Changes In Girls During PubertyPosted 8/19/2009 What are some of the changes in girls during puberty? 1) Breast Development: This is the first change girls go through during puberty. Most of the time, breasts start to develop as small (often tender) bumps under one or both nipples. It is not out of the ordinary for one breast to develop before the other. As for when, it depends. Some girls start developing breasts when they are seven or eight years old, while others don't start until they are twelve or thirteen. Every girl’s body will have its own timetable. And it is not uncommon for girls involved in athletic endeavors to go through puberty at a later age. 2) Body Size: Another change in girls during puberty is growth, usually peaking about two years after the beginning of puberty. Arms, legs, hands, and feet may grow faster than the rest of the body. This often can make girls feel clumsy or gangly, but it is very normal. Girls are often taller than boys at this stage (usually during middle school). The hips will get wider as the hips get smaller, resulting in a curvier shape. 3) Skin: During puberty, a girl’s skin may get a little oily and they may begin to sweat more. Again, not out of the ordinary. It’s just that the skin's oil and sweat glands are growing, too. It’s wise for teens to wash every day to keep their skin clean and to use a deodorant or antiperspirant. And acne will occur at one time or another, but when washing their face, they shouldn’t scrub too hard because this can irritate their skin and cause even more acne. 4) Menstruation: Of all the changes in girls during puberty, menstruation may be the biggest life-changing. It usually begins between the ages of nine and sixteen, and most of the time about two years after the onset of puberty. On average, girls will experience their first period just before turning thirteen. It should happen about once a month (every 28 days), however any time between 21 and 35 days is normal. Their period will usually last between 3 and 7 days. The amount of blood flow they will have will usually be different each day, but most of it will occur in the beginning and the least towards the end. 5) Hair: Pubic, underarm and leg hair will thicken and darken. 6) Behavior: Don’t be surprised if they have mood swings, seem irritable, or complain of fatigue. It may be hard to believe, but all these changes are actually preparing their bodies physically to be able to conceive and bear children. However, it’s very important to note, that it will take them a lot longer to be able to cope emotionally, mentally and spiritually with sexuality and having children. |