Adolescence - Puberty

Question 1

What is puberty?

Answer 1

Relates to the physical and emotional changes in our bodies, it’s natural and normal and it’s happening to at least 1 million people around the world.

Question 2

What happens to boys in puberty?

Answer 2

Massive changes in height
Cracking and questioning of the voice
Lot’s more body hair

Question 3

What happens to girls in puberty?

Answer 3

Widening of the hips
Breast development
Menstrual cycle starts

Question 4

Who should you speak to if concerned about the changes?

Answer 4

If you are concerned, you can speak to a trusted family or friend and make sure to be open about what’s happening.

Question 5

Where are the hormones release and what type to girls and boys have?

Answer 5

The hormones are released in the pituitary gland. Girls have a hormone called oestrogen which are found in the ovaries and boys have a hormone called testosterone which are found in the testes.

Question 6

What is the menstrual cycle?

Answer 6

The menstrual cycle is known as the period which is 28 days in length. The cycle is controlled by the release of different hormones. The liquid is the shedding of the uterus lining called endometrium. The period usually lasts for 3-7 days.

Question 7

What are the different phases of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 7

1. Menstrual phase
2. Follicular Phase
3. Ovulation Phase
4. Luteal Phase

Question 8

How does the menstrual cycle take place?

Answer 8

The period starts on days 1-5
On day 14 the ovary releases egg
Days 14-28 the lining continues to build up/egg travels down Fallopian tube to uterus

Question 9

What is the follicular phase?

Answer 9

The first day of the cycle is when the ovulation occurs, the pituitary gland releases the follicle-simulation hormone. It stimulates the ovary to produce numbers of follicles (5-20)

Question 10

What is the ovulation phase?

Answer 10

The ovulation phase occurs when a mature egg is released from the follicle on the surface of the ovary. In the follicular phase, the oestrogen levels rise. The brain triggers gonadotrophine (GnRH).

Question 11

What is the Luteal phase?

Answer 11

The luteal phase is approximately 2 weeks in length when the ovary changes into a structure called the corpus luteal.
The corpus luteal releases sex hormones called progesterone.