Going through girl puberty is a wonderful time of awe and discovery in a young girl’s life, but it can also be fraught with tension, concern, and confusion. The following article will define some key terms and address some of the most common milestones of teen girl puberty.
Menarche or The First Period
Let’s start with menarche, since this may be the first outward indication of your blossoming adulthood. Between the ages of 8 and 17, your body begins to go through puberty; the process by which the body prepares itself for offspring and adulthood. Some girls, because of an achiness in the lower abdomen, or because of a light stain on their underwear, may get a sense that menstruation is about to begin. Others can be taken completely by surprise. If you are in the latter group, know that you are not alone. Most girls are completely surprised.
Once menarche (the first period) begins, you may feel frightened, shocked and confused. On the other hand, you may feel a sense of happiness or awe. All of these feelings are perfectly normal. If you are at school when your period starts, ask to go to the nurse’s office or talk to the teacher. They will know what to do and will be able to help.
Physical Changes During Girl Puberty
Beginning your period is not the only sign of your growing maturity. The following chart helps explain other significant changes taking place in your body.
Physical Changes
8-11
Significant Changes: Although there are no outward signs of development, a girl's ovaries are enlarging and hormone production begins.
8-14, Average 11-12
Significant Changes: The first sign of puberty is typically breast growth, sometimes called "breast buds". This often coincides with a considerable growth spurt in height and weight gain. The first signs of pubic hair start out fine and straight, rather than curly.
9-15, Average 12-13
Significant Changes: The first sign of puberty is typically breast growth, sometimes called "breast buds". This often coincides with a considerable growth spurt in height and weight gain. The first signs of pubic hair start out fine and straight, rather than curly.
9-15, Average 12-13
Significant Changes: Breast growth continues, and pubic hair coarsens and becomes darker, but there is not a lot of it. The body is still growing, and your vagina is enlarging. You may begin producing a clear or whitish discharge. This discharge is perfectly normal. Some girls get their first menstrual period during this stage
10-16, Average 13-14
Significant Changes: Pubic hair growth takes on the characteristic triangular shape of adulthood, but doesn't quite cover the entire area. Underarm hair is likely to appear, as well as the first period. Ovulation (release of eggs) begins in some girls, but it is more likely to not happen until a regular period is established.
12-19, Average 15
Significant Changes: This is the final stage of development, when a girl is physically an adult. Breast and pubic hair growth are complete, and full height is obtained at this point. Menstrual periods are well established, and ovulation occurs monthly.
Brain or Cognitive Changes
Along with the physical changes of adolescence, we see substantial mental changes in the brain. Between the ages of 10-15 the brain develops the ability to think abstractly and reflectively (Where will my soul go when I die? Maybe I should have studied harder). Girls begin to develop the ability to understand metaphors (puberty is like watching a flower blossom) and abstract mathematical concepts (like algebra), as well as the ability to reason about ideals like justice, religion or love. Further, because of these new found reasoning skills, one is able to question rules and social conduct. You may wonder if it is fair to judge others based soley on apprearance or, if it may be better for teenagers to start the school day at a later time. This is the time when you begin to question the "status quo". Keep in mind that these new found cognitive skills take time to fully develop and that you will continue to think both abstractly and concretely for years to come.
Socio-Emotional Changes
During puberty, young adolescents learn new social skills and expand their social world. The goal is to develop and maintain close, supportive, personal relationships with others of the same age. Having a best friend, or a close knit social circle, is an important goal for young girls entering puberty. This is essential because it helps you develop into a well-adjusted, self-confident adult. You can enhance your social skills by becoming involved in groups, such as playing on the school soccer team, competing on a dance team or singing in the chorus.
In addition to having close relationships with peers, maintaining a close family relationships is also crucial, becauase it helps develop a healthy sense of self. While you may look to peers for guidance in dress, dating tips and entertainment, it is through close personal family relationships that you learn how to give and recieve affection, define your value system and sharpen your decision-making skills. These are essential components in the journey toward becoming a well-adjusted, competent adult.
Putting It All Together
Girl puberty consists of many changes, from the beginning of menarche to the rapid social and cognitive developments taking place in the brain. All of it can seem scary and feel very confusing. If it becomes too overwhelming, don’t hesitate speak with a parent or a trusted teacher, and try to keep in mind that it is because of these very changes that you will one day be a beautiful and competent young woman.
