AKA:
Adolescence, becoming a woman, growing up, reaching sexual maturity
What is it?
Puberty is when your body changes from the body of a girl to that of a woman.
When will it happen to me?
The average age girls start puberty is between nine and thirteen, but many start younger or a lot older than that. There's nothing wrong with being a slow or early starter. So don't expect to develop exactly the same speed as your mates.
How will my body change?
- Your breasts will probably start to grow first and soon the whole of your body will take on a more curvy, womanly shape. So expect to put on a bit of weight. It's meant to happen.
- You'll get taller, much quicker than you did before. Your arms and legs will grow fastest, which might feel a bit weird until the rest of you catches up.
- Hair will begin to grow on your vagina and armpits. The hairs on your legs and upper lip may become more noticeable.
- Your vagina will change shape, with the inner lips (labia minora) getting larger. You'll also start getting vaginal discharge, which can be a sign that you'll soon start your periods.
- Your skin and hair will probably become more oily. You might get acne. You'll sweat more, so you'll need to take extra care over personal hygiene.
Will I feel different inside?
Probably. Some girls feel emotional and have a lot of mood swings.
Most of us figure out who we are during puberty: what we really think about things.
But you're still you. And always will be so get used to it.
Further help and advice
Talk4Teens
Childline: Puberty
factsoflife.org.uk
bbc.co.uk/science
Written by Dr Melissa Sayer
Last updated 17th June 2007
Previous article
Eleasah, 16
I remember when I started to come into puberty. I was about 13 and I got everything which was expected, but after a while you just get used to it and the spots do eventually chill :P
ariannaaa , 13
i have most of that and my friends dont =[
Sorted x, 14
moodswings are my worst habit, I find myself shouting at my mum and I hate it, and then afterwards I start crying and saying sorry, I cant help it though, wish it would stop
charlotte, 11
it helped me alot thanks :)
georgia, 9
i had my period when i was 8 and my mum was suprised this really helped me
lauren , 12
this site is very usful especially if you are worried about anything which is going on in your body. my friend is un sure about pubic hair and is causing problems in her every day life
alanaxx, 13
i am petite, and that means that im a late developer, but thanks to my mum and this page, you have made me feel better and more confident with myself, thank you.
Chanelle, 13
Thankyouu, this is a well helpful page x
ellie, 14
i have no spots and people tease me and say i havent started puperty
yasmine , 14
thank you this page is really usefull to me :P x
jess,
this really helped cuz i ad problems with a girl at skool and it was because i hadn't started my periods and i found out she hadn't either.x
Ann, 12
Thanks this has helped me alot and what is vaginal discharge thing someone HELP!
Lauren, 14
This page helped me alot. Don't worry if your a late starter, because i was a late starter and now im just like all the other girls that used to tease me.
Charlotte, 12
Thanks i think this realy helps i will recomend you thanks x
chelsea, 12
thats really scary i have all of those now ahhhhhh :o
holly, 13
this page has really helped me i hink its great
Emily, 10
This page really helped, Well i knew most of it but some info deffo helped,just started puberty, Its dull!
jessica
I start back at school this week but over the summer holidays I started puberty. I am a bit worried as I now have pointy boobs and proper pubic hair (not peach fuzz) all the others will see when we get changed for swimming
Evaan, 13
This page really helped me alot And It Also gave me good Idea´s I can use for puberty Thankyou =)
rashid, 13
this site really really helped me thank u very much =D
Lauren ,, 14
ance is a hue problem, but if any girls are getting it. dont worry! it will pass & just simply go 2 ur doctor & they will giv u anti-biotics. problem solved. these things are all part of life ladies x
katherine, 12
i have spots but none of my friends do : (
Maisie, 12
im getting spots and everyone is teassing me at school : (
Hatshepsut, 16
It's true - During puberty you do get mood swings, and change in different ways - but you're still you. If you don't grow as quickly as your friends, dont worry! Your body decides when you change when it feels ready. You'll soon catch up. If you feel worried about the changes, talk to someone (a friend, your mum etc) Just remember - Its normal and part of life.
Shannon, 15, 15
Thankks Your Comments Helped Me..Alot Of girlls have dese expericences
catherine, 13
this web page is a very helpful page that gives you advice on puberty and how to handle it. it has helped me alot and reassured me that the things that are happening are normal, it is also a very convenient way to find out about life without feeling embarassed and abnormal. would just like to say thankyou. Thankyou
kayla, 15
this page really hlped me :) thankyou
onelife
bodymind_girls_puberty