourself to others; your body has its own unique timeline and there’s no rush. 

When Does Puberty End? 

Puberty doesn’t have a set end point. It’s a process that takes several years. For most people, puberty starts between 8 and 14 years old and can continue into the late teens or even early twenties. For some it might start a bit earlier too.  

Think of puberty as a series of stages rather than a single event. It’s not something that happens overnight, and there’s no “finish line.” Embrace each change as it comes, and know that it’s all part of growing up. If you are worried about any changes and when they are happening, speak to someone you trust, like a parent or a teacher.  

How to Navigate Puberty 

You might experience a range of different changes during puberty, as mentioned earlier. Here are some ways to manage some of those changes. 

Mood Swings

It’s common to experience emotional ups and downs. You might feel more worried or tearful and you might want to be alone a bit more. Although you should also feel happy and well, feeling these emotions more intensely is a normal part of puberty. It’s important not to ignore your emotions; consider journaling, fun exercise, talking to friends, or seeking support from trusted adults to help you feel better when you are feeling down. 

Physical Changes

Getting hairier and smellier happens to everyone during puberty but there are lots of ways to manage this. Regular washing and using deodorant can help manage this; keeping your genitals clean is also important. It’s best to wash these areas with warm water and fragrance-free soaps or shower gels. Maintaining a skincare routine might also be beneficial if you are experiencing spots and acne; a gentle facewash can help remove dirt and stop your skin getting clogged up. 

For Those Who Menstruate

Periods typically begin between ages 8 and 15 in girls and people with a vagina. It’s normal to experience tummy cramps, mood changes, and tiredness arounds this time which can feel quite strange. Using period products like pads, period pants or tampons can help manage periods. Remember, everyone’s experience is different, and it’s okay to seek advice or support, especially if you are unsure about what’s going on. Find out more about periods.

Taking Control 

Understanding what’s happening to your body can boost your confidence. Puberty is an exciting time where you are becoming an adult which opens up a whole new world! Here’s how you can take charge: 

• Educate Yourself: The more you know about puberty, the better prepared you’ll be. Find out more about puberty from Brook.
• Ask Questions: Curiosity is natural. Whether it’s a parent, teacher, or doctor, speak to someone you trust. 
• Seek Support: You’re not alone. Organisations like Brook offer resources and support to help you navigate puberty. 

Remember, everyone’s journey through puberty is unique. Embrace your individuality and know that support is always available.