Permanent Body Changes After Puberty

1. Facial asymmetry starts to become apparent after puberty

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So, as you go through puberty, you might notice your face isn't perfectly balanced (a sad realization for most of us, but totally natural). Before puberty our faces haven't really taken shape yet, then after we go through puberty, our genes take over!

2. Sweat begins to smell funky

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Now, about that distinct smell that kicks in during puberty, especially in places like your armpits. It's a mix of sweat and bacteria, and after puberty, it's natural that we become smellier. That's not to say that we have to smell, hygiene can keep this at bay with no problem.

3. You start to notice you're attracted to people

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Ah, the part where you start feeling that pull towards others. It's like discovering a whole new dimension of life. You begin to notice people in a different light, and it's not just a passing thought. It's the hormones letting you know that you're now physically attracted to people in a whole new way.

4. Hormones are all over the place!

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Puberty brings the hormone chaos that no teen or parent of the teen can even prepare for. Puberty involves a significant increase in hormones, with testosterone and estrogen playing crucial roles. These hormones drive the physical changes in your body, such as growth and development.

5. Which means your emotions are too

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These chemicals aren't just changing your body; they're also stirring up emotions. One moment you're fine, next you're all over the place. It's like an emotional rollercoaster everyone goes through. Totally normal, (yet super intense) just your body adjusting and getting ready for the next phase.

6. And it can stir new feelings in your body!

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During puberty, your hormones can stir up new feelings, including sexual desires which are experienced all at once during puberty. It's a natural part of growing up. Your body is adjusting, and these desires are just signals that you're maturing physically and emotionally.

7. Strange hair starts to grow in random places

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You might notice the growth of new and sometimes unexpected body hair in different areas. This is a normal part of maturation. The increase in hormones, particularly androgens like testosterone, can lead to the development of coarser and darker hair in expected, or totally unexpected places!

8. Your face will become much more structured: hello cheekbones

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As you go through puberty, you'll likely notice changes in the structure of your face. One notable transformation is the emergence of more defined features, like cheekbones and facial structure. This development is influenced by a combination of genetics and hormonal shifts.

9. Reproductive organs grow a lot at this time

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In males, the testicles and penis undergo enlargement. In females, the ovaries and uterus experience growth. These changes are driven by the increased production of sex hormones, such as testosterone in males and estrogen in females. The growth of reproductive organs is a fundamental part of puberty, signifying the maturation of the reproductive system!

10. Noses and ears take their shape

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During puberty, your nose and ears take on their unique shapes. This change is influenced by your genetics and the ongoing development of your facial features. Hormonal shifts during puberty contribute to defining these structures, giving your face a distinct appearance. It's a natural part of growing up, as your facial features settle into their mature form.

11. You'll have a growth spurt

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And of course, with puberty comes the growth spurt. Puberty often brings about a noticeable growth spurt, a phase where your body experiences a rapid increase in height. This surge in growth is because during puberty your body has a surge of growth hormones, making you grow rapidly.

12. Bums carry much more weight than they used to

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You might observe a change in how your body carries weight, particularly around the butt. It's not just about gaining weight; it's a shift in how your body distributes fat. As your body matures, it adapts to storing fat in different areas, giving your buttocks more weight.

13. Periods begin during puberty

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Now this is a rite of passage in puberty for many girls. It's your body's way of saying, "Hey, we're ready for some grown-up stuff!" When estrogen starts doing its thing, it kickstarts the development of your reproductive system, and voila, you get your first period. It's like a monthly reminder that your body's gearing up for the potential magic of creating life.

14. And boobs grow much bigger

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One of the characteristic bodily changes for girls during puberty is the emergence of boobs. It's a natural and essential phase in the physical maturation of the female body, symbolizing the onset of reproductive capability - which is what puberty is all about after all!

15. Your shoulders will get so much much broader

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As you progress through puberty, you may notice your shoulders gradually widening, giving your upper body a more robust and mature appearance. This development is a result of the growth and strengthening of bones, particularly the clavicles, and the increasing prominence of the shoulder muscles.

16. For guys, the Adam's apple is much more pronounced

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An increase in testosterone, and the vocal cords lengthening, causing the Adam's apple to become more noticeable. This development is responsible for the deepening of the voice, one of the vocal changes that often accompanies puberty in males. The Adam's apple, much like other physical changes, becomes a visible marker of the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

17. You get pubic hair

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So, here's the deal – during puberty, you're going to notice some changes down there, and one of them is the arrival of pubic hair. It's like a sign that your body is gearing up for the next chapter. After puberty, suddenly, there's this coarser, darker hair making an appearance in the pubic region.

