Your Changing Body

190 Comments

When you find your body beginning to grow and change, you may have a few questions. Where did those come from? What happens next? What’s normal?

But don’t worry. You’ll probably be surprised to find out just how normal you are. The human body is pretty amazing. It knows exactly what to do and when to do it.

Puberty

The stage in life when an individual becomes physiologically capable of reproducing is called puberty. This time in your life in which puberty occurs is called adolescence. Somewhere between the ages of 8 and 14, your body starts changing on the outside. But changes on the inside have already been in the works, preparing your body for puberty. The chemicals in the body that produce these changes are called hormones. Your brain releases hormones into the blood, where they travel to different areas of your body and cause growth and development.

Though the changes that take place vary from girl to girl, take comfort in knowing that they all happen to every girl. Here are the changes you can expect to see:

Breasts

Sometime during puberty, you will develop breasts. Like all other changes, this one will happen at various times for different girls. Some start as early as 8 or 9 years of age. Others may not begin to develop breasts until they are 14 or 15. Most girls fall somewhere in the middle, but it’s all normal. There is no “right” or “best” rate of development, and there is no “perfect” size. You may have already begun developing, but here’s what you can expect:

Before you start puberty, you just have nipples. Otherwise, your breasts are flat.
Next, you will develop breast buds, which means that your breasts will rise slightly, and the areola (the pinkish area around each nipple) will grow wider and possibly darker.
As the breasts and the areolas continue to grow, the areolas and nipples may stick out from the rest of the breast. As growth continues, only the nipple continues to stick out. (Note: Sometimes a nipple does not stick out, but goes into the breast and is called an inverted nipple. An inverted nipple may form on one breast or both. In general, this is normal, but if the nipple suddenly becomes inverted, see your doctor, just to be sure.) You might notice that one breast is developing faster than the other. That’s normal, too. They will probably even out in time, but if they don’t, that’s nothing to worry about; many women’s breasts don’t match each other exactly.

Hair

Before puberty your hair is mostly on your head. But as puberty begins, you grow pubic hair. This is the hair that is between your legs and covers your external genitalia. Boys also grow hair in the pubic area as they become men. The first hairs are straight and soft. As you develop, the hair grows in thicker and curlier. As with everything else about puberty, pubic hair growth and pattern vary from girl to girl.

Pubic hair may grow in varying thicknesses.
Usually it is in the shape of an upside-down triangle and starts a few inches below your belly button.
The hair may grow up a little toward your belly button and out onto your inner thighs.
You will also grow hair under your arms and thicker hair on your legs. You don’t have to remove leg or underarm hair for purposes of hygiene, but some girls and women choose to do so. Get the go-ahead from your parent or guardian before you shave.

Physical Growth Spurts

You’ll start to grow taller about the time your breasts begin to develop. This growth spurt almost brings you up to your full height. During this time, you could grow up to six inches in a year. Other areas of your body will change, too. Your waist and hips will become more defined, and you may gain a little weight.

Skin

Pimples are no fun, and they always seem to show up at the very worst times. But they’re just another part of puberty. Some girls may develop acne, often characterized by multiple pimples that keep coming back. Sometimes acne breakouts are linked to your period. Acne is normal and natural (which doesn’t make it any more fun). Luckily, there are many ways to minimize it. When puberty begins, oil glands in your skin wake up and go into overdrive. No big surprise that these glands are found in the places where we often get pimples: face, chest, back and shoulders. When these glands go to work, they start sending oil to pores on your skin’s surface. When pores get clogged with a combination of oil, dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria, a pimple forms.

What Can I Do About Acne?

Unless you are genetically more likely to develop acne, you can improve the situation.

Wash your face twice a day with mild soap and water. Excessive washing may make the condition worse.
Many other over-the-counter products are effective at fighting pimples. Ask your doctor about these products.
Keep your hair off your face. Your hair has natural oils that can transfer onto your skin.
Avoid touching your face a lot. Dirt and bacteria on your hands can rub into your skin.
Avoid oily makeup or lotion.
Drink lots of water.
If you find your skin problems to be very bad, or if none of the tips help, ask your parent or guardian to take you to see a skin doctor (a dermatologist).

If you found this helpful, these articles and forums might help, too:
Article: Your First Period
Article: First Period Q + A

What others are saying.

Rachel, 6/18/2008 2:05:13 PM
Thanks for your help. I hate puberty only the stuff that hurts i dont mind the other stuff!

Jessica, 6/23/2008 3:43:07 PM
I'm all the way at full women and im only 13! i got my period at 11. should i see a gyno?

ps - i wear a bra size D

lulu w, 6/24/2008 12:46:02 PM
i really think this is very helpful guess what i'm going to the store right now to go buy some kotex pads i always get always pad but not anymore thanks so much for your help!!

Arynne, 6/24/2008 11:44:56 PM
Wow! This artical realy helped me understand things! Thanks Kotex!!!

destiny, 7/6/2008 10:25:07 PM
i got my period at 11 and i use kotex pads...they r the best......and i wear a 36 c in bras.......

gigi, 7/10/2008 1:43:20 PM
hey im the secoond one although im a flat as a pankake im happy.

Miley, 7/14/2008 6:36:17 PM
I'm 15 don't have period

Tanasha, 7/17/2008 1:51:30 AM
im 13 and im getting all the signs but i dnt want my period yet it sounds painful and disturbing
anyway 2 prevent it or postpone it?

kellena, 7/17/2008 8:56:40 PM
i'm 14 and turning 15 in september. i've had my period for a year, but i'm still "budding". So if there are any other girls out there who feel like they're late bloomers, don't worry. i'm a late bloomer too.

Mercedes, 7/25/2008 12:18:08 PM
When I started my period, I was home alone and I didn't Know what to do. My doctor told me that I was going to start in February, but I didn't believe her. Then it came and it left a stain in my underwear. My stomach is hurting sooo bad right now and I've been having cramps all week. Its that time of month again.

