Puberty: It’s that time!

Puberty is a time when physical and emotional changes begin to take place in the body, to begin the transition from childhood to adulthood. Aarav and Sara have some confusion too. Do you have the same questions? Let’s understand more about it.

What’s going on?

Honestly, I’ve been feeling so weird lately because every time Rhea is around, I get this crazy mix of excitement and nerves, so I finally decided to talk to Mira didi about it. She told me it’s totally normal to have a crush—which is such a funny name for it, but I actually really like the feeling! She explained that we’re growing up and starting puberty, which means a lot of changes in our bodies and how we feel.

My mom actually gave me “the talk” yesterday too and mentioned the same thing. She warned me about the typical stuff like pimples, body hair, and body odor, but she didn’t really mention the part about catching feelings or falling for someone, which is honestly the most interesting part of the whole thing!

The New Word – Puberty

• Puberty is a time when physical and emotional changes begin to take place in the body, to begin the transition from childhood to adulthood.
• It is a time of transition when you are not a kid and not an adult, but somewhere in between.
• These changes usually begin to appear between the ages of eight and sixteen.
• These changes affect the body in terms of shape, size, and composition, as well as growth of our internal body systems.
• It is important to accept the changes as a part of growing up and have strategies ready to deal with them in a healthy and happy manner.

It’s the hormones dear!

Charu texted me again today. I think she’s actually losing it at that hostel because she’s writing to me every day now. She’s mostly just venting about her skin completely freaking out. She woke up with these massive spots on her chin and is basically terrified to leave her room. Honestly, I totally get it. I feel like I’m constantly checking the mirror for a breakout lately too.

But the worst part is how clumsy I’ve gotten. My legs feel way too long for my body all of a sudden, and I literally tripped over my own feet right in front of Rohan yesterday. He actually caught my arm to steady me, and I swear I just stopped breathing. I’m so worried that I’ll forget how to walk or even speak the next time I see him. My brain is honestly glitching. I guess this is just how things are going to be now.

Hormones – The Changemakers

• The main changes that take place in our bodies during puberty are caused by hormones.
• Hormones are chemicals produced by our bodies to serve many functions.
• Hormones cause various changes in our body – such as hair growth and change in our voice.
• The special hormones produced during puberty also prepare the body for sex and reproduction.
• The female ovaries produce hormones called estrogen and progesterone. The estrogen helps eggs in a girl’s ovaries to start developing. The eggs are responsible for menstruation and reproduction.
• The male testicles produce the hormones called testosterone, which leads to the production of sperms. Sperms are male sex cells, responsible for reproduction.
• Hormones also impact the way we feel leading to emotions such as attraction.

Got it. Period!

You actually won’t believe the timing, but I had the biggest heart attack at my sister’s party yesterday. I looked down and saw this huge red stain on my dress—I seriously thought I’d sat in something or spilled a drink and was so stressed everyone was staring at me. Then I realized… it was actually my first period.

I was honestly so freaked out and had to have my mom help me deal with it in the bathroom, which was kind of awkward, but she was actually really chill about it. It’s just so weird that it’s finally happening. I’m still kind of processing that this is my life now!

The hair and the bear

So, my birthday party last night was actually really good. But honestly, the wildest part of the weekend was this morning. I was looking in the bathroom mirror and realized I’m starting to grow hair in places I definitely didn’t have it a month ago. I feel like I’m turning into a bear or something overnight.

Also, my voice has gotten way deeper in just the last few days. I seriously thought I just had a sore throat that was taking forever to go away, but then it clicked, this is actually puberty hitting. It’s kind of a weird realization that everything is changing this fast.

It’s not for me!

Well, I mean. I am not so sure about all of this. I mean I don’t feel like a girl or a boy. I never have! And I don’t have these changes happening to me. And I am not sure I even want them!

Puberty In Transgender Persons

• The onset of puberty can be confusing for those of us who do not identify with the sex we were given at birth (also described as transgender).
• For example, for a transwoman (girls who were born male but feel like girls), changes such as growth of a beard might feel uncomfortable.
• Similarly, for a transman (boys who were born female but feel like boys), changes such as beginning of periods or development of breasts may cause discomfort.
• Puberty may be the phase where the disconnect between how you feel and your body’s physical development may become really apparent. This feeling is known as gender dysphoria and is quite common.

It’s not a race!

I was scrolling through Instagram today and ended up on Aditi’s new vacation photos. It was honestly kind of a reality check. She looks so much older all of a sudden, and she’s already wearing these actual swimsuits that I definitely couldn’t pull off yet. I ended up looking at myself in the mirror for way too long afterward just wondering when I’m finally going to look like that.

It’s so frustrating because it feels like everyone else got this secret update over the summer and I’m just stuck. I know it’s stupid to compare myself to a photo, but I can’t help feeling like a kid while everyone else is moving on. I’m just waiting for the day I actually wake up and feel like things are starting to change for me, too.

Puberty – Different For All

• None of us are alike, so how can our puberty be?
• Puberty happens to different people at different times.
• There is no ‘correct time’ for these changes to take place.
• It’s completely ok to have signs of puberty early on or later.
• So, don’t worry if you are experiencing or not experiencing these changes yet.

Build Your Network

• Puberty can bring in many changes.
• Some can be exciting and great, others difficult and challenging.
• But you don’t have to go through puberty alone.
• It can be made easier and less stressful by focusing on your strengths and building a support network of trusted adults.
• These are a group of people who care about you like your parents, teacher, an elder sibling or grandparents.
• Trusted adults can guide you by providing you correct information, telling you what to do or share their own experiences.
• These are the people you can reach out to when you are confused, sad or need advice.
  

ALL ABOUT PUBERTY

• Puberty begins between the ages of eight and sixteen.
• It involves physical and emotional changes.
• Some physical changes are different for boys and girls.
• There will be times when you have intense feelings and have many questions about who you are and what you are experiencing. It’s all normal and ok.
• It is something everyone goes through.
• It happens at different times for different people. So, don’t worry!
• Changes in our body during puberty are caused by hormones.
• During puberty, the body begins to manufacture special hormones that prepare the body for sex and reproduction.
• We may reach out to our support network for more information.
• There should be no embarrassment about our changing bodies. After all, we are growing up!
• Most importantly, the journey of growing up is fun and special as we accept the changes and deal with them. Have fun and enjoy your journey!

Listen to this podcast –