Puberty is the time of life when people develop physically and sexually so that they can have children. It is the time when male and female sex characteristics appear and when changes in the sexual organs occur. Puberty is the entire process of changes affecting the body and its hormones that accompany sexual...

First, take a class on how to give CPR. Then use the chart below as a reference. Quick reference: CPR recommendations for adults and older children, young children, and babies What to do Adults and older children who have reached puberty Young children until the age of puberty Babies younger than 1 year When to call for...

What are anabolic steroids? Anabolic steroids are substances that are like the hormone testosterone. They are made in a lab. Doctors prescribe them to treat problems such as delayed puberty and problems that cause the body to make very low amounts of testosterone. They can cause puberty to start and can help some boys...

Briefly discusses breast changes during puberty, noncancerous breast changes, and when problems may need follow-up care. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Discusses acne, a skin problem. Lists symptoms, including pimples. Covers causes such as puberty, medicines, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome. Covers acne treatment for mild, moderate, and severe forms. Offers prevention tips.

Most women are able to become pregnant from puberty, when their menstrual cycles begin, until menopause, when their cycles stop. A pregnancy starts with fertilization, when a woman's egg joins with a man's sperm. Fertilization usually takes place in a fallopian tube that links an ovary to the uterus. If the fertilized...

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: Breast buds (slight raising and enlargement of the nipple area)...

Teens' biological clocks change during puberty. Adolescents and teens tend to fall asleep later at night and to sleep later in the morning than younger children do. This pattern can cause problems, because school schedules often require that teens get up early for classes. Some teens may become sleep deprived. They may...

In females: Most have had their first menstrual period by age 15. And most have completed the rapid growth spurt that usually occurs during puberty. Other early changes of puberty, such as the growth of pubic hair and breasts, have also occurred. Breast development is usually complete about 4 years after breast buds...

Starting at age 10 or at the start of puberty, children who have a body mass index (BMI) in the 85th percentile or higher for their age—or whose weight is more than 120% of ideal—and who have one of the following risk factors need to be tested for type 2 diabetes every 3 years. Risks include: Having a parent or sibling...

Torsion of a testicle is a condition in which the blood supply to the testicle is cut off. This occurs when a testicle twists on the spermatic cord. Torsion of a testicle is most likely to occur in boys around the time they reach puberty, but it may occur in younger and older males as well. Torsion of a testicle may...

Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male hormone testosterone. Doctors prescribe them to treat problems such as delayed puberty and other medical problems that cause the body to make very low amounts of testosterone. Steroids may help increase growth, build muscle tissue, and make bones stronger...

Turner syndrome is a condition in which a female's breasts, vagina, and uterus do not fully develop and puberty does not occur. Females with Turner syndrome may also have heart problems at birth, have learning disabilities, and end up much shorter in height than other members of their family. Typically, a female has two...

Children usually move in natural, predictable steps as they grow and develop language, cognitive, social, and sensory and motor skills. But each child gains skills at their own pace. It's common for a child to be ahead in one area, such as language, but a little behind in another. At routine checkups, your child's...

Provides links to how-to information about teen health. Includes info on acne, bullying, depression, headaches, and tobacco use. Covers talking with your teen about sex and responding to substance use. Also covers anorexia and bulimia.

Provides links to info on child growth and development topics. Also includes links to info on illnesses that might affect a child's health. Topics listed include immunizations, healthy eating for children, and asthma in children.

Covers type 1 diabetes in children. Includes info on managing diabetes. Discusses using glucose monitors for blood glucose testing. Includes links to info on dealing with diabetes in school. Includes info on hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

Offers tips on talking with your child about sex. Addresses family values. Covers getting conversations started. Covers topics such as using condoms and other forms of birth control to avoid pregnancy and STIs. Also covers sexual abuse and date rape.

What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome is a genetic condition. It affects childhood growth and development. People who have it may share similar features and health issues. They may learn to talk later than other children and have some intellectual disability. But every person's experience is different. And everyone with...

Gender identity is your inner sense of being male, female, both, neither, or some other gender. And for some people, gender identity can shift or be flexible. There are a variety of terms that people may use to describe their gender identity. For example, people whose gender identity expands beyond the categories of...

As a parent, you are the ideal teacher to help your child learn about sex. Talking openly about sexuality helps your child understand their feelings, and it can help them have a positive attitude toward a natural process. It's best to keep your explanations honest and simple. A 6-year-old child won't need the details...

A testosterone test checks the level of this male hormone (androgen) in the blood. Testosterone affects sexual features and development. In men, it is made in large amounts by the testicles. In both men and women, testosterone is made in small amounts by the adrenal glands, and in women, by the ovaries. The pituitary...