KRISTY, 8/1/2008 6:10:24 PM
OMG U GUYS HAVING YOUR PERIOD IS ACTUALLY NOT THAT BAD I GOT MINE AT 12 AND I HAVE ABSOULUTELY NO CRAMPS!! (haha) BUT ONLY MINOR ONES LIKE A WEEK BEFORE MY NEXT PERIOD! BUT I DONT THINK GETTING YOUR PERIOD SHOULD BE KNOWN AS SOMETHING BAD ITS A MILESTONE AND EVERY GIRL SHOULD B HAPPY THAT SHE HERS!(heyy ur able to reprouduce)

allie, 8/8/2008 9:39:44 AM
I am fourteen and I am almost a d and my sis is fifteen and she's a b so it varies

cherokee, 8/9/2008 7:14:33 PM
my periods are short but last week my period was 2 weeks long.i know when my period is coming because i get pain around my waist and im bout to make 16 got my period at 11.

lionel, 8/12/2008 11:05:06 AM
i have iiregular periods not coming on for months at a time i havent came on for 4 months is it possible that i may not be pregnant and if so how long can i go on without coming on and bieng pregnant

Janet, 8/13/2008 8:35:16 AM
for all you girls who are wondering when they'll get their period, quit worrrying! i just got mine and i'm 17. also, be glad you havent gotten it because its hassel, and it sucks!!

Unusual, 8/13/2008 10:35:28 AM
i hope someone can help me. Im used to a normal cycle when it changes up i feel something is wrong Im 25 and i've been getting my menstrual since i was 13. Im gonna try to explain this as best as possible. I usually bleed heavy and around the 4th day of my menstrual it begins to lighten up. well recently i went to go wipe and when i look @ the tissue it was bubbly. Has anyone had this experience. Is this normal. Is my cycle changing. Someone help me

LizavaNe.., 8/20/2008 6:34:13 AM
omg...

why can you see veins in you're breast?

its because orbreast are growin or what?

kate , 8/21/2008 2:43:40 PM
lizavane the "viens' youre referring to in your breasts are stretch marks.hope it helped.

J, 8/22/2008 3:56:01 PM
i h8t periods .

Marissa, 8/25/2008 5:37:37 PM
Actually, Kate, you're wrong. You can see the viens on your boobs because, well, you see them everywhere else, too, right? Well, they just happen to be visible there. The breast tissue and fatty stuff pushes the big veins to be closer to the skin. That's why.

Chesney , 9/5/2008 7:59:18 PM
I had my firs period like two months ago and haven't had one since is that normal?? When im not sexually active

Jill, 9/7/2008 9:07:07 PM
I'm waiting for it...!

Adry, 9/12/2008 12:05:52 PM
i just had mine like a few mins ago for the very fist time and i have no idea what to do my mom just now gave me these huge pads and i put one on but what do i do from there how do you track it or any tips for a new blommer?

martha, 9/12/2008 9:46:36 PM
omg my last period,was in july and came one week early and lasted 12 days.it didn't come in august but it came this month and today is the 10'th day that its lasting.i dont think its going to end soon because its a very heavy flow.HHHEEELLLPPP MMMEEE!!!!!!!
IM SOOO SCARED TO TALK TO MY MOM ABOUT THAT

Winnie, 9/14/2008 6:24:46 PM
Ive been getting alot more pimples then before. actually, ive only had like one and now at this very moment i have around 5. i alos have been breaking out on my back(okay i just have one) and ive noticed my boobs got slightly bigger. my discharge is different. its like.....idk different and the other day, i kept gettin yelled at and i went to my room and cried. usually i wouldnt . i feel different. whats happening?

ps. i havent had my period yet

Maryam, 9/16/2008 8:28:57 PM
When I got my Period, I had nooo cramps!
But I hate my acne!

allie, 9/20/2008 1:24:55 AM
I got my period last year I was so exited but now I hate it but I have not had it for 2 months is that normal? And how old do I have to be to use tampons?? And by the way I am 14 a size C cup and I think I'm pretty tiny so it verys! Hoodluck to everyone else!! And in Feb I had my oriod for like 2 and half weeks really heavy but it will become more regular and easier I hope!

Cherrell, 9/25/2008 1:26:06 PM
I am 19 now and I got my period when I was 15 yrs old, about 3 years after I started to develop breast. I was so happy that I didnt get it any earlier than that.

angie, 9/26/2008 3:10:40 PM
for all of you scared to talk to your mother! DONT BE. it is ok!! its natural, and she understands she had to have a talk with her mother once before as well, Every woman goes through this!! and its easier when you have someone to talk to :]

Dont be afraid. Just ask your mother, talk to her she can help you understand things and if something is wrong she can make sure that it gets fixed! :]

have a blessed day everyone

to allie, 9/27/2008 10:56:20 AM
it usually takes a couple years for you to get in a regular cycle. don't worry about it lasting two weeks, that has happened to me expect is was lighter then usual. about the tampons, that is between you and your mother, but they can make your life easier and more enjoyable when you want to go swimming or take a vacation to the beach and mother nature shows up unexpectedly.

