An Ultimate Guide to Puberty in Girls: Stages and Signs

So you've recently come across the word "puberty", and now you are wondering what it means! No matter where you live, whether you listen to Indie rock or K-pop, whether you put pineapples on your pizza or not, puberty (say "pyoo-ber-tea") is a phase in life that everyone has to undergo.

But don't worry about it girl! We will simplify the information for you and help you understand:

• What is puberty?

• What happens during puberty?

• How to sail through it

What is Puberty?

As mentioned earlier, puberty is a phase. It is not like a one-day thing but a journey. It's when your body begins to change and develop, and you grow from being a kid to a teen on your way to adulthood.

Wow, sounds too much, right? But it is not. This is not the first time your body is changing. You grew from an infant to a toddler and are now growing again. The growth is sometimes slower and sometimes faster. During puberty, your body will grow faster than at other times.

Remember, your puberty experience will be different to the infant stage. For instance, you won't be dealing with diapers here. Instead, you will need other products like sanitary pads or period panties. First, let's understand when you can expect puberty to begin.

At what Age does Puberty Hit?

There is no exact age for puberty to begin, but there's an age range. Puberty for females starts between the ages of 8-13. This wide range in age explains why some of your friends might still look like young kids and others may look more like adults.

Physical Signs of Puberty in Girls

While you need to understand the changes and signs of puberty in girls, you should also know that different people have different experiences as two bodies are not entirely alike. So, if you don't experience any of these changes, know that it is still normal. If you are still worried, speak to an experienced person or a doctor. Common physical signs of puberty in girls include: 

• Budding Breasts

As you start puberty, your breasts begin to develop. Sometimes, it might seem like one of your breasts outgrows the other, but in most cases, they'll even out. 

• Hair growth

It begins with light and thin hair growth under the arms, on and around your pubic area and genitals. The hair growth starts thin, and as you grow, it becomes thicker, sometimes darker and curlier. 

• Growth Spurt

It's a rapid growth in your body that lasts 2-3 years. When this growth spurt is at its peak, some people can grow 4 inches in a year. 

• Periods

Puberty in girls is also the time when they will experience their first period, also commonly known as "that time of the month". 

• The Skin might become Oilier and develop Acne

In the later stages of puberty, your body could get curvier, and your hips would widen. Also, your breasts would continue to develop, and you might need to start wearing bras. Some people have delayed puberty and experience the above signs a little later. Especially if you are into training and sports, the chances of a delay in puberty are higher.

Prepare for your first period

There's no need to get worried about your first period. It would be best if you were prepared. You could prepare a period kit ready for when the day arrives. It could have cleansing wipes, hand cleansers, extra underwear, a plastic bag, and a good quality sanitary product. For example, Kotex Overnight Panties offer 360 anti-leakage protection and fit comfortably like a panty.

Don't worry, it's normal!

As you enter puberty, you might notice a different smell under your arms or elsewhere. It is just body odour, and everyone gets it. You might even compare your breast size with that of your friends and get anxious. As we mentioned earlier, everyone goes through different changes. It will get better with time.

You may notice a clear or whitish discharge on your underpants. This usually happens 6 months to 1 year before your periods. Consult a doctor in case you notice a change in colour, an unpleasant odour or itchiness.

At what Age does Puberty End in Girls?

Puberty in girls generally ends 5 to 6 years after it begins. So, if you start puberty between the ages of 8-10, it is likely that it will end by the time you're 14-16. But girl, in case you are a late bloomer, your puberty could end a bit later.

Female Puberty FAQs

1. What are the first signs of Puberty?

If you notice light hair growing on and around your pubic area and your breasts beginning to develop, you have successfully entered puberty. 

2. Is puberty the process of developing from a child to sexual maturity?

Yes, puberty is that transition phase between childhood and adulthood. It's when a child attains sexual maturity and develops related characteristics. 

3. How does puberty affect your mental and emotional health?

A lot of hormones develop during puberty. You need to understand that it's not just your body adjusting to these hormonal changes, but your mind. So, in this stage, it's natural to feel a mix of emotions. Remember not to let those emotions get the best of you.

4. Will puberty affect my sexuality?

During their teen years, people tend to have sexual thoughts. For some, these can be intense and confusing. You could find yourself attracted to people of the same sex, but that doesn't necessarily define what your sexuality will be. 

5. How long do periods last?

Your periods can last between 3 and 8 days, commonly up to 5 days. Did you check if your period essentials are ready for the next period? 

6. Why am I eating more than usual?

Your body is going through a major growth spurt and requires more energy and nutrients to support this growth and development. Hence, the excessive hunger.

7. Is acne a sign of puberty in girls?

With the onset of puberty, your body undergoes various changes. One such change is that your skin might become oily, leading to the development of acne. It is a condition where the pores of your skin get clogged with oil, bacteria or dead skin. To reduce acne, you can wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water.