What is Puberty?

Puberty is when your body begins to cycle through a number of changes as you grow up from being a child into an adult. The changes caused by puberty happen the same in all females. This is the time when you begin to grow in height, develop breasts, grow extra hair, and begin your menstrual cycle.

 

When Does Puberty Start?

Most of the time, the transition starts around the ages 8 and 13. However, it is perfectly normal for some girls to start puberty before or after.

​

​

Pubic hair

Gradually as a girl processes through puberty, pubic hair will grow under the arms and around the vagina. They will also grow hair on their legs and arms.

​

Vaginal Discharge

Females produce vaginal discharge as a way to clean out the reproductive system. Your menstrual cycle usually occurs a year after your body begins to produce vaginal fluids.

 

To learn more about vaginal discharge HERE.

​

Body shape and height growth

Your body begins to change at the start of puberty. Your breasts start to develop, grow in height, the distance between your hips widen, your waist becomes smaller, facial features mature and your overall body shape changes.

​

Skin

Pimples and acne form on the skin surface due to the increase in hormones. The bumps are caused when the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, which is the oils your body needs to lubricate your hair and skin.

​

Sweat and Odor

The body has an average of three million sweat glands. A transparent fluid is produced from the sweat glands to regulate the temperature of your body. The most common areas to produce sweat is under the arms, face, feet and the palm of your hands. Sweat produces an odour, which is why it is important to shower as it removes the sweat that sits on the skin surface.

 

Menstruation

Menstruation is when a number of changes occur in a females body to prepare for a possible pregnancy. During each monthly cycle, one of the woman's ovaries will release an egg. The uterus forms a thin lining which is where a fertilised egg will incubate. After about 28 days if a fertilised egg is not implanted, the lining will break down and be removed through menstrual blood. This is also known as a period.

 

Note. I am not a qualified doctor.