Physical Changes During Puberty

95 Comments

Your daughter is about to go through some really amazing changes.

Breasts start to develop. If your daughter seems to be concerned about her breasts for any reason, remind her that breasts come in all shapes and sizes, none of which is “perfect.” Together, you might want to schedule a time to shop for bras.
Girls experience a growth spurt before they begin to menstruate. Although she might still grow another few inches, when your daughter gets her first period, she has reached about 95 percent of her adult height.
Her hips and rear will become curvier, and her waist will become more defined.
Pubic hair appears at around the same time or soon after breasts begin to grow.
Hair growth occurs under the arms, and heavier hair growth appears on the legs. You may want to discuss shaving.
Sweat glands “switch on.” You might want her to start using a deodorant or antiperspirant and remind her that good hygiene will keep her smelling and feeling fresh and clean.
Pimples may appear, caused by oil blockages in pores. Pimples can often be managed by keeping the face clean and the pores unclogged. Consult a doctor if they become a persistent problem.
Menstruation begins. On average, it begins between the ages of 10 and 12, but a girl can get her first period any time between the ages of about 9 and 16.
Her weight increases about 10–20 percent during puberty. This weight gain is normal and healthy. However, as in every stage of life, good nutrition and exercise are important to maintain a healthy body. Try preparing healthy meals and snacks together.
Girls will also experience vaginal discharge, a completely normal part of their cycle. Starting your daughter on pantiliners at this time might be a good idea. If the fluid is a darker color, or it itches, burns or has a strong odor, consult a doctor to check for possible infection.

If you found this helpful, these articles and forums might help, too:
Article: Your Daughter’s Body Image

