How to Understand Puberty in Girls

Sometime between the ages of 8 to 13 a girls body will go through puberty. The ages vary from girl to girl and can be younger or older then 8 to 13, but these ages are when the majority of girls go through this change. Either way there is no right or wrong age, every girl is different. Here is a look into puberty in girls and what you can do to help ease her through this life changing transition.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Puberty happens because of certain hormones in your body as you approach a certain age. The hormones causes many changes in your body an it is best to learn about it before you go through it to better prepare you. We all want to understand what is going on with our bodies and just knowing all your girl friends and your mom will or have gone through this change as well is helpful.

2. Here are changes you will see and feel during puberty ....
   
   Growth spurt - You may seem to grow very quickly as much as four inches in one year.
   
   Weight gain- This is a normal part of puberty since your body is going through changes.
   
   Breasts begin to develop - This is typically one of the first signs you will notice when going through puberty. You may even notice one growing quicker then the other, just know this is perfectly normal and everything will even out.

3. Body odor - You may suddenly notice you have an odor in or arm pits or other parts of your body. This is perfectly normal as your body is changing. Normally this is the time you start wearing deodorant if it concerns you.
   
   Emotions - Suddenly you may notice an array of different emotions you have never felt before. You may be much more sensitive then ever, and this is perfectly normal as your hormones are developing. If you feel extremely irritable you may want to talk to someone like a school counselor, parent, sibling or other trusted woman who has experienced the same changes.
   
   Hair growth - Suddenly you will notice hair growing in different parts of your body like your arm pits, pubic area and it may start growing in more on your legs.

4. Acne - Acne may start to appear on your face, chest, or back and this is perfectly normal. Your hormones are making this happen and if it concerns you there are many different cleanser on the market.
   
   Vaginal discharge - During puberty you may notice a clear or whitish discharge and this is totally normal.
   
   Hair - Your hair may become oily now due to the changes in your body.

5. here are things you may want to do different from now on to help cope with the changes going on inside your body ....
   
   Wash your skin - Use special cleaners for your face and body if you are worried about acne.
   
   Deodorant - This is the time to start wearing deodorant so you do not have a body odor, and it helps with sweating.
   
   Wash your hair - Washing your hair every day can help control the oil your body is producing in your hair.
   
   Shave - Shaving your armpits and legs now can help you feel more comfortable. Just make sure you do it right so you do not cut yourself.
   
   Wear a bra - Find a comfortable and supportive bra to help support your developing breasts.

6. Exercise but don't diet - If you are concerned with weight gain you can increase the amount of activity you do, but avoid dieting. You are to young to diet unless you are very overweight. If you are unsure then talk to a parent or our doctor for suggestions.

7. During puberty you will experience a period. This is the bleeding from your vagina which will typically happen once a month. The bleeding happens because your body is preparing itself for pregnancy, even though it is not ready. Your uterus thickens with blood and nutrients to become pregnant and your ovaries releases an egg. When the egg does not become fertilized, it is discarded along with the blood and nutrients, causing a period. You use a pad or tampon an follow the directions inside the package. Make sure you change the pad or tampon several times a day.
   
   When you first start having your period it is normal to be different from month to month. You may not experience one every month or it may be light then heavy. Each girl is different so if you do not have the same experience as one of your friends do not worry.

8. You may also notice cramping in your abdomen or back before and during your period. You can take an over the counter medication to help ease pain, but talk to your parent or doctor before taking anything.
   
   There are signs that are cause for concern, and if you experience any of the following talk to your parent and/or doctor right away ....
   
   Your period lasting over a week
   An extremely heavy flow
   A lot of pain during or before your period
   A missed period for two months

9. Parents - It is esseential to have a talk to your daughter about puberty as soon as you feel she may be old enough to understand. It is vital for her to know what to expect and how to handle the situation. Communication is key for a healthy transition from being a girl to becoming a young lady!