Puberty Center - West Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines * Westown Pediatrics Clinic  Mercy West Pediatric Clinic  Mercy West Pediatric Clinic  Mercy West Pediatric Clinic  Mercy West Pediatric Clinic  IHP Walnut Creek Pediatrics  Iowa Health Physicians Pediatrics  West Des Moines Childrens Clinic  Iowa Health Physicians Pediatrics  IHP Walnut Creek Pediatrics  West Des Moines Childrens Clinic  West Des Moines Childrens Clinic  IHP Walnut Creek Pediatrics  Iowa Health Physicians Pediatrics  IHP Walnut Creek Pediatrics  Iowa Health Physicians Pediatrics  IHP Walnut Creek Pediatrics  IHP Lakeview  IHP Lakeview  Iowa Health & Physicians Clinics Lake View Pediatrics  IHP Lakeview  Iowa Health & Physicians Clinics Lake View Pediatrics  Iowa Health & Physicians Clinics Lake View Pediatrics  IHP Lakeview  Iowa Health & Physicians Clinics Lake View Pediatrics  Iowa Health & Physicians Clinics Lake View Pediatrics  Mercy Jordan Creek Pediatric Clinic  Des Moines Pediatric & Adolescent Clinic  Des Moines Pediatric & Adolescent Clinic  Mercy Johnston Medical Clinic  Mercy Johnston Medical Clinic  Des Moines Pediatric & Adolescent Clinic  Johnston Pediatric Clinic PC  Iowa Health System  Blank Childrens Hospital Physicians  Blank Childrens Hospital Physicians  Methodist Plaza Pediatrics  IHP Methodist Plaza Pediatrics  Methodist Plaza Pediatrics  IHP Methodist Plaza Pediatrics  IHP Methodist Plaza Pediatrics  Methodist Plaza Pediatrics  Broadlawns Medical Center Pediatrics  Broadlawns Medical Center  Broadlawns Medical Center Pediatrics  Waukee Clinic Pediatrics  Waukee Clinic Pediatrics  Waukee Clinic Pediatrics  Mercy Des Moines Pediatric Hospitalist  Mercy Des Moines Pediatric Hospitalist  Mercy Des Moines Pediatric Hospitalist  Mercy Jordan Creek Pediatric Clinic  Mercy Central Pediatrics  Mercy Central Pediatrics  Mercy Central Pediatrics  Mercy Central Pediatrics  IHP Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  IHP Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  IHP Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  IHP Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  IHP Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  IHP Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  Bilgi Clinic  Delaware Family Medicine  Delaware Family Medicine  Mercy North Pediatric Clinic  Mercy East Pediatric Clinic  Health Trust Physicians Clinic  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  Kidcare MD PC  Webster City Clinic  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  Trimark Physicians Group Pediatrics  Mahaska Health Partnership  Pediatric and Young Adult Clinic  Trimark Physicians Group West Des Moines, IowaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-10
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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 West Des Moines
Nearby West Des Moines Hospitals *Mercy Franklin Center Blank Children's Hospital Iowa Methodist Medical Center VA Central Iowa Health Care Des Moines Broadlawns Medical Center Mercy Medical Center Des Moines Iowa Lutheran Hospital Madison County Healthcare System Dallas County Hospital Mary Greeley Medical Center Boone County Hospital Story County 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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Related Diseases & Conditions
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Acne (Pimples)
- Acne is a localized skin inflammation as a result of overactivity of oil glands at the base of hair follicles. This inflammation, depending on its location, can take the form of a superficial pustule (contains pus), a pimple, a deeper cyst, congested pores, whiteheads, or blackheads. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the acne.
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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
- Teenagers recognize that they are developmentally between child and adult. Teen health prevention includes maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, preventing injuries and screening annually for potential health conditions that could adversely affect teenage health.
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Anemia
- Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased. Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, malaise, hair loss, palpitations, and more. Treatment for anemia includes treating the underlying cause for the condition. Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, and certain medications may also be necessary.
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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
- Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of disease. Regular exercise can also reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. There are fitness programs that fit any age or lifestyle.
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Alpha Thalassemia
- Alpha thalassemia is a disorder in which the alpha globin protein is underproduced. There are two pairs of genes that carry the code for the alpha chains of hemoglobin. When one gene is impaired, that person is in a carrier state and suffers no medical problems. When four genes are impaired, the production of fetal and adult hemoglobin is prevented, resulting in hydrops fetalis and leading to death before birth.
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Breast
- The breast generally refers to the chest, however, more specifically, to the mammary gland. The mammary gland is a milk producing gland comprised largely of fat. Within the mammary gland is a complex network of branching ducts. The ducts exit from sac-like structures called lobules, which can produce milk in females. The darkened area around the nipple is called the areola. Common medical concerns in regard to the breast include breast lumps, breast cysts, breast cancer, and breast infections.
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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
- An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be caused by repetitive movements or a single stressful incident. Symptoms include pain and swelling. Though treatment depends upon the extent and location of the injury, rest, ice, compression, and elevation are key elements of treatment.
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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
- Myopia, or nearsightedness, makes it difficult to focus on objects that are far away. The condition runs in families and occurs because light focuses in front of the retina, instead of directly on it. Headaches, eye strain, and fatigue are symptoms of myopia. The condition is diagnosed by having an eye exam and can be treated by wearing glasses or contact lenses or by having refractive surgery.
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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
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in children is a functional gastrointestinal disorder with symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. The cause of IBS is unknown, however, certain foods, stress, anxiety, and depression may contribute to the symptoms of IBS. There is no cure for IBS in children; however, medications, dietary changes, and stress management may relieve symptoms.
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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
- Lymphedema is a condition in which one or more extremities become swollen as the result of an impaired flow of the lymphatic system. There are two types of lymphedema; primary, secondary. Filariasis is the most common cause of lymphedema worldwide; however, in the U.S. breast cancer surgery is the most common cause. Symptoms include swelling of one or more limbs, thickening, cracked, and secondary bacterial or fungal infections of the skin. There is no cure for lymphedema.
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