Puberty Center - Rockville, MD
Rockville Pediatrician Doctors for PubertyType of Physician: Pediatrician What is a Pediatrician? A certification by the Board of Pediatrics; practitioners are concerned with the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Pediatric care encompasses a wide range of health services, from preventive health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. The pediatrician understands the constantly changing status of his/her patients due to growth and development, and the consequent changing standards of "normal" for age. Specialty: Pediatrics Common Name: Children's Doctor Pediatrician Doctors in Rockville * MONTROSE PEDIATRIC GI  Bethesda Pediatrics  Bethesda Pediatrics  Bethesda Pediatrics  Bethesda Pediatrics  Bethesda Pediatrics  John Choi MD PC  Children First Pediatrics of Silver Springs  Children First Pediatrics of Silver Springs  Jay A Bernstein MD & Associates  Pediatric Care of Rockville  Pediatric Care of Rockville  Shady Grove Pediatric Associates  Pediatric Care of Rockville  Pediatric Associates of Montgomery County  Pediatric Care of Rockville  Pediatric Care of Rockville  Investigational Drug Services  Pediatric Associates of Montgomery County  Pediatric Care of Rockville  Jay A Bernstein MD & Associates  Shady Grove Pediatric Associates  Jay A Bernstein MD & Associates  Pediatric Care of Rockville  Pediatric Associates of Montgomery County  Pediatric Associates of Montgomery County  Pediatric Associates of Montgomery County  Shady Grove Pediatric Associates  Pediatric Associates of Montgomery County  Pediatric Associates of Montgomery County  Jay A Bernstein MD & Associates  Pediatric Associates of Montgomery County  Pediatric Associates of Montgomery County  Pediatric Associates of Montgomery County  Jay A Bernstein MD & Associates  Pediatric Associates of Montgomery County  Prince William Hospital  Neonatology Associates  Capital Neurology & Pediatric Headache Center  Child Cardiology Associates  Neonatology Associates  Joan W Barkin MD & Barbara J Brynelson MD  Joan W Barkin MD & Barbara J Brynelson MD  International Pediatrics PA  International Pediatrics PA  International Pediatrics PA  Abdow Friendship Pediatrics  Gul Chablani MD  Drs Coleman Thillairajah & Greenberg  Drs Coleman Thillairajah & Greenberg  Drs Coleman Thillairajah & Greenberg  Potomac Physician Associates PC  Alan E Gober MD  Pediatric Care Center  Pediatric Care Center  Pediatric Care Center  Pediatric Care Center  Kaiser Permanente  June E Fusner MD  Capital Pediatrics  Alan R Vinitsky MD  Pediatric & Adolescent Care  Pediatric & Adolescent Care  Pediatric & Adolescent Care  Potomac Pediatric Care  Potomac Pediatric Care  Potomac Pediatric Care  Armina Rahman MD  Pediatric & Adolescent Care  National Institute of Health Clinical Center  Pediatric & Adolescent Care  Nelson Niu MD  Welsh & Sajjad MDs  Daniel Shmorhun MD  Welsh & Sajjad MDs  Potomac Valley Pediatrics  Quince Orchard Pediatrics  Potomac Valley Pediatrics  Pediatric Associates of Montgomery County  M Eduardo Bravo MD  Childrens Pediatricians & Associates  Childrens Pediatricians & Associates  Childrens Pediatricians & Associates  Childrens Pediatricians & Associates  Childrens Pediatricians & Associates  Childrens Pediatricians & Associates  Childrens Pediatricians & Associates  Cullen Umosella Cullen & Cullen MDs PA  Capitol Medical Group  Capitol Medical Group  Capitol Medical Group  Capitol Medical Group  Capitol Medical Group  Geeta Shah MD  Capitol Medical Group  Capitol Medical Group  Albert & Austein MD  Albert & Austein MD  Drs Miller Lee Klonts & Dias  Drs Miller Lee Klonts & Dias Rockville, MarylandUpcoming Local Events2012-06-02
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PubertyWhat is puberty?Puberty is the time at which a growing boy or girl begins the process of sexual maturation. Puberty involves a series of physical stages or steps that lead to the achievement of fertility and the development of the so-called secondary sex characteristics, the physical features associated with adult males and females (such as the growth of pubic hair). While puberty involves a series of biological, or physical, transformations, the process can also have an effect on the psychosocial and emotional development of the adolescent. When does puberty occur?The onset of puberty varies among individuals. Puberty usually occurs in girls between the ages of 10 and 14, while in boys it generally occurs later, between the ages of 12 and 16. In some African American girls, puberty begins earlier, at about age 9, meaning that puberty occurs from ages 9 to 14. Adolescent girls reach puberty today at earlier ages than were ever recorded previously. Nutritional and other environmental influences may be responsible for this change. For example, the average age of the onset of menstrual periods in girls was 15 in 1900. By the 1990s, this average had dropped to 12 and a half years of age.
