No matter how much a person imagines about himself, he is still a biological being, and in this sense he is not much different from other mammals. To be born, to grow up, to become an independent unit of the population, to ensure the survival of the species - this, in fact, is the entire set of functions of every living organism on this planet.

Hormonal menu: estrogens and androgens

Nature takes care of the continuation of the human race in its own way. It is within the framework of this event that each of us experiences the so-called puberty - the period of puberty.

Normally, its course is determined by genetics and depends very little on the wishes and preferences of the owner. Primary sexual characteristics are formed in the womb, and in the future there will be no wealth of choice.

Hormones are produced, converted and used human body constantly. Puberty is the time when the body young man a real “endocrine revolution” is taking place. The amount of hormones produced is colossal, each of them regulates one or another process, they overlap each other, sometimes leading to funny effects that many teenagers find tragic, although they are normal and understandable from a physiological point of view.

When does growing up begin?

Children change a lot during puberty. The average age of its onset is determined: 11-12 years for girls and 12-13 for boys. In principle, future ladies already at ten and a half begin to feel the effect of sex hormones. Thanks to this, girls at this time develop faster and look down on their classmates who are inferior to them both in height and in the “maturity” of their hobbies.

Boys, on average, “awaken” later and develop longer: if young ladies are fully formed by the age of seventeen, then boys will complete their development only by the age of 20-23.

If we consider that the body stops growing when puberty ends, it is easy to explain that men are much larger: they simply grow longer.

Hormones are the culprits

In fact, of course, this is not the only thing. Changes in the bodies of girls and boys are dictated by different substances. Representatives of the weaker half of humanity are characterized by estrogens, which are not without reason called “female” hormones: under their influence, the breasts and uterus grow, the mucous membranes, ovaries, and fallopian tubes improve.

They are the ones who “sculpt” the figure of Marilyn Monroe, which is considered the standard of girlish attractiveness: wide hips and chest, narrow flexible waist. The female body begins to treat adipose tissue more carefully, “storing” it into in the right places: shoulders, lower abdomen, buttocks.

Androgens (including the well-known testosterone) are responsible for the development of boys. They provoke rapid development of the genital organs, growth of the skeleton and muscle mass, as well as increased secretion sebum, which often leads to the appearance of acne, which is so annoying for young ladies.

It must be borne in mind that the predominance of female hormones in a girl’s body does not mean the absence of male hormones in it (and vice versa). It is androgens that are “to blame” for the appearance of hair on the body of boys and girls.

Hair growth by male type called diamond-shaped - the hairs, occupying the pubis, climb up the abdomen, forming a diamond. Women are characterized by a sharp boundary between the vegetation and the abdomen. Increased girlish hairiness may indicate an excess of male hormones and is a reason to consult an endocrinologist.

The awkward appearance, angularity and clumsiness of adolescents is a normal phenomenon and is caused by physiological processes in their body. During this period, it is very important to eat right and have a reasonable approach to physical activity, as an imbalance in organ formation can lead to problems in the future.

The growth of different tissues occurs unevenly. First the bones grow, then the muscles, then the blood vessels and nerve fibers. Parts of the body also do not develop harmoniously: the feet and hands begin to actively lengthen, followed by the limbs themselves, the face changes, and lastly, the torso.

What are boys made of?

Another “gift” of puberty is a “breaking” voice. In girls, this is painless: their larynx changes insignificantly. It may be the puberty of boys: the formation of the Adam's apple and the rapid growth of the vocal cords lead to the fact that the young man either begins to bass no worse than Chaliapin, or breaks into a funny treble. Such betrayals of one’s own body can deprive a young man of self-confidence, especially since this is not all trouble.

Androgens are involved in physiological changes that also affect the psyche. When a boy turns 12 years old ( average age started puberty in young men), first the testicles enlarge and the penis gradually begins to grow (the pace is purely individual, so you should not start “measuring” at a young age).

Erotic component

The young man begins to be much more interested in the opposite sex - but not at the behest of the soul, but under the influence of physiology. He experiences spontaneous erections, often at completely inopportune moments. At night, a young man enjoys erotic visions, and in the morning he finds stains on the sheet - this is absolutely normal phenomenon called wet dreams.

The genitals are actively preparing for the production and “release” of sperm. They need training, so they force the owner to take the most active life position in this regard.

Young men begin to masturbate (within reasonable limits this is absolutely harmless), and sometimes they find their first partner (or partners). As a rule, these are older ladies: women of the same age are still little interested in such things, their physiology does not force them to do anything like that, although puberty in girls is also associated with a lot of changes.

Features of girls growing up

To begin with, under the influence of the hormone prolactin (it is secreted by the pituitary gland - a tiny gland the size of a hazelnut, located in the brain), breasts begin to grow. Sometimes this process causes painful sensations, but in the vast majority of cases it is practically invisible at first.

