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Adolescent health

Introduction:

Adolescence, the period of transition from childhood to adulthood, is generally considered to begin at age of puberty. Puberty is the period of life when a person becomes able to reproduce. The words adolescent and teenagers are often used interchangeably despite individual variations in when adolescence begins and ends. The age wise classification of adolescent is as follows:

  • Prepubescent – 10-12 years (girls) 12-14 years (boys)
  • Pubescent – 12-14 years (girls) 12-16 years (boys)
  • Post pubescent – 14-18 years (girls) 16-20 years (boys)

Different hormonal changes that signal beginning of puberty usually begin at about age 10 or 11 in girls and about 12 or 13 in boys, though there are wide variations in adolescent growth patterns. Growth toward physical maturity tends to level off soon after age 17 or 18 in both sexes. Many physical, mental and emotional changes occur during these developmental years, which may make adolescence a particularly difficult time.

An important factor in sexual development is heredity (biological inheritance). For example, a girl whose mother started her periods late is also likely to begin late. Similarly a boy’s development is likely to follow same pattern as his fathers. Most teens are preoccupied with their changing bodies and concerned about being ‘normal’.

Many girls reach sexual maturity by the time they are 16. Their breasts develop and pelvis broadens, underarm and pubic hairs grow and fat lay down to create an adult female shape. Most boys are sexually mature at age of 17 or 18. Their genitals grow, facial and body hairs appear, voice deepens and there are important changes seen in bones and muscles.

Whether an adolescent develops early or late is also affected by his or her general health. Poor nutrition or illness during childhood may delay the onset of puberty. In addition a child who is smaller or thinner than average, is likely to develop late. Their peers may tease children who develop early or late but parents should understand and reassuring, reminding them that these are just differences and usually are temporary.

The physical changes that occur during a child’s adolescence are usually accompanied by emotional conflicts. Hence the key to a healthy adolescence is usually an open and honest communication between adolescents and their parents.