What determines when puberty begins?The timing of the onset of puberty is not completely understood and is likely determined by a number of factors. One theory proposes that reaching a critical weight or body composition may play a role in the onset of puberty. It has been proposed that the increase in childhood obesity may be related to the overall earlier onset of puberty in the general population in recent years. Leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells (adipocytes) in the body, has been suggested as a possible mediator of the timing of puberty. In studies, animals deficient in leptin did not undergo puberty, but puberty began when leptin was admin... Recommended Reading Related to PubertyCauses of Sore, Swollen, and Bleeding Gums: Improper Brushing TechniqueIn your quest to keep your teeth clean, you might be tempted to brush your teeth as vigorously as you can. Your gums are made of sensitive tissue, though, so brushing the wrong way could damage them. Whether you opt for a manual or electric toothbrush, choose one with soft nylon bristles that have blunted ends. Even though you can find brushes with medium or hard bristles, they may damage the enamel on your teeth or cause red and swollen gums. When you brush, make sure you use gentle, circular motions to massage and clean the teeth and gums. While many people use a back-and-forth motion, this motion can actually irritate and damage your gums, making them sore and more likely to bleed or recede. Causes of Sore, Swollen, and Bleeding Gums: Improper Flossing TechniqueWe all know the importance of flossing every day to help remove pla... Other Related Puberty ArticlesEmergency Contact for Rockville
Nearby Rockville Hospitals *Shady Grove Adventist Hospital Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health Adventist HealthCare Suburban Hospital National Institutes of Health Montgomery General Hospital Holy Cross Hospital Walter Reed Army Medical Center Psychiatric Institute of Washington Sibley Memorial Hospital Washington Adventist Hospital Georgetown University Hospital National Rehabilitation Hospital Washington DC VA Medical Center Washington Hospital Center Providence Hospital Children's National Medical Center Howard University Hospital The HSC Pediatric Center Virginia Hospital Center The George Washington University Hospital Reston Hospital Center Laurel Regional Hospital Dominion Hospital The Specialty Hospital of Washington Inova Fairfax Hospital Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute Gladys Spellman Specialty Hospital Prince George's Hospital Center Doctors Community Hospital Howard County General Hospital Inova Loudoun Hospital Center Inova Alexandria Hospital Saint Elizabeth's Hospital Inova Fair Oaks Hospital United Medical Center The Specialty Hospital of Washington-Hadley North Spring Behavioral Healthcare Sheppard Pratt at Ellicott City Graydon Manor Behavioral Health Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Springfield Hospital Center Fort Washington Hospital Spring Grove Hospital Center Southern Maryland Hospital Center Frederick Memorial Hospital Northwest Hospital Prince William Hospital Kernan Hospital Baltimore Washington Medical Center Saint Agnes Hospital Bon Secours Baltimore Health System Harbor Hospital Center University of Maryland Medical Center Baltimore VA Medical Center Potomac Hospital University Specialty Hospital Maryland General Hospital Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center & Hospital Mercy Medical Center Sinai Hospital of Baltimore Mt Washington Pediatric Hospital Kennedy Krieger Institute Union Memorial Hospital Johns Hopkins Hospital Anne Arundel Medical Center Carroll Hospital Center Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Puberty by Our Doctors
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Acne (Pimples)
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Cystic Fibrosis
- Cystic fibrosis is a disease of the mucus and sweat glands. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease. The outcome of the disease leaves the body malnourished, bulky and fouls smelling stools, vitamin insufficiency, gas, painful or swollen abdomen, infertility, susceptible to heat emergencies, and respiratory failure. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, treatment of symptoms is used to manage the disease.
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Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
- Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
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Gum Disease
- Gum disease is caused by plaque and may result in tooth loss without proper treatment. Symptoms and signs of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontal disease) include receding gums, bad breath and pocket formation between the teeth and gums. Treatment depends upon the stage of the gum disease, how you responded to earlier treatments, and your overall health.
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs)
- Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Women can contract all of the STDs, but may have no symptoms, or have different symptoms than men do.
