" I feel too embarrassed to talk to anyone about my problem."
Alison, 10
Growing up is a busy time for you and your body. Puberty is the time when your body begins to develop and change. Remember take your time and don’t feel you have to rush into anything you’re not comfortable with.
Hormones/puberty for girls
Puberty can take place at different times for different people so if things have started to change for your friends but not you – RELAX! It’ll happen to you – just be patient. If it’s worrying you talk to someone. Try your parents or carer, friends, a doctor, a teacher or call these helplines:
NSPCC free 24 hour Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000 – someone will listen to your worries.
Call Childline free on 08001111. Calls are free from most mobiles and will not show up on your phone bill.
Girls start growing breasts and get their periods – these are signs that you are growing into women.
Most girls start periods between 9 and 16 years. If you are slimmer than average, you might start later.
Girls start growing breasts at age 8 or as late as 13. Some girls' breasts grow slowly and others grow quickly.
You might start sprouting hair in different places. This is normal and even if it seems a bit weird now you’ll get used to it.
Hormones/puberty for boys
Boys will find that their bodies are growing bigger and changing to look more like men’s bodies. If anything is worrying you talk to someone. Try your parents or carer, friends, a doctor, a teacher or call these helplines:
NSPCC free 24 hour Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000 – someone will listen to your worries.
Call Childline free on 08001111. Calls are free from most mobiles and will not show up on your phone bill.
If you wake up to find sticky sheets don’t worry. It’s just a wet dream. Your hormones are going mad but it’s completely normal and happens to loads of boys.
Have you had an erection at a really bad time like when you’re in class or watching the tv with your family. It can be really frustrating and embarrassing but try not to worry. It won’t always be like this – phew! It’s just your hormones going wild again.
Is something weird happening to your larynx (voice box)? This is just your voice sorting itself out and pretty soon it’ll settle down. Don’t worry and if anyone teases you try to remember you won’t always sound like this.
