Today at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy, I had a curious conversation with a young boy and his father. The boy was about 10 years old and asked, “When does puberty start? Some of my friends are already getting taller and have deeper voices, but I haven’t noticed anything yet.”

I smiled at his curiosity and excitement. “That’s a great question! Puberty starts at different times for everyone, so it’s normal to notice your friends going through changes before or after you. For boys, puberty usually starts between the ages of 9 and 15, and for girls, it can start a bit earlier, between 8 and 13.”

The boy’s eyes widened as he took in the information. “So, does that mean I’m just starting late?”

“Not at all!” I reassured him. “Everyone’s body is different, and there’s no ‘right’ time to start puberty. Your body will begin changing when it’s ready. It’s like a race, but everyone starts at a different time. Once puberty starts, it usually lasts for a few years as your body grows and develops.”

His father jumped in and asked, “What exactly happens when puberty starts? I want him to be prepared.”

“That’s a good idea,” I said, glad to help. “During puberty, your body will start to go through a lot of changes. For boys, one of the first things you might notice is growth spurts—you’ll get taller, your shoulders will broaden, and you’ll start building more muscle. You’ll also start to get more body hair, like under your arms and on your face. And eventually, your voice will get deeper too.”

The boy looked a little nervous now. “What about the pimples? I’ve seen some kids at school with them.”

“Ah, yes—acne can happen during puberty too,” I explained. “As your hormones change, your skin can get oilier, which can cause pimples or acne. But don’t worry, washing your face regularly and eating healthy can help keep your skin clear. If acne becomes a problem, there are over-the-counter treatments you can use, and your doctor or pharmacist can recommend the right one.”

His father nodded, seeming satisfied with the information. “Is there anything else we should keep an eye out for?”

“One thing to keep in mind is that puberty also comes with emotional changes,” I added. “You might notice that you feel more sensitive or moody at times, and that’s totally normal. Your hormones are not just affecting your body—they can affect your mood too. Talking about how you’re feeling with your parents or friends can help.”

The boy smiled and said, “I guess I’ll just have to wait a little longer. Thanks for explaining everything!”

I wrapped up our conversation by saying, “And remember, if you ever need help finding products like acne treatments or multivitamins to help support your growth, Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy offers free delivery. We’re also working on developing a hazardous compounding room, so we’ll soon be able to offer custom-compounded hormone therapies for those who need them—though of course, you should always talk to your doctor before starting any medications.”

The father smiled and said, “Thank you for all the helpful information. I think we’re both feeling a little more prepared now!”

It’s moments like these that remind me how important it is to provide both kids and parents with the knowledge they need to navigate the changes of puberty. Everyone’s journey is different, but with the right support and understanding, it can be an exciting and empowering time.

Until tomorrow,
Rania – Your Friendly Pharmacist at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy

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