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What others are saying

kiki, 6/9/2008 2:35:04 PM
um i was wondering how do i shve
cash, 6/16/2008 1:53:32 PM
where do i start in the talk of the PERIOD
anon, 6/18/2008 10:51:16 AM
how do i show my daughter where to put her tampon after pads
Micaela, 6/18/2008 12:26:51 PM
I started growing breasts in 4th grade, which was difficult since no one else had started getting them. 2 months before I had started to get pubic hair and I didnt know what to do. My mom had given me the "sex talk" but never the "your body" talk. I had to figure out I was changing and still didnt know what a period was. All I knew was a woman "bleeds" ,so in 6th grade, when I was 11, I had started my period. I thought it was just a coincidence I was bleeding, but my mom never told me that GIRLS could have a period so I was just so confused with my body that I wasnt sure what to do. My mom just gave me a pad, and then noticed I was still bleeding, took me to Wal*Mart to get me some Kotex and Always brand Pads (Now my mom only uses Kotex, i use Always, but I personally <3 Kotex) I knew that a few weeks before I had gotten armpit hair and I was so confused because my mom didnt talk to me about it. I had to ask questions, for her to tell me, but it was still blurry to me. *MICAELA*
tiffany, 6/25/2008 2:22:20 PM
I was in middle school and i started to
wearing a bra okay Let,s be honest here i
had this girls program twice one in elementary school and another one in middle school i was so scared i didn't know
anything about the program either.and i
also.okay but don,t laugh now i started my period early guess who old i was yep u
got i was 11 and my body was changing
fast when i was 11 can you believe that and
i chouldn,t believe it whould do that fast.
Lizzy, 6/27/2008 10:25:30 PM
I'm almost 14 and going into highschool and I haven't started yet. Is something wrong?
Gayle, 7/12/2008 10:01:53 PM
Hi all! My daughter is very mature looking for her age & she just started her period -- at age 9! Wow...
girl08, 7/14/2008 7:13:51 PM
don't worry gayle, this is still a normal age to be starting but not too common. make sure she is comfortable with everything and if it looks like she is a bit down/depressed over it sit her down and just talk to her. the best thing is to chat it over and make sure she understands that she is different to others in her class at school. if she is curious about something let her know, she may be young but she has to find out soon so she understands how to wash properly and so it doesn't produce bad odour.
katie, 7/15/2008 1:54:53 PM
how can I talk to my mom? she hasn't given me a talk and i just started my period yesterday. it went okay when i told her, but i want too talk to her about other things too.
brandy, 7/19/2008 12:19:37 AM
dont worry if youre 14 and you havent started your period yet.
thats exactly how i was, and my aunt told me that since i was worrying about it so much that it was probably gonna happen soon. and sure enough, not two hours after she told me that i started.
i was only fourteen and going into high school, but now i wish i would've enjoyed my time without it and not wondering when i was gonna get it. haha.
stephanie, 7/19/2008 12:21:27 AM
did anyone else know right off that youre supposed to use feminine wash??
gee mom thanks for telling me. haha
i didnt know till i was 17 almost 18.
melissa, 7/29/2008 12:23:43 PM
is it tru that if your too skiny you cant get your period
tiffany, 7/31/2008 12:32:24 PM
that,s not true just relax and you,ll get it .hey
wanna know a secret ?i am about to start any time soon too i don,t feel good either.
just list the feelings you have and remember to show me okay i love you.
becky, 8/11/2008 7:13:50 AM
I have a problem see my daughter has had been getting her period since she was 12 but now she hasn't had for the past five months she hasn't been getting fat or anything so i know she is not pregnent i dont know what is wrong with her?
DIVAJR, 8/12/2008 11:35:46 AM
MELISSA, HOW OLD ARE U
Isriella, 8/13/2008 8:58:16 PM
my daughter just asked me how to use a tampon because of a pool party tomorrow and she has had her period for 1 year now so i no its time but i dont no how to show her... help please!!
breaunna, 9/5/2008 3:44:36 PM
i started my since i was 9
lina, 9/8/2008 10:16:36 PM
when should i expect my period
neal, 9/9/2008 9:24:41 AM
I am a single father with a 10 year old daughter when is it ok for her to start using tampons. I dont want her to break her hymen
Connie, 9/9/2008 8:29:46 PM
My 10 1/2 yr old daughter brought to my attention that she felt something on her chest, I felt it and around her nipple and brown area it was a little hard, but only on one side. I have seen a slight hue of pubic hair starting and her breasts seem to be budding a bit. Is this slight hardness just part of the process of puberty? I just told her that her body was starting to change and getting ready for puberty, not to worry. But I am concerned....is this normal?
stacy, 9/17/2008 3:07:24 PM
neal, you dont have to worry about your daughter breaking her hymen, its going to happen eventually whether its from using a tampon, to even riding a bike. this process is totally natural. I would say if your daughter is comfortable, and ready to use a tampon then she is ready to use them.
Lydia, 9/23/2008 2:01:20 PM
i am 13 and i don't have my period yet. i want it to come soooo bad and i regularly use pads because i have a lot of discharge and i was wondering if there is a tampon that you can use for discharge. also i was wondering how much discharge is normal. please respond!!!
Sydney, 9/25/2008 6:56:42 PM
My mom won't let me buy any liners just in case and to catch the discharge! help!
Lynn, 9/27/2008 9:03:51 AM
You should not use a tampon for discharge, only for your period. The amount of discharge varies from person to person. although it sometimes gets heavier the closer you are to your period.
destiny, 10/1/2008 9:39:39 PM
ok i am 13 and i just had mine like last mouth and i was juts asking can i use a tampon yes or no and i have had mine this mouth and i am about to be on it in like 14 days or like 10 and i need to no so i can get some
Nisha, 10/15/2008 4:22:59 PM
I want my period so badly im 13 in i have been having this discharge for the longest
Rose, 10/17/2008 11:38:46 AM
k, my breasts have been growing for 2 1/2 years now, I have had pubic hair for 5 months, and a little bit of armpit hair growing, like they are short, but a ton of hairs. I have had abdominal pain as well, and discharge for 5 months, too. I want my period so badly.
Mikayla, 10/18/2008 12:56:36 AM
im 13 and i have not had my period yet
is something wrong??
Sybil, 10/20/2008 7:57:26 PM
To all you girls waiting for your period, I can tell you that it varies A LOT from girl to girl. My girls started last year at 11 & 12 but their friend was 14 and still waiting. Believe me, after a whle you'll wish you could still go a whole month with no period...but what you really are waiting for is the start. You don't want to be caught by surprise.Liners are great , but do you get carried away? Some moms don't want to buy you liners because you change too frequently, and, face it girls, she's spending a lot of money. Tell her you will be reasonable and wear one at school or for activities away from home. Mostly, it's great for you to start this kind of conversation with mom, she will be proud that you're being mature!
sarah, 10/27/2008 6:49:25 PM
How can students achieve a
healthy body weight during puberty
penny, 11/6/2008 3:49:39 PM
please give me all the sighs before you start your period, even if they are gross!!!!
Anna, 11/6/2008 6:09:00 PM
i was just wondering whats a hymen??? my freinds are talking about them? how do you no when you have broken it and how can you tell??? PLEASE RESPOND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nima, 11/14/2008 12:36:40 AM
my daughter is 14she got her period last yer she didnt get yetis that normal please replay
cindy, 11/18/2008 2:46:42 PM
how do i tell her sh is so sensitive?
kkkk, 11/26/2008 10:02:07 PM
my breast hav been gettin bigger and ive gotten a lot of pubic hair and discharge plz tel me if im going to start soon! ive been usin liners but its not enough plz give awsum tips! hurry
Brittany , 12/2/2008 5:22:51 PM
I am about to start and i need help
i have ''The Care And Keeping Of You''
me., 1/1/2009 6:26:29 AM
i'm 13. in year 8 (yes im from the UK)
and i've been having discharge since year 6 so like 3ish years. but a couple of months ago. it just completely stopped. and i didn't have anything for a month and a half. and then now its only just coming back slightly. does anyone know why this could be happening? because i've been looking on the internet but there seems to be nothing. and my mum works at a sexual health clinic. but i could never talk to her about that type of thing. cringe! :/ help anyone?
xx
Heylea, 1/2/2009 4:57:00 AM
My little sister Melodie just turned 10 and my mum wants me to giveher the ''talk'' after reading this I know what to say.Except it might be weird me being her sister but it might be easier cause I'm younger and were sister and we can share seceret stuff so it won't be odd for her 2 talk 2 our mum.
meredith, 1/23/2009 11:45:46 AM
This is ok dont be scared
Kryskii ! , 1/28/2009 1:08:09 PM
What that thing that comes out of my vagina, when i am not in period?

