Puberty

Puberty is all the changes your body, mind, and hormones go through as you develop into an adult. Some changes you can see, and others only happen inside your body.

Most people go through puberty between the ages of 8-18. But everyone’s different. Some people start puberty earlier – some people start puberty later. Read more about when puberty happens.

Going through puberty can be difficult and confusing. Understanding what’s changing in your body can help.

In pre-colonial Māori society, puberty and getting your period was celebrated. It signalled the start of becoming a woman and continuing whakapapa.

Lots of things can change in puberty. But everyone is different. Your genetics, sex, and hormones, can all affect which changes you experience – and when you experience them.

Changes that can happen:

• Growing taller

• Growing hair in places it wasn’t before (armpits, genitals, face)

• Sweating more, and smellier

• Getting acne (pimples)

• Hair becoming greasy

• Voice becoming deeper

• Changes in how your nipples look and feel

• Muscles developing

• Surges and lulls of energy

• Body shape changes

• Reproductive organs change and grow (ovaries, uterus, vulva and vagina, breasts, testes and penis)

• Cumming when you orgasm

• Period begins (normally a few years after puberty begins)

Changes that can happen:

• Feeling more emotional

• Feeling pressure and stress

• Learning to cope with physical changes

• Feeling frustrated about how fast – or slow – the changes are happening

• Extreme emotions (mood swings)

Changes that can happen:

• Caring more about what others think

• Feeling curious about sex

• Feeling sexual attraction

• Being aware of your new body shape

• Change in how others treat you due to the changes in your body

• Needing privacy and independence

Puberty doesn’t happen all at once. It can take around 5-7 years.

Puberty can start from 8 years old and is normally complete by the age of 18. But it’s different for everyone. You might change faster or slower than your friends – or you might experience changes at different times. Sometimes puberty doesn’t happen, or it happens a lot later than for others. If you’re worried about this, talk to your usual doctor.

Puberty often starts with changes inside your body that can’t be seen by other people.

For people with testicles (balls), the hormone testosterone starts puberty. This could be anywhere between the ages of 8 and 14.

You might go through these changes:

• Your shoulders and chest broaden

• Your penis and testicles get bigger

• You have more erections

• Your breasts could swell (this is normally temporary)

• Hair begins to grow on your face, genitals, chest, and tummy

• Your voice changes, becoming croaky and squeaky before deepening

• You start having wet dreams – where you orgasm when you’re sleeping

• You cum when you orgasm

Going through puberty can be exciting, confusing, and embarrassing. Check out our top tips for looking after your wellbeing during puberty.

For people with ovaries, the hormones oestrogen and progesterone start puberty. This can start anywhere between the ages of 8 and 14.

You might go through these changes:

• Your ovaries get bigger

• Your uterus, vulva, vagina, nipples, and breasts begin to grow.

• The shape of your body changes – making your waist, hips, and bum more obvious.

• Your vaginal discharge will change

• Your period starts

Going through puberty can be exciting, confusing, and embarrassing. Check out our top tips for looking after your wellbeing during puberty.

If you’re intersex, you might experience puberty differently. This can be confusing or upsetting.

You might:

• Not know you’re intersex until you start puberty

• Not go through puberty unless you use hormone replacement therapy

• Experience puberty changes that don’t match your assigned sex

• Experience some puberty changes but not others

• Experience a typical progesterone and oestrogen puberty

• Experience a typical testosterone puberty

Find out more

• Intersex Youth Aotearoa

• Intersex Aotearoa

• InsideOUT

Puberty can be very confusing or distressing – especially if you feel like your body doesn’t match your gender. This feeling is called gender dysphoria.

If you’re experiencing gender dysphoria, you might like to talk to a nurse, doctor, counsellor, or psychologist. They can talk to you about what you’re feeling, how you’re coping, and whether you’d like any treatment or support. Find out more about gender affirming healthcare on Health NZ.

Find out more:

• Gender Minorities Aotearoa

• InsideOUT

Puberty is a confusing time.

It can be even more confusing or distressing if:

• You feel like your body doesn’t match your gender. This feeling is called gender dysphoria.

• It happens very early. If the signs of puberty start before age 7 or 8 for people with ovaries, or before age 9 for people with testicles, this is called precocious puberty. It’s a good idea to talk to a doctor about precocious puberty, as this can be a sign of another health condition.

Puberty blockers can help. They temporarily stop puberty from happening. This can give you time to consider your options. Find out more about puberty blockers on Health NZ.

It can also help to talk to someone about how you’re feeling.

Youthline has a free, confidential helpline. It’s available 24/7, over the phone, on text, webchat, and WhatsApp.

We’re here to help with period problems, gynaecological problems, and contraception.

If you want to talk about puberty more generally, it’s best to start with your usual nurse or doctor.