Puberty and hormones

24 December 2025

Puberty is a normal stage of growing up and will usually happens between the ages of 8 and 16. It is normal for these changes to start at different times to your friends. Some changes will be more noticeable than others and it can take up to four years for all the changes to happen.

As you go through puberty you may find that you have trouble controlling your mood and feelings. This may mean that you may feel happy or positive one minute and irritable, grumpy, or tearful the next. These hormonal changes will start to settle down as you go through puberty and you might find that your mood swings don’t happen as often and when they do, they’re less extreme or less of a problem.

It is normal for you to develop spots or acne during puberty. These changes to your skin are caused by hormonal changes in your body. These changes can also cause you to sweat more, and this may cause body odour.

It’s good to make sure you are clean and healthy by washing, showering, or having a bath once or twice a day and using deodorant. Keeping fit and active, eating a well-balanced diet and getting enough sleep can all help to improve your overall wellbeing.

You may feel embarrassed or scared about this stage in your life, but there is no need to. Talking to your friends, parents, School Nurse, or someone else that you trust, can help.

The websites below provide helpful information on this stage in your life.