Hairs appear on the body, mucous membranes are actively forming (hairs may appear from the vagina). transparent discharge), menstruation begins. Female hormonal background, unlike men's, is cyclical. For monthly cycle female body They are controlled by different hormones, and each of them, so to speak, “pulls the blanket over itself.” Thanks to this, representatives of the fair sex are more prone to mood swings, increased emotionality and even hysteria.

At the very beginning of puberty, girls are still children. Puberty does not mean readiness for reproduction. In the first six months to a year after the onset of menstruation, the egg may not even be released (in general or in some cases).

The condition of other organs - internal muscles, musculoskeletal system, etc. is also completely unprepared for bearing a baby. However, there is a possibility of pregnancy, so early initiation of sexual activity (especially illiterate and irresponsible) is extremely undesirable.

Puberty and personality maturation

Psychologists constantly insist on the need to distinguish between psychological maturation and puberty: the age crisis that accompanies adolescents at this time has not only a physiological, but also a mental nature, and is caused by many factors - and not all of them relate to puberty.

At this time, a person is formed not only as a biological unit, but also as a personality.

In addition to secondary and primary sexual characteristics, the brain also improves - at this time, children become able to perceive more fully and multidimensionally the world, process the information received, etc. In the process of studying, hormonal changes are only a hindrance. They distract you from the book, force you to do completely unproductive activities like cackling on a bench instead of preparing lessons or sighing over various “objects of passion,” which can be either distant Hollywood actors or an inaccessible beauty (handsome guy) from a parallel class.

Psychology of Adolescents

For sensitive parents and experienced teachers, the onset of the pubertal crisis of adolescence will not go unnoticed. During this time, it can be difficult for the younger generation to concentrate. Girls have their head in the clouds, boys show excessive activity bordering on aggressiveness.

Such behavior, of course, irritates those around you, even those closest to you. At this time, the authority of some “twirlwind” is many times greater than the influence of the parents. You need to prepare for this moment in advance by earning “wists” from your beloved child.

Experienced parents claim that the critical age up to which the “ancestors” of girls should reach is 10 years old, boys - 12.

Close and trusting relationships in the family will certainly help to survive this difficult puberty age for everyone: it’s still good if an adequate and friendly parent can dispel some of the fears of their rapidly growing child.

The total employment of adults and lack of interest in the problems of the younger generation lead to the fact that they look for answers to pressing questions on forums on the Internet or among equally “informed” peers.

It will sound trivial, but if there is any doubt that everything is in order, the best adviser will still be a doctor. Most problems that arise in young people during puberty are minor and easily correctable.

Maria Soboleva

Puberty. Puberty problems

Every child goes through puberty - the time of puberty. During this difficult period of life, a teenager faces many problems. What do parents need to know to help their son or daughter grow up correctly?

What is puberty?

An important step on the path to growing up, a difficult period of life, a transitional age - this is how the puberty period can be characterized.

Girls acquire more feminine forms, boys gradually turn into young men and acquire purely masculine features.

The result of puberty with all its biological transformations and changes in psycho-emotional behavior is the onset of puberty.

On average, puberty in girls lasts from 9 to 14 years, boys begin to mature later - from 11 to 16 years.

But there is no clear framework for puberty; there is an earlier or later onset of puberty. It depends on hereditary factors, ethnicity, the child’s weight, nutrition, and constitution.

Puberty - problems of puberty

Problems of puberty include the so-called adolescent complex.

Both boys and girls during this period can behave contradictoryly: on the one hand, they are extremely sensitive to the assessment of their appearance and abilities by others, and on the other, they can be arrogant and express harsh judgments about others.

Teenagers are sometimes painfully shy, sometimes deliberately cheeky, they can rebel and deny any authority, but at the same time literally create idols for themselves, be fans of a musical group or the leader of some informal movement.

The problem of puberty among adolescents themselves and their loved ones is emotional instability, both girls and boys are characterized by sharp changes moods - from enthusiastic to depressed.

It is important for parents and teachers to understand these characteristics, which are caused by puberty. Any attempts to hurt pride can cause a violent reaction.

Emotional instability reaches its peak in girls at 13-15 years old, and in boys from 11 to 13 years old.

The puberty period of adolescents is characterized by the fact that they are already actively striving for independence and independence, but in difficult everyday situations they are waiting for help from adults and do not dare to take responsibility.

When considering the problems of puberty, it is necessary to note the influence on the teenager of his environment, the environment of peers with whom he communicates.

The opinion of the team, the very belonging to certain group. This gives them self-confidence, but isolation can provoke complexes, anxiety, and sometimes aggressive behavior.

Physiological problems of puberty

During puberty it happens fast growth adolescents, which is provoked by hormones produced in the body.

Some girls can gain from 6 to 9 cm in a year, and boys - up to 12 cm. This is fraught with deterioration in well-being.

Bone mass growth occurs faster than internal organs, children experience dizziness, heart pain, weakness, and muscle cramps.

Often, adolescents during puberty develop scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. IN adolescence increased risk of injury musculoskeletal system.

Problems of puberty concern the appearance of adolescents - they are dissatisfied with their angularity, clumsiness, disproportionate growth, and sometimes obesity (this applies more to girls - watch their diet).

