Child development: the characteristics of adolescence

Adolescence is the period when the sexual functions and physical characteristics of the child begin to develop actively, acquiring an increasingly complete form. This process is due to hormonal changes in the body. Youth or adolescence is called the length of time between the period of puberty and the state of maturity.

Features of adolescence and adolescence

The exact time when a child enters the process of puberty depends on several factors, such as genetics, sex and diet. During this period, the endocrine glands actively produce hormones that determine the characteristics of adolescence: the characteristic physiological changes and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. In the ovaries in girls, the production of estrogen and other female hormones increases, and in boys the production of testosterone increases. Endocrine glands produce substances that cause intense sweating, the appearance of characteristic odors, acne, hair and hair in the armpits - these are all features of development in adolescence. At this time, the child may need to use a deodorant and other personal care products.

Peculiarities of adolescence in girls

The development of the mammary glands is the main sign that the girl has entered the process of growing up. The first menstrual cycle (menarche) usually begins within the next two years. Before its beginning, the physiological characteristics of adolescence in a girl will be characterized by:

• Rapid growth;
• A noticeable increase in thigh size;
• The appearance of transparent or whitish vaginal discharge;
• Growth of hair in the armpits, on the legs and pubic.

Periodicity of the menstrual cycle

Menstruation occurs approximately once a month, or rather, after a time interval of 28 to 32 days. However, at first it may be irregular: it may take 2 months or 2 weeks between cycles. Soon their manifestation will become more systematic. Watch for the periodicity of the menstrual cycle to be able to detect significant abnormalities, if they occur.

Physiology of the menstrual cycle

After the onset of menstruation, the ovaries begin to free themselves from the eggs that have been there since the girl's birth. Each month, a female embryonic cell is released, which moves along the fallopian tube that connects to the uterus. When the cell reaches the final path, the walls of the uterus are filled with blood and fluid. Thus, during fertilization, the cell can grow and develop under suitable conditions. If the germ cell does not occur with sperm, it dissolves. The densified layer lags behind the uterus and forms menstrual blood, which is eliminated from the body through the vagina. Vaginal discharge between menstruation is normal.

Sexual maturation and emotional life

During or just before the start of the cycle, the girl may be out of sorts and show a tendency to change her mood, maybe some puffiness. The development of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is particularly likely as it grows up. These processes also affect the psychological characteristics of adolescence in girls. As a rule, the transition age is completed by 17 years. Despite the fact that by this time a person reaches physical maturity, his emotional and psychological development continues.