Puberty is a period of development when adolescents grow rapidly, mature sexually, and become able to reproduce. The onset of puberty varies greatly, but generally begins between the ages of 10 and 14 in females and between 12 and 16 in males.

In the typical order of occurrence, the signs of puberty in females include:

• Breast development
• Growth of pubic and underarm hair
• First menstrual period

In the typical order of occurrence, the signs of puberty in males include:

• Increase in the size of the testicles
• Increase in penis size
• Growth of pubic and underarm hair
• Deepening of the voice
• Development of facial hair

Tests

Hormone Tests
If your child’s doctor suspects delayed puberty or precocious (early) puberty, your child may need to undergo blood and urine tests to check levels of hormones related to physical growth and sexual development.

Treatments

Regular Checkups
Throughout puberty, your child should continue regular checkups with their adolescent medicine specialist to make sure they’re developing and growing as expected.

Why Choose UHealth?

Treating young patients from all over the world. Children and their families come from all over the world to receive quality care, compassionately delivered by outstanding pediatric specialists and other skilled medical professionals within our facilities. 

Recognized for excellence in care. We have received the “Best Practice” designation from the Florida Department of Health and its Miami-Dade County branch for HIV testing and treatment services for 13 to 24-year-olds with the HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some of our doctors have also earned the “Best Doctor in America” recognition from the American Health Council. 

Top-notch care in an academic health system. Backed by one of the nation’s top universities, our team uses the latest technologies and research-driven expertise to provide your child with superior, personalized care and the best outcomes possible. We’re the only academic health center in South Florida with developmental and behavioral pediatric specialists on staff.

Involvement with research and education. Members of our adolescent medicine team are also involved in research and education, allowing us to offer the latest, innovative treatments sooner than other facilities in South Florida. We have a 24-year continual experience with national research projects concerning HIV infection in youth, adolescent sexual health, and prevention of STDs in teenagers. We’re also involved in national collaborations concerning injury prevention and health promotion.