18. Your tastebuds can change and food preferences may alter

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During puberty, your taste buds can go through some changes. Foods you used to love might not hit the spot anymore, and you might find yourself enjoying things you didn't before. Don't be surprised if your go-to snacks start to shift – it's just part of growing up and experiencing new flavors.

19. Stretch marks may appear as your body changes

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Your skin is adjusting to the growth happening underneath. These marks are completely normal and often show up in areas where your body is experiencing rapid changes. They're like little reminders of the incredible transformation your body is going through.

20. And their voice takes a shift lower

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During puberty, guys often experience a noticeable shift in their voice – it gets lower. It's a result of hormonal changes, particularly the increase in testosterone. As this happens, your vocal cords stretch and lengthen, giving your voice a more mature and distinctive tone.

21. Jaw lines become much more distinct

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You'll lose that baby face and you'll form a grown-up, structured face instead. Say goodbye to those baby cheeks and rounded features and make way for a new jawline! It's a gradual process, but over time, you'll likely observe your jawline becoming more distinct, giving your face a more adult appearance.

22. For women, the pelvis widens during puberty

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It's not an overnight thing, but as time rolls on, you'll notice your hips broadening. This widening is like Mother Nature's way of prepping your body for potential future adventures like childbirth. Your body is maturing, and leaving girlhood behind!

23. Body hair becomes more thick and wiry

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Another unpleasant discovery after puberty is that hair changes and becomes permanently thicker and wiry. The strands decide to take on a more robust, less manageable texture. Now, don't panic; it's not the end of the world. Sure, your hair might become a bit more rebellious, but it's all part of the natural course of things.

24. Muscles start to develop

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As you embrace the post-puberty era, you'll notice a shift in your physique. Thanks to the surge in hormones, especially testosterone, your muscles get the green light for growth. It's not a one-day wonder; it takes time and consistency, but gradually, you'll observe your muscles getting more defined and capable.

25. Changes happen within your brain

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Your brain changes forever after puberty, so along with the physical changes in your body you also experience physical changes in your brain - which of course, can alter your thoughts, ideas, and emotions. There's so much going on after puberty that it can be a seriously intense time to manage.

26. Vision problems can become apparent

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It's often after puberty hits that eye and vision problems become apparent. Maybe the words on the page aren't as clear as they used to be, or the distant signs seem to be playing hide-and-seek. Blame it on the intricate choreography of genes and hormones during this transformative phase.

27. Sleep patterns may completely change, goodbye early mornings

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As soon as puberty happens, early mornings begin to seem like an alien concept. Teens and wake-up time just don't go together. Sleep patterns completely shift as your body goes through a lot. You'll need a lot of sleep during this period, and after your sleep will continue to change.

28. This skin around your private parts and underarms darkens

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Skin tone and texture can also permanently change after puberty, and specifically, some areas that you'll notice start to darken are the areas around your private parts and your underarms. It's a natural part of growing up, influenced by hormones, friction, and your genetics. No need to worry—it's just your body going through its regular transformations.

29. Hips will become much more prominent for women

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Puberty signifies the shift from girlhood to womanhood. And after puberty, your body changes forever. Hips become much wider and one of the reasons for this is because puberty prepares us to reproduce - wider hips are more aligned to having children!

30. Appetites can increase, to feed your growing body

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A child's appetite can no longer fuel your adult body. And after puberty, things become much more complex in your body as you now have a lot more going on inside you. You now need more food and sustenance to fuel your adult body and all of the internal processes!

31. The size of your skull actually gets bigger

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It's not a sudden change, but over time, you might notice that hats fit a bit snugger, and your head is looking a little bit bigger. The growth of the skull is a gradual and continuous process, allowing for the accommodation of the developing brain (yes, you'll get smarter too)!

32. Nails may become stronger

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Hormonal shifts, along with increased blood circulation, contribute to the improvement in nail health. You might find that your nails become stronger, less prone to breakage, and potentially even grow a bit faster. It's a small but significant change, adding a touch of resilience to your growing-up journey.

33. Your back becomes more sculpted

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Puberty introduces many new contours to your body, one of these in particular is your back which will change forever after puberty. It may appear much more sculpted than it once was, with the muscle formation now visible, where it was once much smoother.

