The Puberty Timeline
Everyone travels through puberty at their own unique speed. You may feel like you’re the only person your age who hasn’t developed breasts* or whose voice hasn’t changed, but you’re not alone. With time, you and your classmates and friends will all become adults and you will all have gone through puberty and come out the other side.
Until then, it can be hard not knowing when your body will change. Learning more about the timing of puberty can help you prepare.
| Useful Tip |
| Remember that everyone experiences puberty differently. If possible, try not to compare yourself to others. |
When will I start puberty?
- Most people start going through puberty when they are between 10 and 14 years old, but this isn’t the case for everyone. It’s perfectly normal to start puberty under 10 or over 14.
- Most people who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) start puberty when they are between 8 and 13 years old.
- Most people who are assigned male at birth (AMAB) start puberty when they are between 10 and 15 years old.
- If you have a disability, you might find puberty begins earlier or later for you than it does for others.
How long will puberty last?
- When you start puberty does not predict how long it will take or how your body will develop.
- Even if you started getting taller before others in your class, you may not be the tallest when it’s time to graduate high school.
- Many AFAB folks finish puberty when they are in their late teens.
- Many AMAB folks will finish puberty in their early twenties.
What can AFAB people expect?
- The first thing that happens to most AFAB people is that you begin to develop breasts. At some point after you will get your first period. For more on breast development check out our info page [Link]. For more on periods, check out our info page [Link].
What can AMAB people expect?
- The first thing AMAB people may notice is that you have your first ejaculation, often while sleeping or masturbating. For more on ejaculation and wet dreams, check out Ejaculation and Wet Dreams [Link]
- Your voice will also begin to crack and get lower. For more information on voice changes check out Puberty for Male Assigned People [Link].
If you have questions about this topic, feel free to contact one of our peer educators. [Link]
*We know that these aren’t the words everyone uses for their bodies (eg. trans folks), and support you using the language that feels best for you.
Last Edited: May 2020