Hormonal changes in the body of both girls and boys lead to the appearance acne(acne). Teenagers are especially worried about pimples and blackheads on the face, which becomes a reason for suffering and tears.


Consult a doctor in a timely manner - these are not only aesthetic problems, but also medical ones.

It is important for parents to explain to their girl that puberty will soon pass, you will become beautiful and slim. Update your daughter’s wardrobe, help her learn to dress fashionably and beautifully.

And boys suffer because of their appearance, they also need to be shown attention and sympathy. It’s good to get boys involved in sports activities.

Communicate with your children more often, convince them of your love, and emphasize their strengths.

Modern children grow up faster than we would sometimes like. Don’t put off until later conversations about the dangers of early sexual activity, the dangers of promiscuity, and what means of contraception exist.

Teenagers who become sexually active during puberty are at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, such as the papilloma virus.

Puberty problems for boys

It is important for parents to know the stages of their son’s puberty in order to prepare him for changes and the correct attitude towards the processes occurring in the body.

During puberty, a boy’s body begins to produce large quantities of sex hormones, the main of which is testosterone.

Excess hormones cause excessive sweating in boys, especially in the armpits and groin area.

Teach your son the rules of hygiene - regular showering, use of antiperspirants. The boy may not feel unpleasant odor, but peers (especially girls) will feel it immediately.

At the age of 11-12, adolescents' testicles enlarge, then hair appears in the pubic area.

Armpit hair usually begins at age 14, and by age 15 a mustache appears.

Boys grow up differently - your son may seem “small” compared to his taller classmates, and then suddenly grow taller.

On September 1, his classmates did not recognize Ivan - a tall guy came to the 9th grade, although a cheerful, nimble, but short boy was leaving for the holidays.

It is important to reassure the teenager by explaining that growing up does not happen according to a clear schedule - it is individual for everyone. And in order to catch up with peers in your physical development, it is useful to exercise physically and eliminate bad habits.

During puberty, libido—sexual desire—awakens in adolescents. A growing boy experiences erotic desires and fantasizes.

In order for him to develop the correct orientation, communication with the opposite sex is important. It is also necessary to protect the child from outside influences that promote non-traditional sexual attitudes.

The boy needs to be explained what a wet dream is - involuntary ejaculation during sleep. On average, they occur at the age of 14 years and are a sign of the normal development of the future man.

Almost all teenagers go through masturbation during puberty. Do not make a tragedy out of this - this is how sexual tension is relieved.

In addition, the teenager studies the technical side of sexual relations, as if training the sexual function of the body.

Today sex life young men start everything earlier, even before puberty ends, the guy can already become sexually mature.

But the ability to have sexual intercourse and psychological readiness for serious relationship- far from the same thing.

We need to explain to our son about his responsibility for possible consequences sexual contacts - girl’s pregnancy.

A trusting relationship with your son is especially important during his puberty - be a friend to your growing boy.

Puberty problems for girls

Puberty in some girls can begin as early as 9 years of age with rapid growth.

By the age of 11, many teenagers notice an increase in mammary glands, then the appearance of pubic hair is observed, at the same time or a little later, hair begins to grow in the armpits.

Today, the so-called menarche - the first menstruation occurs in girls at 11.5-13 years old, 2 years after the first noticeable changes in the development of the mammary glands.

The onset of menstruation - an important event In the life of a future woman, the body of a growing girl is already capable of pregnancy.

On the eve of menarche, a teenager experiences problems with well-being - weakness, headaches, nausea, attacks of depression or increased excitability, pain in the lower abdomen.

The girl needs to be prepared for such sensations by talking about the features critical days, proper hygiene.

Also, the mother should teach her daughter to keep a menstruation calendar, which they take with them when visiting the clinic (if various examinations information about the date of the last menstrual period is often required).

The cycle in the first year of menstruation may be irregular.

But it is important to monitor its duration (no more than 7 days), the abundance of menstruation (no more than 4 pads are used per day), and the girl’s well-being these days.

Problems of puberty in almost 75% of all cases are the presence inflammatory processes external genitalia: vulvitis, vulvovaginitis. During puberty, girls still low level estrogen and the protective functions of the epithelium of the genital organs are weak.

The puberty period in a girl’s life requires parents to be especially attentive to their daughter.

Physiological processes in the body of adolescents of different sexes differ, but psychological development personality during this period is equally important for both girls and boys.

Let your children grow up surrounded by loving and understanding loved ones, in a strong, friendly family.

Take it for yourself and tell your friends!

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A man's puberty is identified with his fertility, that is, the ability to conceive. In fact, this is a combination of the development of primary and secondary male characteristics, indicating the transformation of a boy into an adult man. A boy's puberty occurs in several stages. The peculiarity of the manifestation of sexual characteristics on each of them is the tendency to increase.

Male sexual development begins in the mother's womb. At the 16th week of pregnancy, formation ends reproductive organs– penis, scrotum and testicles. At physiological development a few weeks before birth, the testicles descend into the scrotum.