TERI, 10/23/2008 2:18:18 AM
am 46 years old i was told i was going threw a change in life i didn't have a period last mouth i feel like am going too start but nothing happens i don't understand why i can't start mine my last period was august 6th most ladys are diff then others

T, 11/28/2008 7:26:53 PM
i had my first period wen i was 12 and i wear a size dd34

unknown, 11/29/2008 10:25:58 PM
i amm 14 gonna be 15 in april dont have period but i am pretty sure i am the second model woman with little breast i have all the symtoms but the other day my left side was hurting like in the rib cage my aunt said i was ovilating but dont you have to have your period 4 that and what is ovialating ? my discharge changes colors and just seems to come out of me whenever it feels like it but is it suppose to turn a brown color cause i havent gotten there yet. any tips about insecurity of my breast size

someone , 12/13/2008 1:30:03 PM
does it hurt at all?

brittny, 1/3/2009 8:11:55 PM
I just start having a slimy discharge from my vagina and worried a little can some 1 tell me the next stage ?????????????

anonymous, 1/5/2009 12:34:46 PM
brittny i had the slimy stuff too and i got my period about several months later but things vary from woman to woman and don't be worried you will be fine

Tina, 1/6/2009 2:05:32 PM
Brittany,there is no next stage,other then getting your period.The discharge is just dead cells,that your body doesn't need,don't be alarmed,your perfectly normal.

Alisha, 1/6/2009 4:39:27 PM
I have a slimy discharge after my period. I always have a shower but i still have a wierd smell down below,im really embarasd about it! Can some one help

em, 1/11/2009 9:42:14 AM
Alisha, Maybe you should go to your docotr and ask her. She went through this tooo!

looloo, 1/12/2009 4:45:28 PM
my bobs are realy small an im 13teen i need help y do they have veins on them i have at least six veins on each boob

emily(also em), 1/13/2009 3:37:06 PM
looloo, you are fine! the veins in your breasts are just there. blood pumps ALL over your body! and also, don't worry! i know girls that are 5 years older then me that are less "developed" then me. relax! it's all ok!

sara, 1/15/2009 6:34:25 PM
ummmm... i started my period yesterday. i just want to know how long this will last! i am 13 and will be 14 in june. one thing about the period thing is... dont be afraid to tell your mom, it is nerve racking and you may feel wierd talking to her like that, but, tell her she understands. love ya all!

Teyona, 1/15/2009 6:58:16 PM
YEA WELLI START AT THE AGE OF 11 AND I WAS IN START AND I DIDNT KNO WAT WAS GOIN ON BUT MY MA DID...BUT I FEEL BAD FOR THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE CRAMPS CUZ I DONT HAVE THEM...BUT WHEN I DONT I DONT FEEL THEM

reneilwe ,south africa, 1/16/2009 10:12:59 AM
hai every1 i had my period last year decemba i only tld my aunt bt my mum knwz.......i jst wana tel all de gals out der dnt b afraid its part of lyf part of hu we r nd its a blessng in disguise nd god luvs u mhwa!nd i jst wana knw hw do u cope wen u want 2 start modelng bt u afraid ur periodz r gng 2 gt in de way?help any1

Melissa, 1/16/2009 3:42:10 PM
i'm fifteen.
and i have all the signs that i should be getting my period. My mom had hers when she was 12 and I don't know why I haven't started. Can anyone tell me when they think i will start?

Liz, 1/18/2009 8:27:48 AM
I don't use kotex becuase i don't like the way it feels. I started when i was 10. I normaly use tampons but pad to always.

sheebs , 1/19/2009 1:47:56 PM
please help me???????????????????????????????????????????????????????

amber, 1/22/2009 8:14:02 AM
thanks soooooooo much i got acne when i was 7 (boo) and now i see why :)

p.s. i still havent had my period woot

emily (also em), 1/24/2009 7:45:06 PM
melissa....
you will be fine! if you don't have your period by the time you are 17, then you should talk to ur doctor...
THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE AT ALL

alexandra, 1/24/2009 9:37:59 PM
omigosh!!! i am so relieved!! im 15 and i got my period on the 20th i was so nervous that something was wrong wit me cuz i wasnt getting it but i got it and im on this site and its not so bad having it but i feel sorta nauseous... maybe cuz im reading all the stories and stuff or it maybe cramps idk tho cuz i dunno wat cramps feel lyk....

haley , 1/26/2009 4:30:31 PM
i hate having my priod i got it when i was 10 and it so grose i hate it

shelby, 1/28/2009 3:38:27 PM
hi

bj, 1/28/2009 11:02:54 PM
i got my period when i was 9

Kellsi, 1/30/2009 6:04:10 PM
My armpits smell really really bad if I don't use deodorant, is that from puberty or do I just smell bad?

sb, 1/30/2009 11:00:31 PM
also breast tenderness

shea, 2/3/2009 3:24:59 PM
last night I nervous because I found pubic hair. I wanted it gone. What sould I do?

Catera, 2/3/2009 7:12:53 PM
I just got my period yesteray and it herts like crap!

hailey, 2/4/2009 2:21:24 PM
are you supposed yo shav your pubic hair and what if your vagina itches is tht normal and i got my period a month ago and sometimes i havr this red/brown gooey looking stuff tht comes out when im on my preiod ??? helpp please

Kate, 2/8/2009 3:48:36 PM
Omg all of the sudden I just started getting a lot of discharge and its like mucasy and its sooo disgusting! i like wipe it off and then like 5 minutes later it comes back!!! is this normal??? does it mean im gonna have my period soon??? help!!!

Aud, 2/19/2009 7:18:58 PM
acne is terrible! i have lots of it, and im afraid that people think im ugly... i sometimes think that if i didnt have acne that i would be more well-liked... its killing me because it makes me self-conscious, plus it makes me feel terribly ugly. does anyone out there know how to be more self-confident even if you have bad acne???

