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Expert Q&A

	By David L. Fay, M.D. Family Physician Associate Director, Waukesha Family Practice Residency Program

What exactly is puberty?

Wow! That's almost like asking "What's the meaning of life?"

Puberty is a physical, emotional, and psychological phenomenon which occurs between childhood and adulthood. It is one of the most exciting and tumultuous times in a human life, and no short answer can adequately convey exacly what it is.

Physically, it is when the sexual organs begin releasing hormones which cause maturation of the sexual characteristics: the testes enlarge and begin producing testosterone; the ovaries begin secreting estrogen; the penis grows in males, while breasts grow in females; pubic and body hair begin to flourish; muscle and fat increase, giving the body a more adult shape; the voice changes; acne sprouts; and growth spurts occur. Sperm and semen production begins in males, and ovulation in females. Girls experience menarche, the onset of menstrual periods.

Emotionally, it is a very difficult and unpredictable time. Boys and girls begin to have romantic interests in each other. Hormones make mood swings more prevalent, and the daily ups and downs are more pronounced. Family arguments erupt over seemingly trivial matters.

Psychologically, the world becomes a series of interesting paradoxes. Adolescents want to be different from their parents as they try to discover who they are; on the other hand, they want to be included in the peer group, so they dress and act similarly. While they all look and act alike, teens continue to feel very different from their peers, and this can be very discouraging. Changes in body appearance cause anxiety, frustration and uncertainty. The adolescent feels like an adult, but feels like (s)he is treated like a child.

Puberty is a time of tremendous change, and it is very difficult, yet exciting. Many adults tell adolescents experiencing puberty that "it's the best time of your life." Personally, I disagree; while I'm glad it happened, I wouldn't want to go through it again.

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