The second stage of sexual development is called childhood. Physiological growth of the skeleton, muscles, and organs occurs. The boy has rounded “childish” facial features and a sloping figure. The period lasts 9–11 years from birth.

If the boy works fine endocrine system, at 11–12 years of age, puberty begins. Because of individual characteristics child's body, hereditary predisposition, environment, the terms vary between 1–2 years. The appearance of the first signs at 10–13 years of age is considered normal.

There are 3 stages of puberty:

• Initial stage (puberty, puberty) – preparatory stage body. External signs consist in the accelerated growth of the boy: the pituitary gland produces somatotropin and follitropin, which stimulate skeletal growth. The production of gonadoliberin begins, a pituitary hormone that activates the work of the gonads and the synthesis of sex hormones. The influence of GnRH is manifested by the growth of the genital organs. The average age for the onset of puberty in boys is 11–12 years.
• Active puberty It begins in a boy at 13–14 years old and lasts 2–3 years. GnRH, previously produced only at night, is now produced by the pituitary gland around the clock, stimulating testosterone production. Due to its increased concentration in the blood, intensive growth of the genital organs is observed, secondary sexual characteristics appear, and the boy experiences his first ejaculation.
• The final stage of puberty covers the age from 16–17 to 18–19 years. The boy’s body adapts to the production of sex hormones. Reproductive system ready for procreation. The figure of a young man is finally formed and growth stops.

The onset of puberty affects the physiological and psychological aspects adolescent development. During this period, monitoring the boy’s health status, as well as his sexual education, is important.

Signs

During puberty, boys experience active development of primary sexual characteristics - the growth of the testicles and penis. From birth to the onset of puberty, the size of the testicles changes imperceptibly. Active growth of the genital organs is observed in boys from the age of 11 with an increase in the concentration of androgens in the blood. Appearance The scrotum changes: the smoothness of the skin is lost, pigmentation and coarse hairs appear. Enlargement of the penis in a boy follows enlargement of the testicles.

The first erections appear in future men at the age of 12–13 years with a feeling of sexual desire. At the age of 14, the seminal vesicles begin to produce sperm. There is an enlargement of the prostate gland and its secretion of secretions. A clear sign When a boy reaches puberty, nocturnal emissions signify the boy’s readiness to conceive a child.

Secondary sexual characteristics appear in a boy with increasing severity and depend on the activity of the gonads:

• Hair growth. One of the first manifestations of puberty is the appearance of hair at the base of the penis, followed by spreading to the pubis. Hair growth is observed in the center of the abdomen, in the inguinal folds, and armpits. A boy's first facial hair is noticeable at the age of 14–15. The fluff is located above upper lip, near the ears. The next place where hair grows is internal surfaces hips, chest. At the end of puberty, facial hair growth forms a mustache. Following them, the appearance of dense hair on the cheeks is noticed.

• Active growth. The first acceleration of growth is observed at the very beginning of maturation - 11–12 years. Under the influence of androgens and somatotropin, the boy grows 10 cm. After the jump, a slowdown in growth is observed. The boy gains 7–8 cm in the active phase of maturation and another 4–5 cm towards its end. Ages 18–22 increased content estrogen in the blood causes ossification of the growth zones of long bones - growth stops.

• Change in physique. The cause of the growth of the shoulder girdle and stretching of the pelvic bones in a boy is an increased concentration of testosterone. There is a disproportionate increase in the limbs - first the hands and feet increase, after which growth in height begins. For this reason, the boy may experience psychological discomfort, but the body quickly becomes proportional. In the active phase of sexual development, boys are thin. Muscle mass It accumulates closer to 17–19 years of age, when the hormonal storm passes.

• Voice change. Hormonal surge leads to an enlargement of the larynx due to the growth of the thyroid cartilage in the boy. As a result, stretched vocal cords produce sounds of different tones, which is popularly called “voice mutation.” By the age of 17, the thyroid cartilage increases to its maximum, forming “ adam's apple", and stronger ligaments produce stable sounds called male timbre.

• At the end of puberty, a boy's facial features change. This happens due to the growth of the jaws. Childish roundness gives way to masculine angularity.
• Hormonal surges in a boy’s body cause an increase in the intensity of sweating, the acquisition of a characteristic odor, and also an increase in activity sebaceous glands skin. As a result, pimples and acne appear in adolescents aged 14–15 years.

Increased concentrations of female sex hormones – estrogens – in the blood provoke pinpoint lumps in the boy’s chest, as well as nipple enlargement. Symptoms of gynecomastia disappear on their own after a few months.

Deviations

If a boy under 9 years of age develops primary and secondary male sexual characteristics, we can talk about early puberty.

The reasons for puberty starting too early are:

• Pathological development of the genital organs.
• Brain injuries.
• Genetic predisposition.
• Malfunction of the thyroid gland.
• The appearance of tumors in the brain.
• Obesity.
• History of infectious diseases.

