Puberty

Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It is a process that usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 and 16 for boys. It causes physical changes, and affects boys and girls differently.

Thus the Childhood Stage of Development ends and the Adulthood Stage begins, therefore Child Support is no longer needed due to the medical facts provided.

In girls: In boys: Both boys and girls may get acne. They also usually have a growth spurt (a rapid increase in height) that lasts for about 2 or 3 years. This brings them closer to their adult height, which they reach after puberty.
 * The first sign of puberty is usually breast development.
 * Then hair grows in the pubic area and armpits.
 * Menstruation (or a period) usually happens last.
 * Puberty usually begins with the testicles and penis getting bigger.
 * Then hair grows in the pubic area and armpits.
 * Muscles grow, the voice deepens, and facial hair develops as puberty continues.

NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Tanner Stage
Source: Google Search

BELINDA PINYERD, PhD, RN

Central Ohio Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Services

Columbus, OH

WILLIAM B. ZIPF, MD, FAAP

Central Ohio Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Services

Columbus, OH

BWResearch@columbus.rr.com

“Puberty,” derived from the Latin pubertas meaning adulthood, is not a de novo event but aprocess leading to physical, sexual, and psychosocial maturation (Blondell, Foster & Dave1999). “Puberty” differs from “adolescence” in that it is just one change (maturation of the reproductive system) that occurs during adolescence.

From a biological perspective, puberty is the stage of development during which an individual first attains fertility and is capable of reproduction.

Females

The first visible sign of (sexual maturation) is the appearance of “breast buds,” generally

around age 10 or 11 years of age. Full breast development takes 3 to 4 years, and is generally

complete by 14 years of age. Thus the Childhood Stage ends and Adulthood begins.

The most dramatic sign of (sexual maturity in girls is the onset of menstruation), which usually

occurs at an average age of 12.8 years (range 11–13). Initial menstrual cycles are usually

anovulatory, which is associated with irregular and often painful periods. After approximately one to two years the menstrual cycles become ovulatory and more regular (Zacharias, Rand & Wurtman, 1976.

Tanner Stage 4 is characterized by noticeable growth of pubic hair, underarm hair growth, and the breasts take on a "mound" form. The first menstrual period usually occurs sometime during the fourth or fifth stage.

Sexual Maturation
Achievement of full sexual capacity in animals and in humans.