Hormonal and emotional changes

2. Physical changes caused by hormones

The physical changes of puberty are often the most noticeable and can occur at different rates for each teen.

✔ Accelerated growth

• Teenagers can grow up to 10 cm per year.

• Girls start this process earlier than boys (around 9-11 years), while boys grow rapidly after 12-13 years.

• Sometimes rapid growth can cause bone and joint pain.

✔ Development of secondary sexual characteristics

• In girls: breast development, widening of hips, onset of menstruation.

• In boys: growth of testicles and penis, appearance of first ejaculations.

✔ Increase in body hair

• Hair begins to appear in new areas: face (in boys), armpits, genital area, and sometimes on arms and legs.

✔ Skin changes and acne breakouts

• Sebaceous glands produce more sebum, which can lead to pimples.

• It is important for teenagers to maintain proper skin hygiene.

✔ Voice change

• In boys, the voice becomes thicker, and during the transition it can have funny fluctuations.

• In girls, the voice may become slightly more mature, but not as pronounced as in boys.

✔ Excessive sweating and body odor

• The sweat glands become more active, which makes the sweat smell stronger.

• Daily hygiene is essential during this period.

3. Emotional Changes – How does puberty affect moods?

Hormones not only influence the body, but also the brain and emotions. Teenagers can experience a wide range of feelings, sometimes conflicting.

✔ Sudden mood swings

• It is normal for teenagers to switch quickly from happiness to sadness or irritability for no apparent reason.

• This happens because of hormonal changes that affect the areas of the brain responsible for emotions.

✔ Increased sensitivity and tendency to take things personally

• Teenagers can become more emotional and react more intensely to situations that previously did not affect them.

✔ The need for independence and the desire to be accepted

• Many teenagers begin to feel the desire to make their own decisions.

• It is normal to want to be accepted by the group of friends, which can sometimes lead to social pressure.

✔ Attraction to other people and the development of romantic feelings

• For the first time, teenagers may feel romantic or sexual attraction.

• The first couple relationships may appear, and flirting becomes a natural way of interacting.

✔ Curiosity related to sexuality

• Teens may have questions about their bodies and intimate relationships.

• It is important to receive accurate information from reliable sources to avoid myths and misinformation.

4. How to manage hormonal and emotional changes?

✅ Accept that changes are normal

• All teenagers go through this period, although everyone experiences it in their own way.

✅ Talk to someone you trust

• Talking with parents, teachers, school counselors or doctors can help understand these changes.

✅ Take care of your health

• A balanced diet, exercise and sufficient sleep can help maintain emotional balance.

✅ Avoid comparisons with others

• Each body develops at its own pace, and comparing yourself to friends or social media images can create unrealistic expectations.

✅ Learn to express your emotions in a healthy way

• Journaling, exercising or talking to friends can help manage stress and anxiety.

Puberty is a period of transformation both physically and emotionally. Hormonal changes can influence moods, relationships, and how teenagers perceive themselves. Although this period can be challenging, it is important for young people to understand that all these changes are normal and necessary for their development.

With the right information, support from those around them and an open attitude, teenagers can go through this stage more easily and learn to accept and understand their own bodies.