Lydia, 2/22/2009 5:02:31 PM
To Kate. I have the same stuff and the same thing happens to me too but I don't know why it's doing it

sorcha, 2/28/2009 9:46:21 AM
Hey guys. I got my period just over a year ago. I did get discharge for ages befour that i think allmost a year befour i startted my period i started getting discharge and stinging breasts. So thats not anything to worry about. I'm so glad i didn't get it until i was 13 becasue i know people who started at 8 and 9 and i think that must be allot to process for younger girls. xx

Elizabeth,Call me liz, 3/1/2009 12:42:42 PM
Most of my friends have already had their period!! But right now my breasts are starting to grow!!!!!!! And i had a pimple in Janurary!! and my friend told me u have ur period 3 months after ur first pimple!!!! and i had 3 days of none stop discharge It was so bad i had to wear a pantie liner for the first time!!!! So i kno my period is coming soon!!!!!! But thankfully i am going to have my period for 2 to 3 days!!! and my mom and her mom both have BIG breasts!!! brfore they had breast surgry they where each a size 38DD!!!!!! ,yea i kno right BIG!!! But kno my mom is a 36C!!!!!

tma , 3/9/2009 4:02:01 PM
i dont really care about the size of my breast but im 19 and i wear a 36b and my little sister is 17 in a dcup at what age do you stop growing

Jill, 3/10/2009 9:02:35 PM
2 weeks ago i got my first period it waz 4 days long no when should my next one b?

michelle , 3/11/2009 11:34:25 AM
why do change all the time i just wonder that sometime

zuz, 3/11/2009 11:43:46 AM
why do i get really sensitive about some thing and then 5min later i don't care any more.

mw, 3/11/2009 11:45:35 AM
is something wrong with me if when i get my period they are really heavy???Also why is it that when am on my days anything can get me really mad or you say something bad to me i get upset and start cryn is that a bad thing

102478432685549732655, 3/11/2009 2:38:30 PM
does acne happen to everyone?????????

jasmine, 3/13/2009 4:09:38 PM
why do we have veins on our breast i hate it .it makes my breast look ugly

monica, 3/15/2009 9:38:03 AM
AFTER I GET OFF MY PERIOD I SMELL REALLY FISHY LIKE THREE DAYS LATER AND I WASH DAT AND NIGHT ABOUT 3 TIMES A DAY AND I GET ALOT OF DISCHARGE CAN SOMEONE TELL ME WHATS WRONG WITH ME

vicky , 3/22/2009 5:45:28 PM
please help me!!
im too scared to ask my mom!!
do we shave the hair on or vagina (like a little over it) or not?

Jessica, 3/24/2009 1:59:25 PM
Heyy i hv this discharge and im flat chested i hv moderate acne and im not 100 pounds yet shuld i get mi period soon i kno its wierd but i kinda want mi period that will probly change when i get (if i ever get it!!!) thanx

tj, 3/24/2009 6:30:58 PM
WOW

Christie, 3/26/2009 10:50:49 AM
The nipple on my right breast inverted. How would a baby nurse on that breast?

Megan, 3/26/2009 3:21:22 PM
jasmine, the veins are actually stretch marks, its just your breasts growing. I also have them, and yes they aren't very flattering. and for the people that are saying their periods aren't routinely, it is due to the fact that you're just begining you're cycle and your periods are often not every month.

melaaaine, 3/27/2009 6:02:37 PM
why do girls caare so much about their breast size?
why do some girls fake their periods?
its retarted! :/

joanna , 3/28/2009 7:16:57 AM
this really did help me under stand what a period is . thank you kotex

alecia, 3/31/2009 9:34:10 PM
I had my period at the age of 11.I am 14 now I havent had a period in 2 months. I am not sexually active at all. what is wrong with me? I need help

YVETTE, 4/1/2009 11:59:39 PM
HEY GURLS.. I HAVE TO SAY FROM EXPERIENCE THAT THE CHANGE THAT WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH IS NOT NECESSARILY BAD, AND IT'S NOT ALL FUN IN GAMES EITHER...BUT IT'S A BLESSING THAT WE ARE GIVEN THIS UNBELIEVEABLE GIFT FROM GOD HIMSELF, FOR US TO BE WOMEN OF GOD. GIVE HIM PRAISE AND TAKE STRIDE WITH WHAT HE HAS BLESSED US WITH. FROM A WOMAN'S POINT OF VIEW, HAVING YOUR PERIOD DOESN'T MEAN THAT YOU HAVE TO RUSH AND GROW UP. .. PLEASE LADIES, TAKE YOUR TIME AND ENJOY YOUR CHILDHOOD. IT'S REAL BEAUTIFUL FOR ME TO LOOK BACK AT MY CHILDHOOD AND SMILE. BUT WHILE YOU ALL ARE GROWING... MAKE THE BEST OUT OF LIFE AND CHOOSE WISELY! GOD BLESS YOU GURLIES ! :) MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT...~*YVETTE*~

DEBBIE, 4/6/2009 1:21:09 PM
DO U SKIP PERIODS WHEN U R GOING THO CHANGE OF LIFE I'M 51 ALMOST 52 IS IT NORMAL

hallie , 4/6/2009 6:55:34 PM
hey everyone!
i really dont like the pressure at school with all this girl stuff like girls making a big deal about their periods and makes the other girls who havent had it make them feel bad and also a lot of pressure with boob size.....everyones body is different and unique....so i beg all of you girls who care about boob size and those also who make big period deals to stop....it makes others feel bad and you worry others if you complain a lot about your cramps...just take some midol dont worry others. when i get my period i dont overexaggerate about my cramps....it girl life it moves on...live w/ it or go see a doctor if you REALLY have bad cramps! and gurls....i know that when you have big boobs you want to show them off by wearing low cutted t's...plz dont, i dont.....nobody wants to see them...its disturbing when having a conversation...put them away!

