Puberty in Girls

Puberty refers to the process through which a child's body matures into that of an adult. This article will focus on the physical changes that occur during puberty in girls, which typically begins between the ages of 8 and 13 years old.

Breast Development The first sign of puberty in most girls is breast development. Girls develop breast "buds" which are small bumps under the nipples. It is not uncommon for one breast to begin developing before the other and for one breast to be larger than the other. It is also normal for breasts to feel sore at times.

Pubic Hair: While breast development is the first physical change in most girls, around 15 percent of girls will experience pubic hair growth before breast budding. Pubic hair is coarse hair that grows in the genital area, covering the labia major and extending to the inner thighs. Hair will also grow under the arms. Many girls begin shaving their legs and armpits around the age they reach middle school. Shaving is a personal choice. Girls should replace their razor or razor blade often and wet the skin and use lotion or gel before shaving to avoid skin irritation and infections.

Growth Spurt: Girls will experience a growth spurt as they go through puberty. Growth spurts typically last around 2 years and begin about 2 years earlier in girls than in boys. Girls can expect to grow close to 3.5 inches per year during their growth spurt. Growth slows once a girl has her first period and most girls will grow an additional 1 - 2 inches after the first period.

Vaginal discharge: Many girls will experience a thin, white vaginal discharge that begins 6 - 12 months prior to the first period. This discharge is normal.

Periods: Most girls experience menarche (their first period) 2 to 3 years after the development of breast buds. On average girls in the United States get their first period at the age of 12 years old. Some girls will have bright red blood with their first period, and others may have light, red/brown colored spotting. Normal menstrual cycles can be as short as 21 days or as long as 35 days, but it is normal for periods to be irregular for the first few years. Each period will typically last between 2 and 7 days. Within 1 - 2 years of their first period 50 - 75% of girls will begin to experience abdominal cramps and pain with their periods. These cramps may also be associated with fatigue, headache, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea. Cramps can be treated with ibuprofen or naproxen and heat pads. If menstrual cramps are severe enough that a child is missing school or other activities please talk to your pediatrician.

Other changes: Many other changes are common as girls go through puberty. Hormonal changes often cause acne to develop on the face, neck, chest, and upper back. Sweating under the armpits and increased body odor are common, as are changes in body weight and composition.

Never hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician with any questions or concerns as you navigate these changes.

Here are a few additional puberty resources:

GIRLology - Created by top mom-docs to give you answers on everything from puberty, periods, anxiety, to "the talk" - without all the awkwardness!

Concerns Girls Have About Puberty - Healthy Children