Normal Transition to Adolescence
Puberty brings a lot of physical changes - growth spurts, new hair growth, skin changes, and shifts in body shape - and it doesn't happen on a fixed schedule.
It's common to start noticing changes earlier or later than your friends. That gap almost always closes over time, and there's a wide range of what's considered typical.
Along with the physical side, it's normal for moods, energy, and interests to shift too as your brain keeps developing through your teen years.
If a change feels confusing, uncomfortable, or you just have questions, a parent, school nurse, or doctor can talk you through what's going on.
- 5 Ideas for Better Sleep
- Backpack Basics
- Common Sleep Problems
- Cuts, Scratches, and Scrapes
- Earbuds
- Easy Exercises for Teens
- How Much Sleep Do I Need?
- How to Do a Testicular Self-Exam (Slideshow)
- Hygiene Basics
- Ingrown Toenails
- Secondhand Smoke
- Sickle Cell Trait: 3 Ways to Stay Healthy
- Staying at a Healthy Weight
- Taking Care of Your Teeth
- Taking Care of Your Vision
- Tampons, Pads, and Other Period Supplies
- Technology: 5 Ways To Reboot Yourself
- Tips for Taking Care of Your Skin
- What Causes Bad Breath?
- Why Exercise Is Wise
- About the Body Basics Library
- All About Your Brain & Nervous System
- Blood
- Bones, Muscles, and Joints
- Digestive System
- Ears
- Endocrine System
- Eyes
- Female Reproductive System
- Hair, Skin, and Nails
- How Do the Joints Work? (Video)
- Lungs and Respiratory System
- Male Reproductive System
- Metabolism
- Spleen and Lymphatic System
- The Immune System
- The Urinary System & Kidneys
- Your Heart & Circulatory System
- Your Mouth & Teeth
- 5 Tips for Dealing With Shots
- 5 Ways to Fight the Flu
- 5 Ways to Stay Healthy for the Holidays
- Blood Types
- Donating Blood
- Genes and Genetics
- Getting Rid of Old Medicines
- Health Insurance Basics
- Health Insurance: Cracking the Code
- How Can I Deal With Nightmares?
- How to Fill a Prescription
- Puberty Basics
- Refilling a Prescription
- Vaccine Basics
- What Does It Mean to Be a Carrier for a Genetic Condition?
- What's the Difference Between Infectious and Contagious?
- Your Medical Records
- 5 Tips for Dealing With Shots
- ADHD Medicines
- Adolescent Medicine Specialists
- All About Orthodontia
- Allergy Testing
- Blood Transfusions
- Blood Types
- Breast Exams
- Breast Reduction Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Choosing Your Own Doctor
- Electronic Health Records
- Feeling Comfortable With a Doctor of a Different Gender
- Getting Rid of Old Medicines
- Gyn Checkups
- Having a Healthy Pregnancy
- Health Insurance Basics
- Health Insurance: Cracking the Code
- How Can I Take Charge of My Own Medical Care?
- I Think I Have a Mental Health Problem. Who Can I Talk To?
- Managing Your Medical Care (Topic Center)
- Medical Tests: What to Expect (Video)
- Medicines for Diabetes
- Pap Smears
- Pelvic Exams
- Physical Therapy
- Plastic Surgery
- Questions You Can Ask Your Doctor
- Sickle Cell Disease: Take Charge of Your Health
- Sickle Cell Trait: 3 Ways to Stay Healthy
- Taking Charge of Your Medical Care
- Talking to Your Doctor
- Testicular Exams
- The Flu Vaccine
- Understanding Medicines and What They Do
- What to Expect When Your Cast Comes Off
- What's It Like to Have Surgery?
- What's It Like to Stay in the Hospital?
- What's the Difference Between a Treatment and a Cure?
- Why Do Doctors Press on Your Stomach During a Checkup?
- Wound Healing and Care
- 10 Tips for Better Skin Without Pricey Products
- Acanthosis Nigricans
- Acne
- Blisters, Calluses, and Corns
- Body Piercing
- Bruises
- Can Acne Scars Be Removed?
- Cellulite
- Cuts, Scratches, and Scrapes
- Dandruff
- Hair Removal
- Head Lice
- I Got Blisters From a Sunburn. What Should I Do?
- Indoor Tanning
- Ingrown Toenails
- Is It a Good Idea to Use Skin Care Products?
- Melanoma
- Molluscum Contagiosum
- Shaving
- Stretch Marks
- Tanning
- Tattoos
- Tips for Taking Care of Your Skin
- Vitiligo
- What Can I Do About Acne?