Im a little worried, and I get embarrased when I talk about this ..

is it normall?
linz, 1/29/2009 11:56:31 PM
Im 14 almost 15 Ive alway been skinny but i went from like 102 to like 117 in like six months and i have like all the other signs.... but no period yet????
Amanda M., 2/2/2009 10:56:31 AM
I am 13 almost 14 and don't drink milk... I have NOT started my period yet even though I have pubic hair, underarm hair, increased in weight, and discharge (alot of it). I also have become way more curvier!! Can someone help me I'm confused?
kyla, 2/8/2009 9:01:11 PM
penny, the signs when u get ur period are lots of discharge [brown kind], increase in breast growth, u get bloaded [water weight], and lots of pubic hair. dont worry if none of these things have hapend ur good, but if they have talk to ur mom or a frend [older than u]
ellen, 2/13/2009 3:06:04 PM
i'm 15 i started my period when i was 9 years old.i was shocked and my mother was suprised also.but everything since then has been a wonderful experience thanks from support of my mom.
johnie, 2/18/2009 5:30:53 AM
can i ask something??.. do girls always have discharge like a week before menstruation??.. somebody please reply..thanks..
Julia, 3/2/2009 3:50:56 PM
I have been getting brown discharge lately. Is that my period?
someone, 3/4/2009 4:02:42 PM
i am 14 and one of my friends started her period when she was 10 and i'm wondering why i haven't..... Also, i started wearing a bra less than a year ago.... Oh, i suddenly have been gaining weight, should i go on a diet or is this normal.
meredith, 3/24/2009 10:15:52 PM
when do u know u have a period?
Cat, 3/25/2009 11:09:35 PM
My daughter is 12. Has been shaving arm pits and legs for over a year. Breasts have developed very large growth spurt but has lost lots of "baby fat". She is very active in sports and bathes often. She has had a discharge that is more yellow/brown with more of a urine odor. Is this normal or do I need to take her to her doctor. She talks very openly with me but not real comfortable going to Dr????
Julia , 3/27/2009 8:09:55 PM
My mom wont let me wear pantiliners when i have my discharge and its kinda weird because i know i need them but i dont know how to tell her. i just told her that i had the discharge and that my underwear was getting wet everyday. She still hasnt given me anything. what should i say? i dont know how to tell her i mean i dont want to just say MOM I WANT A PANTILINER like thats weird!