~A~, 4/9/2009 2:31:00 AM
To Aud: I used to have really bad acne when I was younger, I still have acne but not as bad as before. Let me just say that having acne doesn't make you ugly or anything, it's just part of puberty. I was (and still a little bit now) really self-conscious about my face because of all the breakouts, but I learned that looks don't really matter unless you make a big deal out of it. I do not know how to give you self-confidence, but please know that if you keep thinking about your face, the more likely your going to be self-conscious. This probably wasn't very good advice since I've only learned this recently, but I hope it helped you, even if only alittle.

cutielover, 4/10/2009 10:14:23 AM
i havent got my period yet but i want it
all my friends have got their period but not me!

p.s. im 13

Coral - ann patrick , 4/13/2009 4:48:10 PM
im really scared my vagina has got longer and wider is there something to worry about??
HEELPPP MEEEE IM NOT ASKING MY MOTHER!!!

im 13

Renne , 4/17/2009 6:48:12 PM
i wish i had bigger boob size.......

andrea, 4/17/2009 6:58:32 PM
i dont have my firs piriod

Manda, 4/21/2009 10:32:21 PM
I got my period when i was 13 and i am 15 going on 16 i am only a 36 B will i ever get boobs??? HELP! thanks ;)

tosin, 4/23/2009 7:33:02 PM
i am a 33b and i think its too much.be happy with what u have some dont have at all

tosin, 4/23/2009 7:49:00 PM
i want to try kotex pads but they are not i nigeria please can they come to nigeria

Kaylah, 4/23/2009 9:29:25 PM
this is the worst part of LIFE OMG !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanxs for all your help

Kristy, 4/28/2009 7:51:04 PM
Watch for irregular periods, though. They could indicate a thyroid problem.

Rebecca, 4/28/2009 7:54:12 PM
(My name is spelled weird, now that we have that out of the way) -- Yeah, a period is not a natural birth control. I had sex during my period, thinking that I was safe, but now I'm pregnant, so DON'T THINK YOU'RE SAFE!!

Hannah, 5/1/2009 6:47:20 PM
if you started breast budding at nine will you probably start your period at 11?

Khloe!, 5/2/2009 7:20:45 AM
Dear Hannah,
It is said that you get your period 2-2and a half years after breast budding! So to answer your question...you will probablly start your period around the age of 11!

Julie, 5/2/2009 11:51:33 AM
Hannah,

I start "breast budding" when I was 10 years old, and I didn't start my period until I was 14. Everyone is different. One key thing to look for is pubic hair. This a good indicator you will be starting within the next 6+ months.

gloria, 5/7/2009 5:34:03 PM
i think i got my first period today and everything u guys said makes me feel better about getting my period !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thnx

Carla22, 5/17/2009 1:45:33 AM
Im probably the between the second and the third stage and i havent started my period yet, i have every sign but its like it wont come at all, but im afraid it will come at school

K, 5/17/2009 8:00:33 PM
This is a very helpful. Even though I am half way thru puberty this info helped me undestand it more. GIRLS don't worry about your period. I was scared to get mine but they are really no big deal. Although I do get reeeaalllly bad cramps. I actually started my period on my 13th bday last november.

And ofr girls worried about boobs. Everyone grows at different rates. I have friends who are a cups and friends who are c cups.
I just got a bra fitting today and I am a 32B.
YAY! lol byebye!

Tina, 5/18/2009 1:37:08 PM
I didn't start my period yet ooh I'm two weeks late my last period was April 9th it was supposed to start may 6th i'm day no 39 late. I was told your cycle is further apart Does that mean I will not have it at all?

annalese (plz help soon!), 5/22/2009 10:08:18 PM
my breasts r five and a half inches wide,and r four inches high,how much longer until developed?

No One Special, 5/23/2009 7:31:05 AM
This article relates to only acne,

Normally, I wouldn't comment on this stuff, but I see some of you having problems with it, so I'll tell you about my experience, (acne only).

I had serious acne problems, when I was in my twenties, I had to go to the doctor to get some special cream; I asked the doctor why, and I was told that acne relates to strong emotions like severe anger, severe sadness, depression.

My brother was killed when he was 16, and I was 15, so I guess my emotions werent that great for many years. I hope this helps those of you, with acne problems.

I'm alot older now, and i dont have that problem too much, only some on my back, but that is probably because i get so angry at video games and scream at them all the time.

chow

emmaa, 5/26/2009 5:06:39 PM
i think my breasts stopped growing!!! help me

dd, 5/26/2009 5:29:53 PM
HOW DO U TELL A MOM?? IM SCARED, VERY:[ PLEASE HELP

Katherine, 6/4/2009 6:03:36 AM
I got my period at nine!!!! its sux big time. im 14 now and some of my friends havent even got them yet!!! lolz everyone is different!! im a 12B in bra's. Sometimes I like being a teenager but other times I hate it!!! :)

sierra schraeder, 6/4/2009 6:26:43 PM
when your breasts come can you be nevers when you get them.

kathrine, 6/8/2009 9:37:09 PM
im at the 3rd stage for the bottom part of my body (u no wat i mean) but in the middle of the 2nd and 3rd for the top, WHATS WRONG WITH ME!?!?

cindy, 6/9/2009 4:12:54 PM
ive show every sign of getting my period. discharge (for a while), breast development... blah blah blah.... and its not coming. should it be coming soon?

christina, 6/9/2009 4:15:08 PM
what if one half of my body is developed more then the other ( i mean like top and bottom) does that mean anything!?!

lillian, 6/9/2009 6:36:28 PM
im a very self- concious person. all my friends are developing faster then me!!!
any avice on how to quicken the prosses?

Bre, 6/10/2009 4:31:44 PM
i started two weeks ago for one day is that nomal plus when is my next peroid.thnx kotex i wear a 36a talk about flat chested .

lexiy, 6/10/2009 6:34:04 PM
i am scared to have my period.....I am scared that i might not be my self or be the same as i am right now.......WHAT WILL HAPPEN

travieza, 6/10/2009 7:09:27 PM
hey well i berely read this page and its very kool very helpful and im plane to I don't have anything sometimes i dont kare having anything and sometimes i do what should i do to dont feel like that like less then others?

lily (plz answer), 6/11/2009 11:36:30 AM
i am 13 have had all the signs (for quite awhile now) but it wont come how much longer should it take?

kimberly, 6/11/2009 4:24:44 PM
lexiy, many poeple have different thoughts about having thier periods. many are scared to have it, many want it very badly, and many are not sure how they feel about it.i dont have my period yet myself, but i can tell you from expirience that you will be the same person you really are. sure, you might get a little moody on those days but your still yourself :).

alexis, 6/14/2009 11:20:11 AM
ihate puberty becease you have to follow up on updates about your puberty and what you nneed

hui, 6/14/2009 11:35:11 AM
hey im wondering hen im i going to start my period but it say blood can be brown and red or red im wonder did i start my [eriod it is bron and red

emily, 6/16/2009 3:22:36 AM
i get A LOT of pain during my period. I throw up and get dizzy, it's horrible!!!!

