Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Waiting for puberty
• Method 2 of 3: Physiological Signs
• Method 3 of 3: Emotional Change
• Tips

Puberty is a new period in a girl's life, but it can be challenging. Your body develops and you grow up. It is often difficult to understand when the transition period will begin and what to expect from it. In many girls, the body begins to prepare for restructuring at the age of 8 years, but the age of the onset of changes is individual. Knowing the physical and psychological signs of puberty can help you determine when your puberty will start.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Waiting for puberty

1. 1 Know what puberty is. Many girls believe that puberty occurs with the onset of menstruation, but this is not the case. The process of puberty, when you go from baby to girl, begins long before your period and can last for several years. Typically, puberty is manifested by the appearance of body hair and changes in:
   • figure;
   • breast size;
   • psyche and thinking.
2. 2 Watch for signs of puberty. Most often, puberty begins at the age of 8-13 and ends by 14 years. Usually, its first sign is that girls have breast enlargement, and then hair appears on the body. Menstruation usually begins within two years after the breasts begin to grow.
   • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone is responsible for the onset of puberty.
   • Changes do not come overnight. At first, you may not even notice the physical and mental changes in the body.
   • Know that there is nothing wrong with observing your body. This observation will help you prepare for future changes.
3. 3 Consider your personality. Puberty can start at different ages. All girls are different, and a number of factors influence when puberty begins. Keeping these factors in mind can help you understand when you are going to go through a particular phase of puberty. Here are some of these factors:
   • Race. African American girls generally reach puberty faster than Caucasian girls.
   • Weight. The higher the body weight, the more likely it is that puberty will start earlier.
   • Social factors. The absence of an adult man in the family, problems in the relationship with the mother, stressful situations at home can speed up the process of puberty. In addition, it is believed that the abundance of sexual content in the media can also speed up this process.
   • Age of onset of puberty in women in the family. As a rule, most girls begin their transition period at about the same time as their mother, sisters, grandmothers and other women in the family.
4. 4 Talk to your doctor. If you are concerned about the development of the body, make an appointment with your doctor. The doctor will examine you and decide if you are developing correctly. He will then tell you when you should wait for the onset of puberty.
   • Ask your doctor questions about the stages of puberty and the development of your body. Do not be afraid or shy about your questions.

Method 2 of 3: Physiological Signs

1. 1 Watch your breasts develop. Most often, the first sign of puberty is breast enlargement, or thelarche. As a rule, this process begins at the age of 9-10 years. You may find small lumps in your breasts that are dense and tender.
   • If you have a lump in your chest that is sore, red, looks hot, or has a discharge, tell your parents so they can see you as soon as possible.
   • Be aware that one breast can develop faster than the other. This is completely normal.
   • Wear a bra if your breasts become sensitive or if you feel more comfortable this way. This is optional, but you may want it yourself.
2. 2 Pay attention to pubic hair. The second sign of puberty is the appearance of hair on the labia majora, which surrounds the vagina. Your pubic hair can be blonde, straight, and soft. As you age, your hair will become denser, darker, tougher and start to frizz.
   • Sometimes hair begins to grow earlier than the breast, but both are sure signs of the onset of puberty.
   • Remember, there is nothing wrong with looking for pubic hair.
3. 3 Notice the changes in the shape. The transition period is the period when your body becomes the body of a woman and your figure will change. This will happen concurrently with the growth of the breasts. Pay attention to the following body parts. As a rule, they become more rounded and increase in size:
   • hips;
   • arms;
   • legs;
   • palms;
   • feet.
4. 4 Look for hair in your armpits. Within about two years after the appearance of pubic hair, you will notice that hair has begun to grow under the armpits as well. Hair can be the same as pubic hair - sparse and soft, but gradually it will become thicker, darker and harder.
   • You can shave off this hair, as bacteria grow on it, which increases the odor. However, the decision is entirely up to you.
   • After underarm hair appears, you can also start using deodorant to help reduce odor.
5. 5 Pay attention to vaginal discharge. Within two years after your breasts begin to grow, you will have your first period, or menarche. However, already six months before that, you may notice a transparent vaginal discharge.
   • Look for traces of discharge on your underwear. The discharge is completely normal, unless it is itchy or odorless (this is a reason to see a doctor).
6. 6 Manage your first period. For many girls, first menstruation becomes a critical developmental stage. It usually occurs between the ages of 9 and 16. Most often this occurs within six months after the appearance of colorless discharge.
   • Remember that your period may be irregular for the first few years after your period begins. Record dates on the calendar to make it easier for you to keep track of the cycle.
   • Buy the hygiene products you need. You may need pads, tampons, or regular panty liners.
   • Be aware that you may experience cramping, back pain, or headache before and during your period. Bloating is also possible due to hormonal changes. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers.
7. 7 Examine your skin. Many teens and soon-to-be teens have pimples or even acne. This is a consequence of the excessive production of sebum, characteristic of the transition period.
   • To get rid of excess sebum and reduce acne, wash your face with a mild product.
   • If you have severe acne, ask your doctor for specific medications.
8. 8 Get ready for a spike in growth. During puberty, rapid growth is possible, which sometimes persists for 2-3 years. During this period, you can grow more than 10 centimeters per year!
   • Weight may increase. Your body may also become more feminine (for example, your hips will become wider and your waist will appear).

