Adolescence- The process of developing from a child into an adult.

• Includes a wide range of individually experienced social, emotional, cognitive, developmental changes
• Most often considered ages 10‐24 (even though ages >17 years old is considered an adult in legal terms)

Puberty- Process of physical changes where a body becomes capable of reproduction.

• Involves hormonal influences lead to the development of secondary sex characteristics.
• “Typical” times for puberty to begin are different for everyone in terms of timing, expression, experience

Tanner Stage- Is a classification system that healthcare providers use that outlines the stages of puberty for a child and when they’re likely to occur. Tanner Staging functions as a general guide, not a strict rule.

• Every child develops at their own rate. A child can also be at different stages for breast, pubic hair, and genital growth.
• Note- When a female is Tanner Stage 3 for pubic hair and starts to develop coarse, dark pubic hair, she is able to become pregnant.*

Puberty starts in the brain and leads to development of secondary sex characteristics:

• In people with ovaries, estrogen production first causes breast growth and then periods 2‐3 years later.
• If people with testes, testosterone first causes growth of the testicles and voice changes.