Girls

What happens in puberty?

Girls' bodies start to change during puberty, any time between the ages of 9 and 16. This is what happens during sexual development:

  • you grow taller

  • your nipples and breasts start to swell and fill out

  • your body shape grows more rounded and curvy with a slim waist and broader hips

  • hair grows under your arms, on your legs and genitals (around the vulva - the fleshy lips between the legs). Some girls and women choose to shave their underarms and legs.

  • you may get spots

  • the sweat glands are more active under arms and between legs

  • your hair may get more greasy

  • it's normal to have a slight clear or milky discharge from the vagina, which keeps the vagina healthy. The amount of discharge can vary from day to day. When a woman is sexually excited the vagina produces a natural lubricant to make sex easier. The amount of discharge increases around the time of ovulation (when an egg is released) to help sperm swim up the vagina and meet the egg.

  • your periods start. During a period, blood is lost through the vagina (a stretchy tube that joins the womb to the opening between the legs). Periods usually last a few days and happen about once a month but can be irregular at first. During a period, girls need to wear thin pads (called sanitary towels) inside their knickers, or use tampons (which are pushed into the vagina) to soak up the blood. Some girls feel uncomfortable when their period starts and have cramps or period pain.

How long will this take?

Not everyone develops at the same speed nor in the same order. Periods may start at age 10 or not until 16. Body changes take place over several years.

What can I do about spots?

Everyone gets spots at some time. They can be helped by keeping skin clean, not touching/picking them, using anti-acne cream or lotion. In severe cases, your family doctor (GP) may be able to help.

Feelings

It's not just your body that changes. Feelings also change and go up and down. Hormones (chemicals in the blood) can cause mood changes and some girls feel tense and cross before a period starts. This is often known as PMT (pre-menstrual tension) or PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome). Friendships matter more as girls grow up. It can be important to belong to a group of friends. It can be important to have close friendships too, with boys or girls.

Am I normal?

It is important to remember that everyone develops differently. The following are all perfectly normal and nothing to worry about:

  • one breast is often a bit bigger than the other

  • some girls develop very quickly and others more slowly

  • during the average period, about half a teacupful of blood is lost

  • people can't tell when a girl is having a period

What to do if you're worried

Puberty can be a difficult time. It may help to talk about worries and feelings to parents, a teacher or youth worker. Other organisations also have helplines and useful websites if you would prefer not to speak to someone you know.