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Physical Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years

Table of Contents


Overview

Adolescence is a time of rapid growth in height and weight and of physical changes throughout the body. Most of these changes happen near the time of puberty. In the United States and Canada, puberty usually starts between the ages of 9 and 13.

In females:

In males:

Growth in body parts may occur out of sync with each other. For example, the nose, arms, and legs may grow faster than the rest of the body. Other physical development during puberty usually includes:

The surging hormones related to puberty often stimulate the sex drive. It's normal to masturbate in private. Hormones may also trigger episodes of difficult behavior, such as challenging parents and other authority figures.


Credits for Physical Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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