Puberty is when children’s bodies slowly turn into grown-ups bodies. They get bigger, but they change too.

This period is called adolescence. For girls, it starts around 10, whereas for boys, it’s a bit later, around 12.

It’s a slow transformation caused by hormones, a molecule produced in the body. Generally, puberty lasts 3 to 5 years.

What happens during puberty?

First, in girls, their nipples become more sensitive, turn darker in colour and their breasts grow.

Hairs grow under their arms, on their pubic areas and their legs. Their hips get wider.

Their bodies are getting ready to have babies later. Their genitals become fully developed. They start having periods.

That means that every month, girls lose some blood. It’s a sign that their bodies are working normally.