help please!
kimmi, 3/29/2009 10:45:43 PM
i got my period at 11 and it stucked...for all the peope wanting it to happen just enjoy ur time periodless...i mean why do u want it so much? unless you enjoy cramps and headaches..
kimmi, 3/29/2009 10:49:51 PM
ok and for Julia...why dont you just leave a note? or if ur old enough go buy a pack
Ashlee, 4/3/2009 1:20:12 AM
Hi i havnt had my period yet and i went to da toilet and on my undies was white discharge and a tiny bit of blood does this mean my period is comin and does everygirl have brwon discharge before there period??? Xxx
Krrrys*, 4/17/2009 3:51:40 PM
Hi, Im 14 and I love going to the beach with my girls, but sometimes I Can't go because oof my period. My mother does not allow me to use tampons, because of my age . What Kotex product should I Use ?

Thanksssss (:
emz, 4/21/2009 2:11:59 PM
hi im 13 and havent started my periods yet - is this weird? i first noticed signs of puberty at 9 and a half. ive also had armpit hair and discharge for 2 years. sometimes it feels like its never gonna happen

help!!! x
Jo, 4/21/2009 2:31:32 PM
if u are underweight it CAN affect ur period, btw.
i'm 14 and a half and still no period, but for about half a year now i've been getting cramps, tender breasts, rapid mood swings, bloating, and lots of discharge but no period. all this montly, for about a week. normal?
Amanda M., 4/22/2009 10:11:33 PM
ya I have had a growth spurt even worse cramps since I last posted some making me going home from school I have evry sign but no sign of my period. I am 67 pounds and im almost 14 im 13 right now but is this normal? What do I do im scared kind of:) thank you and please respond and help me!
Maria, 4/26/2009 8:58:40 AM
i started when i was in 3rd grade summer and i didn't get it till 5th grade again
Krrrys*, 4/29/2009 9:32:02 PM
CAN SOMEBODY ANSWER MY QUESTION ! ?
Jessica, 5/3/2009 12:41:17 AM
Hi everyone.. i already shave my legs and underarms but i was wondering if im supposed to shave my pubic hair "down there" if u know what i mean. kinda awkward i know, but if someone could answer me asap that would be great. thanks!
madilyn, 5/7/2009 9:27:44 PM
i have got every thing sept dis charg wat dat mean answes asap
Music-luvrr, 5/9/2009 8:38:49 PM
Jessica, its opptional to shave down there, but it may become uncomfortable, exspecially when u just start and when it starts growing bac..
But personally i think it makes girls look like 7 yr olds LOL xx.

Madilyn so if you have everything but discharge im not sure exactly what it means, do you have your period?? well if u do dont worry, and if you dont it probs means u wont get it for a while as ussually u get discharge, alot of it before you start ur period, but dont worry in this case either xxx
pattie, 5/11/2009 7:15:50 PM
hey for jessica that is really normal 4 u to have to shave down there !! trust me you will be fine just dont cut ur self because that really hurts !!!!
will help u always,
pattie
101, 5/11/2009 8:30:49 PM
i need to no why do some poeple have only 2 to 3 day periods ? is that normal do that person need help?
Carely, 5/12/2009 8:27:50 PM
oh well pattie and music luvrr to me r perfest people tpo say that their great poeple because they have great woooording and have very helpful info about anything that u really need so i just want to thank them fromt he very bottom of my heart the are the best poeple u will probably ever meet!!!!
just wanty to help love always
Kelly , 5/16/2009 4:01:50 PM
PS to my other comment- the "discharge" I have is only around my pubic area and is hars to see. but it is white. I'd really like some help!! I don't want my period, I want to be tall and everything. Speaking of, how do I know when I get a growth spurt? How many inches is a usual growth spurt?

