A Stage of Growth and Change

1. What is Adolescence?

Every person passes through different stages of life — infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. Adolescence is the period between childhood and adulthood during which the body grows quickly and becomes capable of reproduction. It usually begins around the age of 11 years and continues up to about 18 or 19 years.

The early part of adolescence, when the reproductive organs become mature, is called puberty. Puberty generally begins a little earlier in girls (around 10–12 years) than in boys (around 12–14 years). The exact age varies from person to person, and that is perfectly normal.

2. Changes at Puberty

At puberty, the body undergoes many visible and internal changes. These changes prepare the body for adulthood.

2.1 Increase in height (growth spurt)

The most obvious change is a sudden, rapid increase in height called the growth spurt. The long bones of the arms and legs lengthen, making a person taller. Girls usually grow faster at first, while boys catch up and often grow taller later. By about 18 years, most people reach their maximum height.

2.2 Change in body shape

In boys, the shoulders broaden and the muscles develop. In girls, the region below the waist (hips) becomes wider. These changes give the male and female bodies their characteristic adult shapes.

2.3 Change in voice

At puberty the voice box (larynx) grows larger. In boys, it grows much more and can be seen as a bulge in the throat called the Adam's apple; their voice becomes deep and may “crack” for a while. In girls, the larynx grows less, so the voice remains higher.

2.4 Increased activity of sweat and oil glands

The sweat glands and sebaceous (oil) glands become more active. This can lead to pimples and acne on the face. Regular washing and good hygiene help keep the skin clean.

2.5 Growth of hair

Hair grows in new areas such as the underarms. Boys also develop facial hair (moustache and beard). This is a normal sign of growing up.

2.6 Development of reproductive organs

The reproductive organs mature: in boys the testes and in girls the ovaries develop fully and begin to function, making the body capable of reproduction.

3. Secondary Sexual Characters

Features that appear at puberty and help tell males and females apart (other than the reproductive organs themselves) are called secondary sexual characters.

• In boys: growth of facial hair (beard and moustache), broadening of shoulders and chest, deepening of the voice.
• In girls: development of breasts (mammary glands), widening of the region below the waist.

These characters develop because of hormones. In girls the breasts begin to develop and the milk-secreting (mammary) glands form, so a mother can later feed her baby. In boys, the chest broadens and facial hair appears.

4. Role of Hormones in Initiating these Changes

All the changes at puberty are caused by chemical messengers called hormones. Hormones are produced by special glands called endocrine glands (ductless glands) and are poured directly into the blood, which carries them to the body part where they act (the target site).

4.1 Sex hormones

• In boys, the testes begin to make the male hormone called testosterone, which causes the changes seen in boys at puberty.
• In girls, the ovaries begin to make the female hormone called oestrogen, which causes the changes seen in girls, including the development of breasts.

4.2 The pituitary — the master gland

The making of testosterone and oestrogen is itself triggered by hormones from the pituitary gland, located in the brain. Because it controls the other endocrine glands, the pituitary is called the master gland.

5. Other Endocrine Glands and their Hormones

Besides the sex glands and pituitary, several other endocrine glands keep the body working properly.

The thyroid gland needs the mineral iodine to make its hormone thyroxine. A lack of iodine in the diet causes the thyroid to swell, a condition called goitre. This is why iodised salt is recommended for cooking. The adrenal glands release adrenaline, which makes the heart beat faster and gives a burst of energy when we are frightened or excited.

6. Reproductive Phase and the Menstrual Cycle

Once the reproductive organs are mature, a person enters the reproductive phase of life. In girls this is marked by the start of the menstrual cycle.

6.1 The menstrual cycle

In a mature female, one egg (ovum) is usually released by an ovary about once a month. The wall of the uterus thickens to prepare for a possible pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilised, the thickened lining breaks down and is passed out of the body along with some blood. This monthly flow is called menstruation, and it usually lasts a few days.

Menstruation is a normal, healthy part of growing up. Girls should keep clean during these days, use a clean sanitary pad or cloth, change it regularly, eat well and not feel shy or ashamed about it.

7. Nutritional Needs and Personal Hygiene

Because the body grows so fast during adolescence, good nutrition and hygiene are very important.

7.1 A balanced diet

Adolescents need a balanced diet containing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and roughage (fibre) in the right amounts. Proteins (in pulses, milk, eggs, fish, meat) are needed for growth. Iron (in green leafy vegetables, jaggery, dates) builds blood. Milk, fruits and vegetables supply calcium and vitamins. Junk food and fizzy drinks should be avoided as they give “empty” calories.

7.2 Personal hygiene

With sweat and oil glands more active, adolescents must bathe daily and keep all parts of the body clean to avoid body odour and skin infections. Cleanliness during menstruation is especially important. Clean clothes and a tidy appearance build confidence.

7.3 Physical exercise and rest

Regular exercise — walking, running, games, yoga — keeps the body fit and the mind alert. Adequate sleep and rest allow the growing body to recover. Together, good food, hygiene, exercise and rest keep an adolescent healthy.

8. Emotional Changes and Saying NO to Drugs

Adolescence is a time of emotional and mental change as well as physical change. Teenagers may feel more independent, more conscious about their appearance, and may have mood swings. This is normal. Sharing feelings with trusted family members and friends helps a lot.

8.1 Staying away from drugs

Out of curiosity or peer pressure, some young people may be tempted to try tobacco, alcohol or other drugs. These are extremely harmful: they damage health, are addictive, and can ruin one's future. Adolescents should firmly say NO to drugs and seek help from elders or counsellors if they are pressured.

Understanding that everyone grows at their own pace, respecting one's body, and making healthy choices help adolescents enjoy this special stage of growth and change.