What does it mean: growing up as a boy?

If you're a normal teenage boy, you most likely have these types of questions about what's going on with your body. Puberty is an exciting part of your life. Your body is going changes and in a sense, you're learning about who you are.

First Things First
The first step in understanding puberty and your body is to know that your questions and concerns are completely normal. The next step is to understand that you're not the only one with these concerns. Men of all ages have experienced some of the very things you're experiencing now. It's important to remember this because many times a male adult can answer some of your questions. However, if you're not ready to ask someone those questions, we'll try to answer them here.

When Does it Begin?
The first sign of puberty is usually some enlargement of the testicles. This may occur almost at the same time as the appearance of pubic hair. You may also notice the appearance of some body odor and increased hair on your face and under your arms. You can see these are pretty obvious changes and you shouldn't have any trouble recognizing when you've started puberty. In boys these changes may take place between the ages of 10 ½ and 13.

Your Changing Voice
The voice change is the result of structural changes in the larynx (voice box) under the influence of the male hormone testosterone. Voice change in the average boy begins in early puberty when a boy's testicles begin to enlarge and produce testosterone. The specific age this takes place will depend on when puberty begins, and puberty may begin any time between ages 10 years to 14 years. There is then a gradual change or deepening of voice throughout puberty. The average age for completion of voice change is between 14 and 16 years, but just as there is a significant variation in the timing of puberty so is there in voice change.

Is it Normal to Have Lumps Under Your Breasts?
Gynecomastia is the term that describes the extra tissue (“lumps”) beneath and around your nipples. It occurs in about 70 percent of all adolescent boys. During early puberty (12-15 years), the small amount of breast tissue that all men have responds to pubertal hormones, enlarges and may become very sensitive to the pressure of clothing. Boys may worry about it, thinking they are developing breasts or have cancer or that something is seriously wrong with their hormones. Fortunately, breast cancer is very, very, very rare in adolescent men and as long as puberty is progressing normally (testicles, penis and pubic hair are growing), this is almost never the case. Also, heavy marijuana use and some prescription medications can also cause gynecomastia.