Growing up comes with a lot of exciting changes and some confusing ones too. One of the biggest changes is something called puberty. If you’ve ever wondered why your body is changing, why your emotions feel different, or when you’ll get your first period, you’re in the right place.
Puberty is a big word for a big change and it happens to everyone. If you're between the ages of 8 and 13, you might be starting to notice some new things about your body, your feelings, or even your skin!
REMEBER THAT PUBERTY IT TOTALLY NORMAL!!
This guide is here to help you understand what puberty is, what changes to expect, and how to feel confident as you grow.
Puberty is the time when your body begins to change from a child into an adult. These changes are caused by hormones, which are natural chemicals your body makes. For girls, puberty usually starts a little earlier than it does for boys—often between ages 8 and 13.
During puberty, your brain sends signals to release special hormones that tell your body it’s time to start changing, like growing breasts, starting your period, or feeling new emotions. Think of hormones as tiny messengers that help your body grow up!
Puberty doesn’t happen at the same time for everyone, and it doesn’t always follow the same order. Some girls may start developing breasts first, while others might notice hair growth or mood changes first. Everyone’s body is unique, and that’s perfectly okay.
One of the first signs of puberty is breast development. You may notice small lumps under your nipples, these are called breast buds, and this is the beginning of breast growth. It might feel a little sore or tender, but that’s completely normal. Over time, your breasts will continue to grow and change shape.
Hair will start to grow under your arms and around your private parts (called pubic hair). This is a sign your body is maturing and getting ready for adulthood. You may also notice hair on your legs becoming darker or thicker.
Your hips may get wider, and you might gain some weight. This is your body’s way of preparing for adulthood and is completely normal. After all, as you get taller, you wouldn’t expect to stay the same weight as you did when you were younger! You might also notice your waist becoming more defined and your body looking curvier.
One of the biggest changes is getting your first period (also called menstruation). It means your body is ready to have babies someday, even if that’s far in the future and if you want to. It’s totally normal to feel nervous, but periods are a healthy part of growing up. You might notice some signs before your first period, like cramps or mood changes.
You might feel super happy one minute and really annoyed the next. That’s because your hormones are changing. This can often feel quite overwhelming and even a little scary, but it’s a normal part of puberty. Talking to someone you trust, like a parent, teacher, or friend can really help you feel better.
During puberty, your skin may become oilier, and you might start to get pimples or acne. This is because your body is producing more oil (called sebum), which can clog pores. You might also notice your hair getting greasy more quickly than before. Washing your face daily with a gentle cleanser and shampooing your hair regularly can help you feel clean and confident.
You’ll start to sweat more, and your sweat might smell stronger. This is totally normal and happens because your sweat glands are becoming more active. Showering regularly, especially in the genital area, and using an antiperspirant (not deodorant) for your underarms can help you feel fresh and confident.
Getting through puberty can feel like a lot, but you’re not alone, and you can handle it! Here are some simple tips to help you along the way:
Talk to someone you trust
Whether it’s a parent, older sibling, teacher, or school nurse, talking about what you’re going through can really help.
Take care of your body
Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, stay active, and keep clean. These things help you feel better inside and out.
Be kind to yourself
Your body and emotions are changing, and that’s okay. Everyone goes through it at their own pace there’s no “right” way to grow up.
Ask questions
If you’re confused or curious about something, don’t be afraid to ask. Learning about your body helps you feel more confident.
Remember it’s temporary
Puberty doesn’t last forever. The weird, awkward, or emotional moments will pass, and you’ll come out stronger and more self-aware.
Puberty is a big step, but it’s also an exciting one. It means you’re growing, changing, and becoming your amazing self. Remember, you’re not alone, millions of girls go through this every year. Be curious, ask questions, and read all the excellent blogs on our website for all you need to know and puberty, periods and so much more!
Breast development is one of the first signs of puberty in girls, and it happens in stages that may be a bit confusing at first.
Breast Development & Breast BudsAbout 6-12 months before your first period you may start to notice discharge, but what is it, why do we have it and is it normal!
What Is Discharge, And Is It Normal?During your teen years your body is changing a lot and growing too! Perhaps you’ve noticed that you've grown taller than your friends over the summer break and feel a little self-conscious about this.
Growing Pains
Puberty starts when your brain sends out special chemical messengers called hormones. These hormones tell your body it’s time to grow and change.
Everyone’s body follows its own timeline, and that’s totally normal!
Puberty doesn’t just change your body—it also affects how you think and feel. As your brain develops, you might start seeing the world differently, thinking more deeply about things, or feeling more independent. You may also start to notice new feelings, like being attracted to other people. These changes are totally normal and part of growing up.
Puberty is a necessary part of growing up because it helps your body become ready to have children someday, if and when you choose to. It’s when your reproductive organs fully develop, and you become sexually mature.
But puberty isn’t just about physical changes, it also affects your mind. You start to understand yourself better, feel more emotions, and become more aware of the world and people around you. It’s a big step toward becoming an adult.
Yes, puberty is completely normal! Even if it feels like a roller coaster of emotions and body changes, it’s something everyone goes through. It’s a natural part of growing up and helps your body become a sexually mature adult.
Puberty can start at different times for everyone, and that’s totally normal. Here's a general guide to the latest age puberty can begin:
Even if someone starts later than their friends, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong. Everyone’s body has its own timeline!
If you don’t notice the key signs of puberty by 16, speak to a responsible adult and visit a healthcare professional for medical advice.
When puberty ends, it means your body has finished most of its big changes. You’ve likely reached your adult height, your body shape has settled, and your hormones have balanced out a bit more. This usually happens around age 18, but it can be a little earlier or later for some people.
Even though the physical changes slow down, your emotions and brain are still growing and developing. You’ll keep learning more about yourself, your feelings, and the world around you.
Growing up doesn’t stop at puberty, it’s just the beginning of becoming an adult!
