Childhood to Adulthood; Changes in Your Body

Everything about the changes in your body

When do I “Grow Up”?

Growing up is a process we all go through; when we transition from the world of children into the world of adults. During a relatively short period of time, a young adult undergoes many changes. These alterations can be visible on their body, but many are also internal. The reproductive organs begin to mature and the brain undergoes changes that affect the thought process and emotional maturity of an individual. It can be quite difficult to get used to a body that is rapidly growing and maturing- some adolescents may even reject their “new” body, voice, role in society, and their surroundings.
This maturation process, or puberty, usually begins at around 10-13 years of age and begins sooner in girls than in boys. Young adults will continue to grow and develop until about 20 years of age. At about 15, girls' mammary glands will become active, and girls will begin to menstruate. Boys' testicles (testes) and penis will become larger, their pubic hair will thicken, and their voice will mutate until 18 years of age.

Why am I Growing, what can affect my growth?

A specific part of your, the hypothalamus, is the place where hormones necessary for growth and maturation are produced. Some of them support growth or stimulate it. These are called liberins. Others will inhibit growth and these are called statins. To be entirely correct, growth stimulating hormones are somatoliberins and growth inhibiting hormones are somatostatins.
These stimulators or inhibitors of growth are transferred to another part of the brain, just under the hypothalamus, known as the hypophysis or pituitary gland. The pituitary gland will then release somatotropin or growth hormone. Growth hormone is largely responsible for the growth of our body. You won't only grow taller, but your feet will growth in length, as will your head. Basically, your body will grow proportionally.

Hypothalamus

Hypophysis or Pituitary

Effects of somatoliberin

Healthy food that contains sources of calcium and other beneficial micronutrients

Of course, without alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes

You are what you eat. This commonplace phrase isn't far from the truth! What you eat has a broad effect on your health and development. I'm sure you remember a time when you ate something that made you sick or on the other hand, when something made you feel great during a workout.

Regular exercise

Sufficient amounts of sleep

In addition to eating well, you should be careful to exercise properly. Correct exercise is particularly important if you are playing a sport competitively. Otherwise, it's quite easy to injure yourself.

What Makes Me A Woman or a Man?

Sexual maturation from a child to an adult is managed by the brain. The brain is the central communication and regulation center of the body. At first, the brain will send a signal to the developing reproductive organs. In women these are the ovaries and in men these are the testicles. Up until then, the reproductive organs are dormant and immature. After the initial signal is received, the ovaries or testes will begin to produce sex hormones.
The process during which a girl becomes a woman and a boy a man is controlled by these sex hormones. Women have two main sex hormones: estrogens, gestagens (progesterone), and small amounts of the male sex hormone, testosterone. Hormones are like messengers. Every message is transferred, the command executed, and then, the respective change in the body occurs. This means that, hormones have specific processes they affect, in order for a change in the body to occur.
Sex hormones behave similarly to hormones that regulate height/growth. First, a liberin is released from the hypothalamus. The liberin will cause two hormones to then be released from the hypophysis or pituitary gland: Follicle stimulating hormone, which will support production of sperm in men and maturation of oocytes and production of estrogen in women.

The hormone testosterone and cells called sperm, are created in the testicles

The brain as the managing center for the production of sex hormones. In women, it sends signals to the ovaries.

Estrogens will cause the glands in the breasts to awaken. These glands will begin to develop and grow around 10 years of age from a small round bump under the nipple. Such a change may scare some girls, just as the unequal growth of breasts. Don't fret, all of this is perfectly normal! Estrogens affect the development of both internal and external sexual characteristics. One of these is the storage of fat around the thighs and hips. It can also modify the health of your hair, your immunity, body temperature, water retention, bone metabolism, and other metabolic pathways.
In women, luteinizing hormone is responsible for stimulating the productions of gestagens. The primary responsibility of gestagens is the maintenance of pregnancy. They affect the maturation of the epithelium (lining) of the uterus, decrease the amount and increase the thickness of cervical mucus, and they can inhibit premature uterine contractions during pregnancy. Additionally, gestagens support the development of the mammary glands in the breast and increase body temperature during the second half of a woman's menstrual cycle.
Luteinizing hormone, in men, stimulates the production of testosterone in the testicles. Testosterone is responsible for the external and internal male characteristics. It affects muscle strength and behavior. These changes are why you can be so moody and explosive. Testosterone can also increase libido or sexual desire both in men and women.

development of the mammary gland

storage of fat tissue on the thighs and hips

growth of hair in the genital area and in the armpits

You are becoming stronger and taller, more muscular and you're growing. Some boys grow continuously, others rapidly and then their growth slows to a stop. Some may begin to grow at 18 years of age. The process of development is an individual one, everyone is different!

Uvědom si, že sílíš. Když se rozmáchneš, můžeš už i někoho zranit, proto se snaž stále vnímat změny svého těla a odhadnout intenzitu svých pohybů.

You will begin to grow hair around your reproductive organs -the penis and testicles- but also in your armpits, and on your chest, back and legs.

The genitals - the penis and the testicles - begin to grow.

Your skin and hair will become oilier. For this reason, most adolescents will wash their hair everyday.

Since your skin is oilier, it's important to use the right products. You definitely shouldn't wash it with regular soap. You may also develop acne which should be treated by a dermatologist.

CAREFUL! Deodorant and antiperspirant are not soap! First shower and then use these products.

Your breasts may become briefly larger, but this will go away with time

Your facial hair will also begin to grow. If you choose to do so, you can begin to shave regularly.

Your boyish voice will become deeper and it will crack. If this happens, don't pay any attention to it! Voice cracks are nothing to by ashamed of, just keep talking as if nothing happened.

Testosterone will also enlarge your larynx and will cause your vocal cords to lengthen and strengthen. The cartilage of the larynx can also become more prominent. The resulting bump on your neck is called an Adam's apple.

You may feel hungrier and you become a little chubbier. This is exactly why it is important to include both regular exercise and a healthy diet to your routine.

When do I Become an Adult?

You become an adult when you become responsible for your actions. When you're 16, your get your driver's permit, often times one of the first responsibilities you get, and when you turn 18, you officially become an adult.

The age of consent varies based on the country you live in.