The teenage years, also called adolescence, are a time for growth spurts and puberty changes. Changes with puberty may happen gradually, or several signs may become visible at the same time. Sexual and other physical maturation that happens during puberty is a result of hormonal changes.

“There are specific stages of development that both boys and girls go through when developing secondary sexual characteristics. These are the physical characteristics of males and females that are not involved in reproduction, such as voice changes, body shape, pubic hair distribution, and facial hair,” Emily Breidbart, MD, pediatric endocrinologist at the Pediatric Endocrinology Program, part of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, tells iHeart Radio’s MD for Moms podcast.

“The teenage years bring many changes, not only physically, but also mentally and socially. During these years, each child may progress at a different rate,” says Dr. Breidbart, who is also an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics.

Listen to more on iHeart Radio’s MD for Moms.