Brooke, 6/16/2009 7:59:50 PM
It has been itchy "down there" if you know what I mean for I think 4 days know, im scared to ask my mom or a doctor....please help me!!

Nikki, 6/19/2009 9:06:10 AM
i dont or havent had my period yet but ...im having sines of starting it like having to go to the bathroom A LOT,and cramps...ITS AWFUL!!!!!!!

Alyssa, 6/26/2009 6:57:58 PM
I hear you Brooke . i no how you feel but your mom should help you my mom did

sara, 6/26/2009 9:08:25 PM
hey everyone im 14 and have all the changes in my body except for breast development and i havent gotten my period..i dont think. just brown stuff since last year , is that weird?

Denise rose, 6/28/2009 3:11:45 PM
i just turned 16 about 3 days ago. i had my period on august '08 i didnt tell my mom for 2 days...until she found out. Well, i haven't developed breast's yet, but will be kind of scared if people will be staring. btw sara i think the 'brown' stuff is ur period...ask ur mom. :D

kati, 6/30/2009 8:58:20 PM
i have had my period for a month or so now but i have swimming lessons and my mom is on a cruise so i HAVE LIKE NO IDEA if i should use a tampon or what! i saw my moms tampons in her cabinet but i seriously dont know if i should! will it hurt me or some thing? what happens if i bleed in the pool? i bleed like 24/7!! please help!

Khloe!, 7/2/2009 1:24:27 PM
Dear Kati,
is there any way to reach your mom..by calling her or emailing her to talk to her about it? Or could you cancel your swim lessons until she gets home? Or could you talk to your dad about it...not wearing the tampoon thing...just that u have swim lessons while on ur period thing.If no to all of these...look at the tampon box and see how big it is and for what flow type. If it matches up to your flow and stuff, i would try to put one in by reading the instuctions that come in the box.
hope i helped :)
If you have any more questions i would love to answer them!
-khloe!

EFI, 7/3/2009 9:46:43 AM
if we wear deodorant,could it effect our breast like breast cancer

Alyssa, 7/4/2009 2:14:15 AM
hi im 13 yrs old, 114 lbs. had my period twice but havent had it for 5+ months is there something wrong with me? what should i do, im very worried, HELP!

Becca, 7/5/2009 10:54:25 PM
Dear EFI,
I don't think that deodorant could give you breast cancer. Even if it did, I would still wear it. I'm always worrying about how I smell if I forget to wear it. ^_^

Khloe!, 7/6/2009 11:34:03 AM
Dear EFI,
no it cannot

10137, 7/6/2009 7:49:43 PM
do kotex have a page where they talk about how a girl can stay clean with good highgen?

LMJ, 7/7/2009 4:52:53 AM
Alyssa,

There is nothing wrong with you. After you start your period for the first time, your body will be adjusting for several years to get on a regular cycle. I am now twenty, but when I was thirteen I had one first period and didn't not have it again until eight months later. It's a blessing in disguise. You have nothing to worry about. Just be patient and it will come again.

chelsea, 7/7/2009 12:32:56 PM
alyssa, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU!! in fact, this is very normal. it is absolutley normal for a girls first few periods to be erregular! but in time (1-2 years) your period will be regular (every month) :)

-chelsea

Shariel, 7/9/2009 6:38:30 PM
Is it go hart when you first have it

ashley, 7/11/2009 12:58:49 PM
ive been having my period now for about 5y mo normally light and only lasts about 4 days but now VERY heavy and blood clots is this normal im also on the patch for birth control

kaleigh, 7/16/2009 8:28:24 PM
im hopping that in the next two years my boobs will get bigger because i think that their small.

ps. im 13 and a half and had my period for a year.

lilly, 7/17/2009 2:18:08 PM
are u supposed to shave down "there"?i dont know. just curious

lenaaaa, , 7/23/2009 10:55:16 AM
i never thought i was going to get my period but i finally did when i was fourteen, now im fifteen almost sixteen and i don't have acne and my cramps are bad the first and second day, i just take a midol and drink some water!! 36c is my bra size.

flat chested, 7/29/2009 10:42:50 AM
i just turned 14 and i still wear a training bra. i think i could start wearing an A cup but i dont hhow to ask my mom i feel really self conscience about my chest and some girls at school tell me im really flat and i hate it btw i got my period at the beg. of july. it sucks:(

Me, 7/30/2009 3:10:33 PM
I have alot of stretch marks on my breasts. How do you get them? And why?

chelsea, 8/1/2009 10:26:13 PM
dear flat chested,
dont worry, and dont let let those girls get to you! many girls develop at completely diferent paces! and for asking your mom for a cupped bra, i know exactly how you feel. my friend told me that a i probably needed one one day, so i agreed with her planning on asking my mom. but whenever i was going to, i just couldent!!! it was awful. so finally one day, i finally got enough courage to ask her, and it wasent that bad at all!! :)

Khloe!, 8/3/2009 11:46:30 AM
Dear chelsea and flat chested,

Chelsea- i totally agree with you advice :) and you go girl about telling your mom!

