For Girls: Understanding Puberty

If you are between the ages of 8 and 14, you're probably starting puberty. During puberty your body starts producing the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Gradually, these hormones will help change your body from a girl into a woman. Puberty will last a few years. During puberty, your hormones will surge and your body will go through a lot of changes. Your mood may seem to go up and down as well. This is all normal.

Body changes ahead

Your body gives you clues that you are turning into a young adult. Some of the things you’ll notice are:

• New curves may appear as you get fuller hips and bigger breasts.  One breast may be larger than the other as they start growing. This is normal, and they should even out over a year or so. It's also helpful to know that it's common for many women's breasts to not be exactly the same size. If that's the case, you'll most likely be the only one who notices. You may talk with your mother or another trusted adult about helping you to find a comfortable undershirt, sports bra, or regular bra that helps you feel more comfortable with your developing breasts.
• Hair will start to grow under your arms and on your legs. You will also grow hair in your pubic area. This hair may be coarser and curlier than other body hair. You may begin to sweat more. Wash well each day. To help you stay dry and avoid odor. You can also use an antiperspirant or deodorant in your armpits.
• Your skin may become more oily. The oil and dead skin can clog pores and cause acne. In order to avoid breakouts, you should wash your face twice daily. Talk with a parent about seeing a healthcare provider for acne that's hard to control or treat at home.
• During puberty, you will start your period or menstrual cycle. Your period is the small amount of bleeding that occurs when your body gets rid of the lining of your uterus. It usually happens once a month, between 21 and 34 days, but each girl's cycle is different. The bleeding often lasts from 2 to 7 days. When you first get your period it may be irregular, skipping a month or more. You will need to use feminine hygiene products to keep blood from leaking on your clothes. You may talk with your mother or another trusted adult about helping you these products. Getting your period is a normal and healthy process to becoming a woman. It can be exciting but it can also be a scary time. Talk with any trusted adult in your life for help and advice, including a parent or healthcare provider.

   

   

A roller coaster ride of feelings

When your body goes through puberty, many changes occur.  In addition to affecting your appearance, these changes can also lead to some of the following feelings and behaviors:

• Worrying about your body: Body image is how we think and feel about the way we look. Body image can be positive, which means you feel comfortable just as you are, or you may feel uncomfortable about your body. These are all normal feelings. However, if you are feeling uncomfortable about your body most of the time, speak with your parent or other trusted adult.
• Mood Swings: Moods go up and down a lot as you're going through hormone changes. At times you may feel sad, lonely, mad or even tired. These are all normal feelings and almost everyone goes through these mood swings during their teen years,but if you have these feelings most of the time, it may be depression. When these feelings get in the way of enjoying life or dealing with others, that's a sign you need to do something about it like talking to a parent, trusted adult or counselor who can help you deal with it. Also, if you ever feel like hurting yourself, that's more than just a bad mood and you need to tell someone.   

Asking for help

Puberty can be a tough time but there are people who can help you through the tough parts. You may like talking with a parent, healthcare provider, teacher, or other trusted adult. You may find comfort in talking with your friends. When in doubt, always ask someone for help.