thanks again,
Kelly
Katii, 5/17/2009 2:20:29 PM
Hi,
I'm 13 and have LOADS of 'signs' like...
increased weight, breast development, discharge for 2 1/2 years, sweating, pubic hair, underarm hair, spots, hip development, growth spurt e.t.c and today there was tiny spot of brownish/yellowy/goldy discharge, normal??
Also, I am seriously scared I have trichomoniasis, I mean I'm a virgin but today in my discharge it was yellowy and there were tiny greeny lumps!!!!
HELP!!!
thanks
katii
Cait, 5/17/2009 4:25:30 PM
i need some help. ive been getting discharge for about 6 months now. a lot of it. and its kind of uncomfortable because my underwear is always wet. should i be wearing pantiliners? i dont know how to ask my mom. also, does this mean ill be getting my period soon?? please reply!

nicole
alisha, 5/21/2009 1:47:39 PM
yes you can wear a patiliner and when you are getting discharge that means that means you will get your period in 1 years time
Mikayla, 5/27/2009 5:26:02 PM
Katii, dont be worried bc it could be ur underwear... i have blue and green lumps and it was just me underwear... but talk to ur mom if ur really worried she'll no wat to do.
hey, 5/31/2009 4:13:49 PM
hey everyone i really really want my period wat should i do to get it any one no any thing ....if u do than please right me back..............
Abby, 6/3/2009 3:20:47 PM
dear hey, why do you want to do something to get ur period? I think you should just wait and enjoy yourself while you don't have your period. I, myself haven't had my period but from what it sounds like i don't really want to get it.

I have had a light yellow/white discharge for a LONG time but don't know what it is. please answer me! my mom knows about it and told me about periods and she wants to take me to the Dr. to see about the discharge but i keep saying no. what should i do?
diana, 6/20/2009 11:24:48 PM
Hi,
Is it true if your underweight it can affect getting your period? Im about 79 pounds and 13 years old, turning 14 this year. I haven't gotten my period. But I have A LOT of discharge. I hope this is normal. Is it?
Please reply, im very worried.
Jo, 6/24/2009 3:39:49 AM
can somebody answer my question pleeez??????????
tiffany, 6/26/2009 2:55:59 AM
is there somethingg wrong with me if i haven't had my period in 3 months and i am a virgin plus my pee smells weird should i be worried??
julia, 6/27/2009 6:33:36 AM
over the last year my 10 yr old has become rather well developed, now wearing an A cup bra, has alot of pubic hair and is more shapely and taller. She knows about periods and she has liners and pads ready.
Lauren, 7/21/2009 1:10:14 PM
My mom won't let me shave. But im HAIRY! what should i do? im 13.
Emily, 7/24/2009 5:06:05 PM
I started shaving behind my mums back.I also bought hair removal cream and that worked better for longer so i suggest that if your a first timer.Also when shaving it is very easy to cut your self and that doesn't hurt but most of the time bleeds of quite along time. Having your period is one of the most annoying things in the world. You can't go swimming and it's painful, get on with life without it it is so much easier without periods. Theres no worring about when and where your going to have it. I'm also 13
alison, 8/24/2009 3:07:08 PM
can someone please tell me what a hymen is and how you can break it?! please reply soon. thanks.
gaza, 8/30/2009 2:22:09 PM
alison, you can break it by inserting a tampon the wrong way or having sex.

