What it means
The time, usually between about ages 8 and 14, when sex hormones rise and the body changes. Girls develop breasts, start menstruationmen-stroo-AY-shunThe monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus, which leaves the body as blood through the vagina.Full entry and grow hair in the armpits and pubic area; boys' testes and penis grow, the voice deepens and facial hair appears. A growth spurt comes with it. Girls usually start a year or two before boys.
For the nurse
Teach adolescents and parents what changes to expect, and give privacy during exams. Puberty that starts very early or very late is worth reporting.
At a glance
| Spanish | pubertad |
|---|---|
| Also written | pubertal |
Related terms
endocrine
Relating to the glands that release hormones straight into the blood, or to those hormones.
menstruation
The monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus, which leaves the body as blood through the vagina.
adolescent
A young person in the stage between childhood and adulthood, roughly ages 12 to 18.
growth hormone
A hormone from the pituitary gland that drives growth in children and helps control body build and metabolism in adults.