34. Feet may go up a size or two

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During puberty, your feet may grow a size or two. This happens gradually as you grow. If you find your shoes feeling a bit snug or need a larger size, it's just a natural part of your body's growth during this phase. Embrace the changes – your feet are taking bigger steps on the path through puberty.

35. Nipples get bigger and more pronounced

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If you observe a change in your nipple size or notice them becoming more noticeable after puberty, it's completely normal. It's especially common for women. Your body is sculpting its unique features, and the evolving appearance of your nipples is a natural aspect of the puberty experience.

36. You'll be heavier after puberty

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The increase in weight is often a sign of healthy development and is part of the natural progression toward adulthood. It's not just about gaining fat; it includes the growth of muscles, organs, and bones. Additionally, variations in diet, lifestyle, and genetics can also play a role in changes in weight during puberty.

37. Muscle mass increases in your body

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With the progression through puberty, there's a natural increase in muscle mass. Engaging in physical activities and exercises becomes more effective, contributing to the development of stronger and more defined muscles. Whether it's in your arms, legs, or core, your body is adding more muscle mass.

38. Thighs get thicker

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Thick thighs are another surprise you may find after going through puberty. This increase in size is a result of the overall growth and development occurring in various parts of your body. Hormones, particularly the ones associated with puberty, play a role in shaping and maturing these muscles.

39. You start to store fat more

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Puberty brings about a total shift in the way your body stores fat. Hormonal changes, such as increases in estrogen and testosterone, influence this redistribution. You'll likely notice fat accumulating in different places, like your hips, butt, and breasts.

40. And in different places on your body

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As you go through puberty, hair emerges in new places on your body. Arms and legs might get a bit fuzzier, and some hair might pop up on your once smooth chest and back. Guys might notice facial hair starting to grow. Pubic hair gets thicker and might spread to different areas, and armpits might see some changes too.

41. The hair on your head may become thicker and darker

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Say goodbye to the soft baby hairs. For many, the texture of head hair can become coarser, thicker, or even change in color. Many people who had light hair as a child will find that after puberty their hair permanently becomes much darker in appearance.

42. Female's voices get higher

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Females have estrogen to thank for the shift in vocal cords, making your tone of voice sound potentially slightly higher than it once did. It probably won't take a hugely noticeable shift, but it will change forever after puberty as your body shifts into its new normal.

43. The adrenal glands develop

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Adrenal glands are found on top of your kidneys, and after puberty, they begin to develop further. the adrenal glands produce hormones, and one of the key players is DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). This hormone is involved in the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as the growth of pubic and underarm hair and the deepening of the voice during puberty.

44. Eyebrow hair becomes darker and more pronounced

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Hormonal changes in puberty can lead to the darkening and increased prominence of eyebrow hair. Those once subtly arched brows might become bolder and more defined. It's a natural evolution, and the result is a frame that adds character to your face.

45. Abs become more defined as they strengthen

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If you notice your midsection getting a bit more chiseled, it's not just a coincidence. Thanks to an increase in testosterone, muscles start to become much more pronounced as they grow, and the potential to get stronger increases massively after puberty.

46. Guys get chest hair

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Guys often find themselves on the receiving end of another hairy surprise during puberty – chest hair! As puberty kicks in, many guys notice the gradual emergence of hair on their chests. It's a sign that your body is gearing up for the next phase of manhood. From a few stray hairs to a full-fledged carpet.

47. Males (and females) develop facial hair

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Both males and females might notice some changes in this department. For guys, it's a bit more pronounced – you start growing facial hair, marking the arrival of the beard and mustache era. For some females, there might be a few stray hairs making an appearance too.

48. Even calf size changes and increases

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Puberty doesn't leave out the calves—they go through changes too (much like the entirety of your body). You might notice an increase in the size of your calves during this period. This growth is influenced by the development of your muscles as your body matures. It's just one more way your body adapts to the transformative journey of puberty.

49. Puberty makes you physically stronger

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As you navigate through puberty, you'll likely experience an increase in physical strength. This surge in strength is closely tied to the hormonal changes occurring in your body, particularly the rise in testosterone. This hormone plays a key role in muscle growth!

50. Puberty is the biggest physical change of any life stage

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Puberty is like hitting the turbo button on physical changes. It's the time when your body decides to switch things up big time. From new hair showing up in unexpected places to growth spurts making you taller, so many permanent bodily changes happen!