Srilatha is 13. She and her friend Soha are feeling distinctly embarrassed because they have opted not to play games today at school. Both are having their periods and are having lower abdominal discomfort. They are going through puberty.

What is puberty?

Puberty is a time of many changes. Puberty is the period of time when children begin to mature biologically, psychologically and socially. Adolescence is the transitional period between childhood and adulthood.

Changes during puberty

Changes can start as early as age 8, or as late as age 16. Puberty is triggered by chemicals (hormones) released by a maturing brain. These chemicals act on the ovaries which in turn produce another set of hormones, which have wide-ranging effects on different parts of the body.

• A growth spurt which leads to an increase in height and weight
• Breast growth.
• Hair growth under the arms and in the pubic area.
• Acne or pimples.