Men who become sexually mature early have a strong sexual constitution. The dangers of a boy's early maturation lie in the cessation of growth due to ossification of the areas of enlargement of large bones. The negative point is the influence of powerful doses of sex hormones on the boy’s body, which is not yet ready for such a surge. As a result, hormonal disruptions occur and disruptions in the functioning of all body systems occur.

Premature ripening.

Premature maturation of a boy is manifested by too early enlargement of the genital organs, as well as the acquisition of secondary male characteristics: early mutation of the voice, intensive growth, hair growth according to the male type of hair growth.

Treatment is prescribed by an endocrinologist. To eliminate symptoms, androgen synthesis inhibitors are prescribed. Therapy continues until the physiological onset of sexual development.

Late puberty

If at the age of 13 a boy does not have enlargement of the genital organs, the endocrinologist notes a delay in the onset of puberty. The condition is not considered pathological if before the age of 15 the boy shows signs of puberty, and further sexual development occurs without deviation. When a 15-year-old boy does not show the first signs of maturation, a specialist notes late sexual development. It can be provoked by:

• Chromosomal abnormalities.
• Disorders of the endocrine system.
• Hereditary factor.

Late puberty is fraught for a man with underdevelopment of the genital organs and even infertility. The problem is corrected through sex hormone replacement therapy, as well as by eliminating the underlying disease.

Premature ripening.

What parents should know

The process of male puberty involves physiological changes that affect emotional condition boy. It is important for parents to control both aspects of growing up. A disproportionate physique, a change in one’s own smell, involuntary ejaculation - all signs of sexual development have a physiological explanation, which must be conveyed to a growing young man in an accessible format.

A boy's puberty takes 5–6 years. This is the time of rapid transformation of a young man into an adult man. On the path to developing a son’s personality, understanding and support from parents are important. Knowledge of the basic aspects of male physiology, as well as the psychology of adolescents, will help with this.

It would seem that just recently the daughter was a sweet angel, obedient and funny, and suddenly something happened to her - inexplicable whims, sudden changes in mood, and occasionally hysterics. You should not be afraid of such changes, because the girl is growing, and sooner or later she will enter puberty. What signs accompany such “growing up”, what can be considered early puberty and how should parents react to it? We will try to answer these questions in the presented material.

Signs of puberty in girls, or what happens in the body

The period of puberty in girls lasts 2 years and ends with puberty - this time falls on the first menstruation. Doctors still cannot name the timing of puberty that fits the norm - it is believed that this period is variable: it can begin at 9 years old and at 11 or 13. If signs of puberty in a girl are present at the age of 7 years, or are absent, When a child is already 15 years old, this is a cause for concern. All other years that occurred during the state under consideration are considered normal. We will write about early puberty later, but let’s make a reservation right away - the girl’s parents should not make any independent decisions about this. Only a doctor can determine the real reason early puberty, prescribe drug therapy, which, however, also applies to late puberty.

Note:During their observations, doctors discovered the following: the earlier a girl’s puberty began, the faster it will end. That is, if a girl at the age of 9 has already shown signs of puberty, then in a year and a half you can expect her first menstruation, but if these signs are noted at the age of 14, then two to two and a half years may pass before her first menstruation.

Signs of normal puberty in girls:

It is worth mentioning separately the most main feature puberty - menstruation. A girl’s first menstruation, as a rule, appears at the age of 13, but this age is very arbitrary! There are many cases where the first bleeding occurred at the age of 11 and this was not a pathology. Let's make a reservation right away - menstrual cycle will “form” and stabilize over approximately 12 months, during this period bleeding will be irregular, may be absent for 1-2 months, and this “behavior” of the girl’s body is quite normal. As soon as a girl’s first menstruation begins, her growth slows down sharply and after that, in total, the child will add another 5 cm in height.

Parents should pay special attention to preparing the girl for her first menstruation, and, naturally, the mother should take care of this. No matter what age your child starts getting their period, it can be very frightening. Yes, children are now accelerators. Yes, they sometimes know more than adults. And yet, experts emphasize the importance of conversations between a girl and her mother on the topic of puberty, the first menstruation - not a single book, not a single friend, not a single video from the Internet will convey this to a girl necessary information. And then, such a trusting relationship with your mother, who will be able to listen and talk even about “intimate” topics, will become the key to close relationships in the future.

Psychological problems during puberty in girls

The above-described signs of the condition in question are quite capable of surprising not only the parents (“when did she manage to grow up”), but also the girl herself. And during this period, it is important not to leave her alone with her questions, fears and doubts.

Firstly, you will need to tell the girl why such changes are happening to her body and organism. If this happened earlier than with her friends, then it is worth emphasizing the significance of such an event as puberty, and clearly indicating that there are no deviations in development, all this is natural.

Secondly, it is worth carefully observing a girl whose puberty occurred in later years - she will feel too uncomfortable in the company of her peers and doubt her inferiority. And here you need to become a psychologist, explain to the girl that puberty occurs in at different ages, you can even embellish the reality and say that for my mother herself this period occurred when she was 14-15 years old.

