Body changes, physical, social and emotional development in puberty.
Puberty is a normal part of life. It is the stage in development that occurs when children start transitioning to adulthood as their bodies start producing hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and human growth hormone.
Testosterone is produced in the testicles, while estrogen and progesterone are produced in the ovaries. Human growth hormone is produced in a part of the brain called the pituitary gland. This hormone helps muscles and bones grow quickly during puberty. Besides physical changes, children also start to think and feel differently about themselves and their relationships with family, caregivers and friends.
Most people begin puberty between the ages of 8 and 16. If you are looking to understand what physical changes, such as menstruation, body hair growth, nocturnal emissions (wet dreams) and body odour; or emotional changes such as mood fluctuations, altered sleep patterns and increased need for independence that occur during puberty, please visit information by age - Parents | Teaching Sexual Health from Alberta Health Services.