i asked my mom to start using tampons and she said no. what should i do? pads are uncomfortable and embarrassing!!!!!:(
kelly, 9/3/2009 12:10:53 AM
Im 13 and I didn't get my period yet and I have had discharge for like 2 years now. I have pubic hair and I wear a 34 a (and it sucks) but im wondering if it is coming soon.
hazel, 9/6/2009 2:06:13 PM
My daughter is starting fifth grade this week and over the holidays she has started puberty. I've told her she won't be the only one but she is still worried about her body changes.
13yr old Pain Reliever, 9/16/2009 2:32:05 PM
for ppl who r nervous to ask your mommy for pads text it to her! i do that all the time. as you can guess im shy
Isabella, 9/22/2009 4:28:25 PM
Is it normal to be 14 1/2 and still have a flat chest? Do breasts grow quickly, like, you can definitely tell a difference than the day before, or is it just a gradual thing? 'Cuz my friend went from needing no bra to definitely having to wear one in about 1.5 months.
person, 10/4/2009 8:47:42 AM
I have a quick question for anyone out there...I have been having my period for only about 4-6 months and pretty gosh dang regular from the beginning, i get my period then a exactly one week later i get it again!! Is it becuase i am young - 14 - or is there a serious underlying problem, it worries me..the 2nd period is just like the first, not too heavy but not light either......
tracey, 10/5/2009 5:20:10 PM
I guess I was hiding my head in the sand or didn't want to think my little girl of ten was anywhere near starting puberty but that changed when I took her swimming this weekend. Its been about a year since we last went and as we were getting changed my sight was drawn to this dark triangle, Omg my little girl has pubic hair! When did this happen? How come i didnt notice? Why didnt she tell me? She wasnt shy getting changed with me, I haven't mentioned anything to her yet but after reading others comments its time to talk to her and treat her to a shopping trip for a bra.
Me, 10/7/2009 8:46:16 PM
I'm 13 years old and I've had my period for about a year and a half now. I seriously don't know why so many of you want your period so badly because it's not the best thing in the world. Almost every time I have my period, I feel really (really) sick and lots of times, I miss school for it. Anyway... I'm just wondering if it's normal to gain a lot of weight when you start puberty because just a couple years ago, I used to have a really small body and I thought I my size was perfect. But recently, I've been gaining a lot of weight.
Carrie, 10/26/2009 2:42:42 AM
My mom has always been a little older than my friends moms, I am 14 and she is 51, so I was always uncomfortable talking to her about this stuff. She is always prying on my mind. No mom, I don't "have a crush on any boys." No mom, I promise I won't "date until I'm 16.." I think the most important thing for moms to know is that you shouldn't force yourself into your daughters personal things, believe me, if they have questions, anything, they will come to you. I had my period at 10, and I never told my mom. She figured it out 6 months later (haha) she enjoys commenting on my breasts too,which annoys me to no end, she is less than an A cup, whereas I am a full C. And a question here, I am 5'9" 1/2 and about 175 pounds. I know I'm muscular but I dont think I'm fat. Is this normal? I know I'm blabbing a lot, but I everyone who had an early period, be proud! It's great to be first out of the gate, and as your friends catch up and are wearing bulky maxies that show through jeans, you are smoothly an ld pro with tampons. Hope this helped!
Name, 10/26/2009 2:51:59 AM
If you're realllllllly.embarassed about asking for tampons or pads, write your mom a note. Text her. It works somewhat well.. It did for me! And if you can, ask before your first period so you have them on hand. But if your a little older, take a small amount of babysitting money, birthday money, your brothers money I don't know, and walk/bike/drive/skateboard/unicyle/whatever yourself down to the drugstore and buy them yourself. It gives out a feeling of confidence, and it's not embarassing all! (unless you're bring checked out with 2 boxes of Kotex Super + tampons by your ex... Who was conveniently the only clerk on floor. Awkwardddd.)
millie, 11/10/2009 3:33:46 PM
I have dark brown fluid coming from my vagina and I haven't got my period yet is this a sign?
mia, 11/14/2009 5:45:15 PM
I just turned 13 I have had the discharge, I think like since the end of march or beginning of may...I started getting the first hairs near my privite area(vagina) well about a year ago....but only a little armpit hair......would it be normal to get my period now even though I don't have a lot og under arm hair?
anonymous, 11/14/2009 6:22:28 PM
i hav the same thing as millie could someone pls tell us wat it is. xo
Caroline, 11/20/2009 11:45:28 AM
my girl is ten and in puberty, she don't like the fact of having pubic hair but like wearing a bra.
kizzle, 1/8/2010 9:54:49 PM
ok i'm 15 almost 16 and i havent started my period yet i'm super concerned and don't know what to do.!!!! i have all the signs like boobs growing, armpit hair, pubic hair, sweating, darkening leg hair, and deffinently discharging from my vagina!!! does this mean i'll be starting soon???!! can anyone help? plz!!!!!

****and for all you people wanting to know why us who don't have our periods yet want them,, its because we want to feel like a woman cuz when you have your period your suppose to be more mature and considered a woman!!!!!
Tazza, 2/16/2010 4:20:01 AM
I haven't started my period yet but i have had all the signs for ages. My breasts have developed a lot over the last 6 months, i am a B in size, I have had discharge for about a year now and have a lot of pubic hair down there and have to shave under my arms already.I also have dark hair on my legs....... When will I get my period?

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