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What is puberty?

• During puberty your body goes through physical and psychological changes as it becomes mature. This can be pretty overwhelming at times but there is support available. You can read more here.

When will I go through puberty?

• Girls usually start going through puberty between the ages of nine and 16, with most girls noticing changes from the age of 11-13 onwards.

What happens physically?

During puberty a girl will experience a lot of physical and emotional changes caused by the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

Growing

• You will notice that you get taller and put on weight, especially around your hips and thighs, and you will start to develop breasts.
• At around the same time you will notice hair beginning to grow on your arms and legs, on your genitals and in your armpits.
• Some girls prefer to shave or wax the hair under their arms and on their legs, but it is up to you if you do this or not.

Periods

• One of the biggest changes for girls is starting menstruation, which shows your body is developing enough to have a baby.
• A period is the time in your menstrual cycle when you bleed from your vagina for a few days. This usually happens once a month.
• It is completely normal and natural, and you can use sanitary towels and tampons to soak up the blood.
• To begin with, your periods may not be very regular, but they usually settle down.
• Lots of girls feel a bit uncomfortable when their period comes as it can cause tummy cramps, known as period pain.
• If you get these you may find a hot water bottle helps.

Vaginal Discharge

• As well as periods, the menstrual cycle also causes the vagina to make a clear or milky discharge that might change slightly day-to-day.
• This is completely normal and helps to keep the vagina healthy and clean.

Sweat

• You will also find that you sweat more than you did before and that it is smellier, causing body odour.
• There are deodorants available which can help, as can regular baths and showers.

Acne

• You will also find that you start getting more spots on your face.
• This is caused by hormones and is perfectly normal. The more severe form is called acne and doctors can help.

What happens mentally?

Sexual feelings

• All the extra hormones in your body affect your mind as well, and you may find that you are becoming more interested in sex, start fancying people, and thinking about having a boyfriend or girlfriend.
• You may also be interested in exploring your own body and what feels good through masturbating.

Emotions

• Unfortunately not all your new feelings will be exciting sexual ones.
• You might also find you become moodier, and have more arguments with your family and friends, or that you feel more confused and worried about things than you used to because lots of things are changing.
•  It is normal to feel like this and if you are worried it might help to talk things through with someone you trust.

If you have a question or you are unsurea about anything then ask a Talksafe Counsellor or Peer Mentor.

Links

KidsHealth: Breasts and Bras

KidsHealth: Menstruation

NHS: Periods

Last review: 02/06/11 - Next review: 02/06/13