Issues on Adolescence (Part 3)
July 12th 2008 03:21
Physical Changes
Puberty is a physical process of change characterized by the development of secondary sex characteristics. We must understand that puberty differs from adolescence. Puberty happens synchronous with adolescence, but adolescence does not only highlight physical changes, but (largely) also psychological ones.
The onset of puberty is marked by the secretion of sex steroids, upon triggering the maturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrena l-gonadal axes. These hormones include the testosterone, estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. During this time the following changes may occur: enlargement of sex organs, menarche in girls and ejaculation in boys, enlargement of breast and hips in girls, growth of facial hairs and lowered voices in boys, and increase in height and weight (which occurs earlier in girls than in boys). Sexual drive is believed to be triggered, largely because of the increased reaction of the mentioned hormones. Also during these pubertal changes, more calories and vitamins are needed than at any other time in life. This is a highly critical time nutritionally as unbalanced diets can prevent normal growth.
Some deviations from the expected pattern of maturation can happen. These include delayed growth, acne, obesity, too tall, enlarged mammary glands in boys, and small or overabundant breast in girls. Any deviation may have psychosocial implications like low self-esteem, and feelings of inferiority. These have to be settled to bring about a holistic approach in molding an individual.
Puberty is a physical process of change characterized by the development of secondary sex characteristics. We must understand that puberty differs from adolescence. Puberty happens synchronous with adolescence, but adolescence does not only highlight physical changes, but (largely) also psychological ones.
The onset of puberty is marked by the secretion of sex steroids, upon triggering the maturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrena l-gonadal axes. These hormones include the testosterone, estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. During this time the following changes may occur: enlargement of sex organs, menarche in girls and ejaculation in boys, enlargement of breast and hips in girls, growth of facial hairs and lowered voices in boys, and increase in height and weight (which occurs earlier in girls than in boys). Sexual drive is believed to be triggered, largely because of the increased reaction of the mentioned hormones. Also during these pubertal changes, more calories and vitamins are needed than at any other time in life. This is a highly critical time nutritionally as unbalanced diets can prevent normal growth.
Some deviations from the expected pattern of maturation can happen. These include delayed growth, acne, obesity, too tall, enlarged mammary glands in boys, and small or overabundant breast in girls. Any deviation may have psychosocial implications like low self-esteem, and feelings of inferiority. These have to be settled to bring about a holistic approach in molding an individual.
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