flat chested- everyone develops at different rates. When i was asking my mom for a cup bra...i just couldnt work up enough confidence..i was sooo nervous! Sooo...i purpossly broke one of the straps on one and told her i needed a new one. Then while shopping i picked out a cupped one and she didnt really care! I wouldnt suggest what I did...by breaking the bra. I told you this story to show that moms arent as scary and judging as you think. If i were to re-live that moment i would of just asked. Moms just want to make you happy. If you want one...just take a deep breath and say...mom i need a bigger bra!
hope i helped :) hahaha!

emily, 8/4/2009 3:52:30 PM
boobs really arent all that great, im sorry to say.. they get in the way too much when i play soccer

ashley, 8/5/2009 11:45:05 PM
why am I itchy around my pubic hair? I take showers every day but I still reamin itcy, is it because I shave near those parts? Please help :)

maran-, 8/6/2009 8:57:36 AM
you might have a yeast infection (to ashley btw)

Twilight Lover =), 8/8/2009 9:34:28 AM
hey ppl dont feel bad about your boobs and all that...its actually better to be flat or have little 32a ones rather than like huge boobs for your age.like me.im only 14 years old and im already in a 32C!i know its horrible.and guys always stare at my chest.ugh.so dont feel bad about ur boobs.they will come soon:)
PEACE TO DA WORLD byee

flat chested, 8/9/2009 2:10:06 PM
thanks chelsea and Khloe! do you think i could tell her that mine is getting too small and get a cup bra when i go back- to- school clothes shopping???

tiara hasen, 8/10/2009 2:08:35 PM
i love my period

khloe!, 8/12/2009 7:46:53 AM
dear flat chested,
ya! thats a great idea :)
xoxo,
khloe!

lolly, 8/13/2009 12:12:43 AM
i have had sex heaps of times without a condom and i am still not pregnant
wat can i do to get pregnant???
plz help

Twilight Lover =), 8/17/2009 4:33:36 PM
dear lolly,
sometimes it just doesnt work.maybe ur not "doin it" right.lol.but keep trying.

jessie, 8/18/2009 11:46:58 AM
i started shaving behind my moms back so she has no idea that im shaving. how do i tell her w/o her being mad? plz answer back!

okayyyy..., 8/18/2009 11:49:12 AM
i was just wondering... does sex hurt? im not planning on having sex anytime soon but i will someday. i kno its kinda a weird question lol

curious , 8/19/2009 1:50:22 PM
is there any way i can read books about puberty online cuz its too ackward to talk to my mom about that kind of stuff

Twilight Lover =), 8/19/2009 2:48:43 PM
dear jessie,
Ur mom has no reason to be mad!
She shouldnt be mad at u just for shaving,it depends how old you are.if ur like 9 or over,you can just caasually ask ur mom "hey mom,can i start shaving?" if she says no,than just use "nair" its a lotion that removes hair just by putting it on.if u dont want to use nair,than just give it another year or so,and than maybe shell be ready for you to.But she shouldnt be mad..anyway hope i helped ya!
dear okayyy,
Sex doesnt hurt to some people,some ppl even say it feels good.but i would only imagine it "hurting" if u popped ur cherry witch means breaking ur hymen.But it reall shouldnt hurt.
PEACE TO DA WORLD byee

jessie, 8/20/2009 12:01:09 PM
thanx but i think the reason she d be mad is that i didnt tell her i started shaving btw im 14

Sadie, 8/21/2009 12:42:51 AM
i think i started my period i was all over the internet to make sur now im pretty positive that i di because mine was very lit eand i go tnevous but i told my sis and showed her my pants she agreed

P.s this was at 12:00am and my MOM is sleeping

strawberry blond, 8/22/2009 5:43:49 PM
is it tru that "the pill" can make ur boobs grow?? cuz i heard that and was wondering if that was tru

Happy, 8/26/2009 11:19:39 PM
Thanx to everyone who has helped me and other people.
=)
xo

cheer always, 8/27/2009 8:00:41 AM
my mom's boobs are kinda small but my aunt's (my mother's sister) boobs are big.. so, how can i kno if i can get big boobs or not??

chelsea, 9/1/2009 5:41:35 PM
sry pplz! ive been on a 3 week cruise. it was sooooo fun! ill keep answering questions, so feel free to ask :).
so, school is starting soon (or already has started for some ppl) and there might be alot of worries about ppl getting their periods at school, so if that one of your questions: if you think your going to get it at school, pack one or two emergency pads just in case you do get it there. its that simple! no worries! :)

flat chested, 9/2/2009 7:58:49 AM
omigosh!!!! i finally asked my mom for a bigger bra!!! last night i texted her that i needed a bigger bra and if we could go tomorrow and she said yes!!! ahhhh im sooooo relieved i cant wait until she gets home from work :) ill let yall no how it all goes

chelsea, 9/2/2009 9:45:11 AM
flat chested,
congrats! :D, see it wasent that hard at all!

flat chested, 9/2/2009 4:47:24 PM
yeah but now i think she forgot cuz i talked to her a couple times today and she hasnt brought it up at all. plus shes working later than i thought so now i might not get one at all and my freshman orientation is tomorrow and i wanted one by then ill tell yall what happens when she gets home :(

TCBY, 9/2/2009 7:58:31 PM
This is for everyone! Don't be afraid to tell your moms about all this stuff! It is all completely natural. I have been through it all and its nothing to sweat. Periods: they don't regulate until one or two years later! Sex: (i haven't done it yet but I know it hurts at first) I would wait for a while it will be so much better when you love the person your doing it with! Your Chest: If you are a bigger person, (like me) you will have bigger boobs faster, (duh) If you are super skinny, (i envy you!) you will be flat for awhile! Don't sweat the little stuff! Tell your moms about it they will be more understanding that you think they will be. I know from experience! If you need someone to talk to i keep some stuff posted! ttyl