Method 3 of 3: Emotional Change

1. 1 Be prepared for emotional changes. During puberty, hormonal changes occur in the body, and this affects your emotional state and your thoughts. If you notice that you have different emotions, thoughts and feelings, know that puberty is beginning. If you start to notice sudden mood swings, anxiety, or depression, talk to your parent or doctor. Possible changes are as follows:
   • a feeling of vulnerability due to changes in the body, criticism, offensive words of other people;
   • strong emotions (for example, strong envy towards another girl, whom you previously treated calmly);
   • frequent mood swings, when you are either happy or very sad.
   • problems with the perception of your body;
   • decreased self-esteem and self-confidence;
   • anxiety or even depression.
2. 2 Pay attention to new thoughts. Not only does your body develop, but also your mind. The following thoughts may be signs of a new level of development:
   • understanding more complex things (for example, understanding the consequences of not doing homework);
   • the ability to make moral choices (for example, understanding that someone who is being attacked should be protected);
   • a better understanding of what you like and dislike.
3. 3 Engage in self-development. Puberty means that you are becoming an adult, which means that you probably understand yourself better. Remember that these changes are natural, but they can be embarrassing for you. Allow yourself to try something new to see if you like something.
   • Strive for more independence. Ask your parents to let you come home later or go to the movies with friends. It will help you get through a difficult transition and mature.
   • Remember, your friends can change as well.
   • Make decisions where your parents will let you do it. For example, now you can decide for yourself what clothes to wear.
   • Remember, conflicts will be inevitable. You may have conflicts with your parents, friends, and other people.
4. 4 Show interest in your body. You may be interested in your body and its new functions. You may want to explore your body. Maybe sometimes you will masturbate. This is normal, and there is nothing to be ashamed of.
   • Don't believe the myths about masturbation. You won't start to grow hair on your arms, you won't go blind, and you won't have emotional health problems. You also will not become sterile.
   • Ask a friend, relative, or doctor about body interest and masturbation. You may be embarrassed, but remember that this is all perfectly normal.
5. 5 Don't be afraid to feel interested in someone. The task of puberty is to prepare the body for reproduction. Since children are the result of a sexual relationship, it is normal to feel sexual interest in another person.
   • Try dating a person, but remember that hormonal changes can determine your feelings. Remember that a strong relationship must be based on support, trust, and appreciation for each other.
   • Talk to a parent, friend, family member, or doctor if you have questions about sexual interest, romance, kissing, or even sex. If you are thinking about sex, talk to your parents, doctor, or any other trusted adult. An adult can help you make the right decision and protect you from unwanted pregnancies and diseases.

Tips

• Talk to your mom or other trusted adult woman about puberty. Remember, all women go through this. You have nothing to be ashamed or ashamed of.
• If you notice signs of possible health problems, see your doctor or an adult. For example, itching and smelly discharge may be a sign of an infection that needs to be treated.