Understanding physical changes in puberty

Puberty is called maiden stage of youth. Various mental and physical changes occur due to hormonal changes when girls turn to adolescence from their childhood.
It usually happens after 12 years of age but takes a couple of years more to reach at mature stage. In case of female, menstruation begins between 10 and 16 years and various changes in physical appearance occur including well-shaping of limbs, widening of loin, change of voice, well development of breasts, accumulation of fat,  hyper-pigmentation and start of growing hair at some places of the body.
Acne or pimple may appear on back and face. Black spot might be seen under the eyes. Puberty also brings changes in food habit. Some avoid eating as nausea at the sight of food. Striation is seen in the body since weight increases. Many may suffer from deficit of thyroid hormone. But most of the problems improve after 20 years of age. Overweight can be controlled if one adopts intake of one thousand kilo- calories daily. Many of the girls feel uneasy at the time of changing outer shape of body and opt for loose costume while some others feel attraction towards opposite sex.
If menstruation and corresponding physical changes do not occur even after 16, the situation is called delayed puberty. On the other hand, precocious puberty is called when menstruation commences before 8 years of age. But in both cases, it is good for girls to consult with physicians because other causes may remain behind it.
Menstruation runs periodically or in cycle. Monthly cycle of menstruation in some cases takes 2 to 3 years to be regular after it starts. Usually menstruation occurs in every 26 to 30 days and 80 percent females suffer from some of the physical problem such as gloominess, weakness, pain, frustration, insomnia, headache, lack of attention, short temper, feeling of heavy breasts and lower abdomen and release of leucorrhea (thick whitish discharge from vagina) etc.
The most common scenario during menstruation is to feel pain at abdomen. Intensity of pain at times compels the girl to stop going to the school or college. Those who do excessive exercise or do dieting to reduce weight or suffer from stress may face the same problem. But in many cases problems run out automatically. Weight can increase up to two kilos by retention of salt and fluid in the body. Vomiting tendency ends following start of menstruation.
Ignorance and misinterpretation over natural changes of puberty in the society make girl's family anxious. We should create mass awareness about the common problems and solutions so that every girl can lead a happy and healthy adolescent life.

The writer is a Registrar, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Anwar Khan Modern Medical College. E-mail: [email protected].