Thirdly, you need to talk in detail about menstruation. But you need to immediately stipulate that these topics are too personal, “intimate” and you shouldn’t tell your friends that your period has already begun. Yes, this means that “the girl has matured,” but this does not at all mean that she has become an adult, so the mother will need to have conversations and teach her daughter all the subtleties of behavior among her friends.

Note:A girl's perception of change during puberty directly depends on how close her relationship is with her mother. Therefore, try to “establish contact” from childhood - this will make it easier to have conversations on “intimate” topics, and in the future a trusting relationship will develop between two close people.

Early puberty in girls

Premature puberty in girls has its own signs:

• changes in the mammary glands began quickly and before the age of 9 years;
• hair growth is noted female type under the age of 9 years;
• the girl's growth stops;
• the appearance of menstruation before the age of seven.

Particular attention should be paid to the fact that the appearance menstrual bleeding A girl experiencing premature puberty does not mean at all that she has become a woman - such bleeding is also called non-ovulation/menstrual-like bleeding, that is, the egg from the girl’s ovary does not release into the uterine cavity for fertilization.

Such premature puberty in girls is a deviation from the norm and has several forms.

Classification of precocious puberty in girls

Gynecologists and endocrinologists distinguish several forms of the condition in question:

Causes of early puberty in girls

The following factors can lead to this condition:

• hereditary predisposition - early puberty is passed on in the family from generation to generation, but does not affect the reproductive abilities of the female body;
• problems in the functioning of the hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland, which leads to excess production of hormones;
• various neoplasms of a benign or malignant nature in the ovaries.

Very often, girls with precocious puberty are born to women who smoked/drank alcohol and drugs during pregnancy, or have a history of endocrine diseases.

How to treat

Only after full diagnostics and a number of specific examinations, the doctor will be able to tell what therapy needs to be used to correct the girl’s sexual development. It is quite possible that you will only need to choose a diet and normalize the child’s psycho-emotional background. But often, hormonal drugs are used to normalize the condition; such medications should only be prescribed by specialists.

Surgical treatment is prescribed only if the girl has been diagnosed with a tumor of the adrenal glands, ovaries or hypothalamus - the tumor is simply removed and the processes of puberty proceed within normal limits.

As for the late puberty of a girl, we will most likely talk about hormonal problems and/or malformations of the genital organs. Usually the problem can be solved hormonal drugs, but they can only be prescribed by doctors.

Tsygankova Yana Aleksandrovna, medical observer, therapist of the highest qualification category

The time has finally come when you are faced with a wonderful, albeit difficult age.

If you are a mother, then it is difficult for you to realize that your baby is getting older and now the thoughts in her head can suddenly become multi-colored butterflies or glossy black. At this age, my mother’s girl tries to defend her character, thinking that she can handle everything herself.

Meanwhile, she does not have time to keep track of the changes in her body, which undoubtedly worry her. And you, as well as yourself to a loved one, entrusted with the responsibility to tell, help, direct in the right direction all the energy that completely covers your child.

If you are a young girl, you have already had many questions regarding everything related to adulthood women. But these questions could have been put off earlier, since it was far away, maybe not very interesting, and in no way connected with the life when you were a carefree girl.

Sex education for girls is a complex and time-consuming process that must be approached with caution. Not only mom, but also dad should take part in the process.

Let's start with the changes in the girl. Precisely in a girl, because perestroika does not begin when secondary sexual characteristics appear, but much earlier. On average, puberty lasts 10 - 12 years. During this time, the girl changes noticeably before the eyes of others.

Prepuberty is a period that begins at 7–8 years of age and ends with the arrival of the first menstruation. Usually this (menstruation) happens 1 to 3 years after the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics. Already from this early age You can notice changes in the child’s body. Hormones begin their activity, although not cyclically. But hormone releases occur constantly. In this connection, the transformation of a girl into a girl occurs.

Signs of puberty in girls

The first changes take place in the girl’s body - the hips are rounded, the growth of the pelvic bones begins. Mammary glands appear. You can already notice areas of hair growth on the pubis and armpits.

As a rule, a girl begins to grow sharply before the onset of menstruation.

All these signs may develop inconsistently. Now let’s look at each sign and the pathologies associated with it. There are several stages in the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

A few years before the onset of the first menstruation, a girl’s growth begins to grow sharply. Presumably, this happens 2 - 3 years before the onset of menstruation.

At this time, growth spurts can reach up to 10 centimeters per year.

Often during this period the child is awkward, since the bones do not grow evenly; at first the hands and feet become larger, then tubular bones and only then the body.

Clumsiness in movements may also be observed, this is due to the fact that nerve fibers and muscles do not always keep pace with the growth of skeletal bones.

Skin covering

The skin develops according to the skeleton and muscles, for this purpose the secretion of the glands is increased in order to have good stretching, as a result of which the teenager suffers from rashes, which in science are called “acne”, “acne” or pimples. Hair also becomes oilier at the roots, so now you need to wash your hair more often.

Subcutaneous fatty tissue also develops. There is increased deposition of fat in the hips and abdomen. The shoulders are also rounded and the waist appears.