Menarche or The First Period
Let’s start with menarche, since this may be the first outward indication of your blossoming adulthood. Between the ages of 8 and 17, your body begins to go through puberty; the process by which the body prepares itself for offspring and adulthood. Some girls, because of an achiness in the lower abdomen, or because of a light stain on their underwear, may get a sense that menstruation is about to begin. Others can be taken completely by surprise. If you are in the latter group, know that you are not alone. Most girls are completely surprised.
Once menarche (the first period) begins, you may feel frightened, shocked and confused. On the other hand, you may feel a sense of happiness or awe. All of these feelings are perfectly normal. If you are at school when your period starts, ask to go to the nurse’s office or talk to the teacher. They will know what to do and will be able to help.
Physical Changes During Girl Puberty
Beginning your period is not the only sign of your growing maturity. The following chart helps explain other significant changes taking place in your body.
Physical Changes
8-11
Significant Changes: Although there are no outward signs of development, a girl's ovaries are enlarging and hormone production begins.
8-14, Average 11-12
Significant Changes: The first sign of puberty is typically breast growth, sometimes called "breast buds". This often coincides with a considerable growth spurt in height and weight gain. The first signs of pubic hair start out fine and straight, rather than curly.
9-15, Average 12-13
Significant Changes: The first sign of puberty is typically breast growth, sometimes called "breast buds". This often coincides with a considerable growth spurt in height and weight gain. The first signs of pubic hair start out fine and straight, rather than curly.
9-15, Average 12-13
Significant Changes: Breast growth continues, and pubic hair coarsens and becomes darker, but there is not a lot of it. The body is still growing, and your vagina is enlarging. You may begin producing a clear or whitish discharge. This discharge is perfectly normal. Some girls get their first menstrual period during this stage
10-16, Average 13-14
Significant Changes: Pubic hair growth takes on the characteristic triangular shape of adulthood, but doesn't quite cover the entire area. Underarm hair is likely to appear, as well as the first period. Ovulation (release of eggs) begins in some girls, but it is more likely to not happen until a regular period is established.
12-19, Average 15
Significant Changes: This is the final stage of development, when a girl is physically an adult. Breast and pubic hair growth are complete, and full height is obtained at this point. Menstrual periods are well established, and ovulation occurs monthly.
Brain or Cognitive Changes
Along with the physical changes of adolescence, we see substantial mental changes in the brain. Between the ages of 10-15 the brain develops the ability to think abstractly and reflectively (Where will my soul go when I die? Maybe I should have studied harder). Girls begin to develop the ability to understand metaphors (puberty is like watching a flower blossom) and abstract mathematical concepts (like algebra), as well as the ability to reason about ideals like justice, religion or love. Further, because of these new found reasoning skills, one is able to question rules and social conduct. You may wonder if it is fair to judge others based soley on apprearance or, if it may be better for teenagers to start the school day at a later time. This is the time when you begin to question the "status quo". Keep in mind that these new found cognitive skills take time to fully develop and that you will continue to think both abstractly and concretely for years to come.
Socio-Emotional Changes
During puberty, young adolescents learn new social skills and expand their social world. The goal is to develop and maintain close, supportive, personal relationships with others of the same age. Having a best friend, or a close knit social circle, is an important goal for young girls entering puberty. This is essential because it helps you develop into a well-adjusted, self-confident adult. You can enhance your social skills by becoming involved in groups, such as playing on the school soccer team, competing on a dance team or singing in the chorus.
In addition to having close relationships with peers, maintaining a close family relationships is also crucial, becauase it helps develop a healthy sense of self. While you may look to peers for guidance in dress, dating tips and entertainment, it is through close personal family relationships that you learn how to give and recieve affection, define your value system and sharpen your decision-making skills. These are essential components in the journey toward becoming a well-adjusted, competent adult.
Putting It All Together
Girl puberty consists of many changes, from the beginning of menarche to the rapid social and cognitive developments taking place in the brain. All of it can seem scary and feel very confusing. If it becomes too overwhelming, don’t hesitate speak with a parent or a trusted teacher, and try to keep in mind that it is because of these very changes that you will one day be a beautiful and competent young woman.
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