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Turner Syndrome
- Turner syndrome is an inherited chromosomal condition affecting women. Women with Turner syndrome do not have ovarian function, and features of the syndrome include webbed neck, lymphedema of the hands and feet, heart defects, kidney problems, and skeletal abnormalities. The X chromosome is related to Turner syndrome. Treatment focuses on the symptoms of the syndrome.
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Gilbert Syndrome
- Gilbert syndrome is a benign genetic condition that causes abnormal breakdown of bilirubin, a compound that is formed when hemoglobin from red blood cells degrades. Elevated bilirubin can cause, jaundice, which is yellowing of the eyes. Gilbert syndrome does not need to be treated and has a good prognosis.
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Teens
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Anemia
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Fracture
- Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand the outside forces applied to the bone. Fractures can be open or closed. Types of fractures include: greenstick, spiral, comminuted, transverse, compound, or vertebral compression. Common fractures include: stress fracture, compression fracture, rib fracture, and skull fracture. Treatment depends upon the type of fracture.
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Poland Syndrome
- Poland syndrome is a congenital malformation that affects one side of the body. Characteristics of Poland syndrome include the absence or underdevelopment of the chest muscles on one side of the body and the webbing of the fingers on that same side of the body.
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Fitness
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Alpha Thalassemia
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Breast
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Scoliosis
- Scoliosis causes an abnormal curvature of the spine. When the cause of scoliosis is unknown the disorder is described based on the age when the scoliosis develops (infantile, juvenile, or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis). In functional scoliosis, curvature develops due to a problem somewhere else in the body. With neuromuscular scoliosis, there is a problem when the bones of the spine are formed. Treatment typically involves observation, bracing, and surgery and is dependent upon the severity of the curvature.
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Hair Loss
- There are many causes of scalp hair loss. This featured article covers the common ones such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata, trichotillomania, and tinea capitis), telogen effluvium, and androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness, female-pattern baldness).
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men)
- Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are usually incurable, such as those caused by HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8.
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Sprains and Strains
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Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
- Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating of the underarms, palms, or soles of the feet. Treatment may involve over-the-counter antiperspirants, prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis, medications, surgery, and Botox.
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Sexual Health
- Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Pregnancy (STDs)
- When you are pregnant, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be especially harmful to you and your baby. These STDs include herpes, HIV/AIDS, genital warts (HPV), hepatitis B, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Symptoms include bumps, sores, warts, swelling, itching, or redness in the genital region. Treatment of STDs while pregnant depends on how far along you are in the pregnancy and the progression of the infection.
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Myopia
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Prader-Willi Syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome is a condition characterized by severe floppiness (hypotonia), poor growth, delayed development, and poor feeding problems in early infancy later followed in infancy by excessive eating that may lead to extreme obesity. The genitals in both females and males are underdeveloped and most are infertile. Prader-Willi syndrome is related to chromosome 15.
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Steroid Abuse
- Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances that are related to testosterone and promote skeletal muscle growth and the development of male sexual characteristics in both men and women. In the 1930s, it was discovered that anabolic steroids could promote skeletal muscle growth in lab animals, which lead to anabolic steroid abuse by bodybuilders and weight lifters.
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Gum Problems
- Gum problems may be caused by improper brushing and flossing, gum disease, canker sores, treatments and hormonal changes. Symptoms of gum problems include red, swollen, sore and bleeding gums. These symptoms can be prevented by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating a well-balanced diet, drinking enough water, not smoking, and relaxing.
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Masturbation
- Just about everybody masturbates. Masturbation itself is the self-stimulation of the male or female genitals to achieve sexual pleasure or arousal to the point of orgasm. Masturbation involves stimulating the penis or clitoris. Masturbation is very common among people who have, or do not have sexual relations with a partner. Masturbation can relieve sexual tension that can build up over a period of time. Masturbation generally is considered normal unless it becomes a problem by inhibiting sexual activity with a partner, done in public, or causes distress to the person masturbating. Some experts suggest that masturbation can improve a person's sexual health and personal relationships.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children
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Gynecomastia
- Gynecomastia, an enlargement of the gland tissue in the male breast is the caused by an imbalance of hormones. Certain medical conditions may also lead to gynecomastia such as cirrhosis, malnutrition, disorders of the male sex organs, kidney failure, thyroid disorders, and medications. Gynecomastia is generally treated with medication, and if necessary surgery.
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Lymphedema
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