Thelarche is the development of the mammary gland. Typically, breast growth begins in girls at 10 - 11 years old, 1.5 - 2 years before the onset of menstruation. According to WHO, the appearance of signs of breast growth after 8 years is considered normal. The nipples become sensitive and can change color, depending on the amount of pigment in the body.

There is also an increase in the size of the nipple itself. Hair growth is possible around the areola of the nipple - this happens in women of Eastern and Caucasian origin and is not a pathology. The color, shape, and size of the breast depend on genetic factors and the amount of subcutaneous adipose tissue.

There are several degrees of breast development:

• Ma0— the gland is not developed, the nipple is not pigmented;
• Ma1- gland tissue is palpated in the area of ​​the areola, painful;
• Ma2— the mammary gland is enlarged, the nipple and areola are raised;
• Ma3- the mammary gland takes the shape of a cone whose base is located between the III and VI ribs. The nipple does not stand out separately from the areola;
• Ma4- the gland has a hemispherical shape, the nipple is separated from the areola and is pigmented.

The mammary gland completes its development and grows to its maximum only after childbirth and breastfeeding. And the final stage of mammary gland development is observed at about 15 years. The mammary gland itself may be painful during the growth period and before menstruation.

Hair growth

Pubarche - hair growth of the pubic area - begins at 10 - 12 years of age. Growing pubic hair forms a triangle, the base of which is located on the lower line of the abdomen. Possible individual hair, rising to the navel. But if the hair densely covers the entire area, forming a diamond, you should contact a gynecologist-endocrinologist.

By the age of 13-15, hair appears in the armpits and on the legs. The hardness, color and shape of hair is individual and depends on genetic predisposition.

Armpit hair:

• Ah0- no hair growth;
• Ah1- hair growth with single straight hairs;
• Ah2- the appearance of hair in the middle of the armpit;
• Ah3- hair growth of the entire axillary area.

Pubic hair growth:

• Pb0- no hair growth;
• Pb1- hair growth with single straight hairs;
• Pb2- appearance of hair in the center;
• Pb3- hair growth of the entire pubic area along a horizontal line.

You need to learn how to properly maintain the smoothness of your legs, bikini area and armpits. Each girl chooses an individual method for achieving her goal. But do not rush into removal, because the first hair is softer, thinner and less noticeable. Over time or under influence external factors they become tough.

Menarche - beginning menstrual flow, first menstruation. This happens at different times for everyone. age period, also menarche depends on genetics. As a rule, the first bleeding occurs from 12 to 14 years. After the start of the first menstruation, the girl's growth slows down, but other signs of puberty continue to develop.

Many girls' periods are not cyclical at the very beginning. For some, it takes some time - from six months to two years. In case of non-cyclical discharge, you should consult a doctor in the future.

During menstruation, the mammary glands may be tense and somewhat painful. Also, many girls and women experience bleeding at the moment before and during aching pain in the lower abdomen, some experience discomfort in the stomach or intestines. All this can accompany mensis (menstruation) normally.

Before the critical days, the mood may change; more often the girl feels irritated, overwhelmed, and tearful. But all this passes during the first days of menstruation. Despite the irregularity of the cycle, a girl can become pregnant, and it is important to convey this to an immature person.

Deviations from the norm

As everyone knows, where there is a norm, there is also a pathology. Today, cases such as premature puberty in girls (PPD) are increasingly observed. And here it is important that the mother carefully approaches changes in the child’s body.

They speak of PPD if the girl herself is under 8 years of age at the appearance of her first sexual signs. At this age, a child cannot always adequately approach the innovations of his body.

Types of PPR

Precocious puberty in girls is divided into into several types.

1. True type. It occurs when the functioning of the endocrine glands - the hypothalamus and pituitary gland - is disrupted, which, in turn, stimulate the functioning of the ovaries.

• full form. When all secondary signs begin to develop before the age of 7 - 8 years, growth slows down due to the closure of growth zones in the bones, menstrual flow appears;
• incomplete form. Here secondary signs appear, but the periods themselves come much later - at 10 - 11 years.

2. False type. It is characterized by a disorder in the ovary itself - erratic production of hormones occurs, and therefore the order of appearance of secondary sexual characteristics in the child is disrupted. And there are irregular ones bloody issues, they may begin without full development and formation of the mammary gland or hair growth.

3. Hereditary type. As a rule, if a girl has women in her pedigree (especially if it is her mother) whose maturation began earlier than the designated dates, then the child himself will turn into a girl earlier than his peers. In this case, the order of appearance of sexual characteristics will not be disrupted.

Causes of PPR

Causes of early puberty in girls can be:

• brain cysts;
• previous bacterial or viral infection;
• cerebral circulatory disorders;
• congenital anomalies (hydroencephaly);
• exposure (high exposure to radiation);
• poisoning by poisons (lead);
• consequences of brain injuries.

If you notice any changes in your princess that can be attributed to PPR, or there is a growth spurt before the age of 7, it is better to contact a gynecologist, endocrinologist and undergo an examination. Early sexual development is a process that requires mandatory supervision by a specialist.

