Physical Changes

Adolescence, the stage of life that begins during puberty, brings the most physical change to your body since you were a baby. These physiological changes affect not only your body but your mind and behavior as well (see “Psychological Changes”). Girls develop breasts, grow pubic and armpit hair, and start their menstrual cycle. Boys grow pubic, armpit, chest, and facial hair, their genitals increase in size, and they may have nocturnal emissions (wet dreams), in which the body ejaculates semen during sleep. Boys’ voices become deeper and develop a lower pitch. Both males and females grow taller and stronger, and their looks become progressively like adults.

Remember:

• Body confusion during puberty and adolescence is completely normal and healthy.
• Everyone develops at their own pace. Don’t worry because your changes happen one or two years earlier or later than your friends. It will all even out.
• You may experience clumsiness or poor coordination for a while, but in the end, you will be stronger and better coordinated.
• Your body is becoming fully capable of reproduction, a gift from God to be used responsibly.

As you experience these changes, take care to maintain good nutrition, adequate sleep and rest, regular dental care, and balanced exercise. Finally, remember that as Jesus grew up on Earth, He experienced all aspects of human development: “And Jesus grew in wisdom (mental) and stature (physical), and in favor with God (spiritual) and man (social)” (Luke 2:52, NIV).