Khloe!, 9/5/2009 9:41:52 AM
Yeahhh! I deffinityl agree with Chelsea...i know that i carry around a pad and an extra pair of undies...just in case! And dont be scared to ask your teacher to go to the nurse to ask for a pad in case you are caught off gaurd. Most likely if the teacher is a girl...she had to do the same thing when she was in school at one point or another. I had a friend that just recently had to ask...and nobody in the class was suspicious. Only her and her teacher knew

Khloe!, 9/5/2009 9:43:45 AM
Yay! flat chested! thats great that you asked her! but...not great that she hasnt said anything about it yet :(! Maybe...u should just discreetly ask her when you are going to go shopping...

keep us updated!
xoxo,
khloe!

ganstaa, 9/5/2009 11:14:14 AM
when I going to get my period I mean I have gotten all the things to lead toward a period I just haven't had it yet and I don't know why I'm mierable

flat chested, 9/8/2009 2:07:15 PM
i still dont have one :( but i asked her last night at like 8:00 (bad on my part) but she said we'll get it after school tomorrow (today) so yah im pretty excited im hoping she'll remember and if not im gunna tell her to take me yay!! ill let you guys kno how shopping went :) bye!!

mary, 9/9/2009 10:05:43 AM
i got my period when I was 13, my daughter is now 9 and there is times that she is moody during the month. the artical said that girls are usally about 100 lbs she is about 56 lbs, she has no other puberty signs, is it too early to talk to her, even if it doesnt happen for four more years, beacuse If I tell her, and she is the first to know out of her friends than tell her friends, I dont want the rumor mill to start or parents being mad at me, what do I do?

chelsea, 9/9/2009 3:14:17 PM
ganstaa,
sound like ur period is going to some soon though! give it time :).
oh and btw guess what. i just found out my teacher is MAN :( oh well :P.

Twilight Lover =), 9/12/2009 3:28:18 PM
dear mary,
your daughter is prob just showing those early pubety signs,no big.Moddiness is a common first starting puberty sign.So she is probably about to start puberty.But probably not her period they usually come 1-2 years after boobs start growin so when you start to notice breast growth than you will know she is starting real puberty.Also other signs -acne,curvier body such as hips and thighs,and other basic stuff.I remember when i was 12 i had a body! i was really curvy and i had an awesome stomach! And my mom didnt even start anything until she was 13.So she may not get it at the exact same age.Good luck! PEACE TO DA WORLD byeee

kay, 9/18/2009 5:59:25 PM
I love this site, my friend sent it to me, and reading all of this makes me more comfortable with my self, because i know that Im not the only one with the Q's! thankyou alot!!

Maggy, 9/18/2009 9:30:57 PM
I am 16 and have never had a period. I am also a 36AA

izzy, 9/20/2009 1:38:30 PM
oh my gosh I really need a new bra... but i dont know how to ask my mom! Im waaay to afraid! What do i do!?!?

sadie, 9/24/2009 4:40:17 PM
hey i shaved my bikini line for the first time a couple days ago and now where i shaved is red and has bumps is that normal?

hanna, 9/24/2009 4:54:04 PM
i asked my mom for a cup bra like a long time ago and she said she'd take me but she never has time (she works 2 jobs) i think it wwould be weird to bring it up again o and ive been wearing my sis old bra she left when she went to college for a while now to school but taking it off when i get home so no one knows what should i do?

kay, 9/25/2009 7:27:17 PM
sadie, yes that is VERY normal. Its just your skin is more sensitive down there, so it can cause redness, itching, bumps and iritation. It happens to almost every girl/ that shaves down there.

kay, 9/25/2009 7:30:06 PM
If you are too embaressed to ask her, tyr writing to her. say: "dear mom, Im a growing girl and I need to start to wear a bra" Let her come to you when she gets the chance. She is your mom, she will understand! she was your age once, too!!

kay, 9/25/2009 7:36:54 PM
Maggy, have you asked your mom to go see a docter yet? If you think your going to start soon notiy to yourself if you are feeling moody, or sick (bellyache) wait till the next week to see if you started. You start to cycle like 4 months before your your period, you get the pms symptoms a week for every 4 weeks then after that it is most likley the really thing if you are on track. Just be paitent, it will come soon.

kat, 10/15/2009 4:39:52 PM
Well,I have not started my period yet and I am 13.I think there is something wrong with me!!!=p

chelsea, 10/16/2009 10:44:44 AM
kat, there isnothing wrong with you!!! some ppl dont even start untill they're 17!!!! ask your mom what age she got it and you should get it at around then. :)

Izzy, 10/24/2009 2:42:04 PM
I just got my period 10/23/2009 i havet began buddig

chelsea, 10/26/2009 3:02:00 PM
izzy,
some ppls breasts develop later (after your first period), some earlier (before your first period) odnt worry, ull grow soon.

anna, 11/8/2009 4:51:25 AM
my period is better now atfer i want of the pill

Help, 11/12/2009 2:25:29 PM
I am about to turn 40 and my body is doing everything now to make sure I know it. I never had cramps before and used to think people was exxagerating when they were bent over in pain. I am so sorry for thinking that because it feels like contractions to having a baby. Hopefully all of you who have them now, will not have them when you get older. Pray.

Sara, 11/16/2009 1:08:27 AM
both chelsea & khloe THANKS!!!!!!!
I have now known a lot about these things by reading your answers
THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sandra, 11/16/2009 4:08:50 AM
I just love my period because later it enables u to reproduce.

Diana, 11/17/2009 1:12:30 AM
I'm waiting for it but does it really hurt???????????????plzzz...reply

chelsea, 11/18/2009 11:17:37 AM
for most girls it doesent hurt, some ppl cant even feel thier cramps, others CAN sometimes have bad cramps. its probably unlikely though.

flat as a board(literally), 11/19/2009 6:16:14 PM
is it true that "the pill" can make your boobs grow?? becuz i heard that and was wondering if that was true

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