Delayed puberty

Another problem for mothers and their girls is delayed pubertal development in girls (DSD).

Signs of delay:

• absence of onset of menstruation before age 16;
• lack of sufficient growth of the mammary glands before the age of 13;
• scanty hair growth by the age of 14;
• insufficient growth or abnormal development of the genital organs;
• lack of correspondence of height and weight to age.

Also, delayed development of maturity is a condition when a girl’s sexual development is only half complete. That is, the mammary glands have developed, there is partial hair growth, and then everything slowed down for more than a year and a half.

Causes of mental retardation

1. Congenital disorders of the brain.
2. Brain cysts and tumors.
3. Poisoning by poisons.
4. Heredity.
5. Exposure of the body to radiation or radiation therapy.
6. Removal of ovaries.
7. Strong physical activity.
8. Severe stress or malnutrition (exhaustion).
9. Complications after suffering bacterial or viral infections etc.

If you are concerned about your girl’s health, consult a doctor, he will conduct an examination and be able to make the correct diagnosis. It is easier and more effective to treat any condition of the body at the very beginning, when the pathology has not caused irreversible consequences. Everything needs to be done on time!

Another important moment in a girl’s development is growing up and becoming a girl, a woman from the inside.

Sexual development of girls should be given special attention from birth. Even from the cradle, a girl should feel like an important link in creating family comfort, since the atmosphere in the family mainly depends on her. In addition, the girl will face pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for a newborn in the future.

The child must prepare for the upcoming difficulties, and this is not bad when little girls push their dolls in strollers and already begin to experience maternal feelings and a sense of responsibility. When a girl tries to be like her mother and knows what awaits her, she enjoys all the changes and is not afraid to move forward.

If a girl is not talked to about the topic of transforming a girl into a girl, and then into a woman, all changes in her body are unpleasant for her, and the onset of menstruation generally frightens her. You need to explain everything to your princess as she grows into adulthood, step by step. It is important that next to the girl there is an older comrade in the person of a mother, friend, aunt, etc.

During adolescence, it is sometimes very difficult for teenagers to understand themselves, their mood can change dramatically, and the feeling of irritability and tearfulness does not allow them to calmly perceive changes. You should never ridicule or reproach a child during this period.

With the onset of adolescence, or rather, with its end, it is time to discuss the sexual side of her life with the girl. The girl’s behavior changes - she looks at the opposite sex more often, experiences attractions, and is overcome by erotic fantasies. A teenager must understand everything and learn not to be ashamed of it. Sex education for girls is an important task that falls on parents.

In addition to the perception itself, it is necessary to convey to your child information about the possibility of becoming pregnant and contracting infections through sexual contact. You should also tell her about negative impact early onset of sexual activity. Teenagers at this age often experiment, including in this area, and violent actions are possible.

Teach your child the rules of personal hygiene and cleanliness sexual relations and their protection, talk about the frequency of showering during menstruation - all this is a task good parent. Having matured, the child encounters new conditions of his body. For example, thrush occurs - enough frequent illness, which needs to be cured in time.

Often a teenager, feeling his imperfection, withdraws into himself and suffers for a long time from symptoms that can bring severe discomfort. It is worth paying attention to the appearance of acne, it is important to tell your child how to deal with them correctly, because we all know the tendency of children to squeeze everything out. This may lead to unpleasant consequences: scarring of the skin, blood poisoning.

Sex education is often the subject of much controversy. But there are certain rules, which are best to adhere to - they will allow you to transition into puberty as smoothly as possible and preserve the girl’s health.

It is worth paying attention to the nutrition of a teenager; girls themselves often skip meals on purpose in order, as they think, to be more beautiful. A girl should eat well to avoid delays in the development of sexual characteristics and the onset of menstruation.

Under no circumstances should you treat a teenager like an adult. A person in adolescence already knows a lot, has his own point of view, but he is just starting on the path of growing up; your advice is important to him, although sometimes he does not show it. Control is never superfluous.

Masturbation is very important in the development of sexuality. There is nothing unhealthy or shameful about this behavior. This is how the child learns to relieve stress by fantasizing, imagining imaginary actions. Contrary to the thoughts imposed by the Bible and Soviet education about masturbation as something dirty and unacceptable for a self-respecting woman, today its benefits have been proven, of course, if you don’t “go too far.”

As a conclusion

The main goals of parents, especially mothers, during puberty, are:

• teach the girl to accept herself as she is;
• convey all knowledge regarding sexual techniques, contraception and methods of protection against sexually transmitted infections;
• show all the beauty of a woman, mother, wife;
• determine the boundaries of decent behavior with the opposite sex;
• teach how to cope with some ailments associated with premenstrual syndrome, thrush, etc.;
• surround your child with love and care, especially when he needs it.

Of course, just like a child, you also grow up. Do not forget that the child has never been an adult, and you, adults, have already experienced all the hardships of this difficult period. How your child perceives everything depends largely on you.