Puberty Facts for Girls

Puberty is when the female reproductive organs mature, getting the body ready for reproduction. These hormonal changes become evident as a girl develops into a young woman. The changes are both physical and emotional and happen at varying rates among girls.

Invisible Changes

• Starting between ages eight and 12, the ovaries start to enlarge. Hormone production begins, which start to affect the physical and emotional changes.

First Noticeable Signs

• Height and weight will start to increase with the beginnings of puberty. Fair-colored hair will start to appear in the pubic area and on the underarms, and breast buds or raised nipples will be noticeable.

Time Frame

• Between the ages of eight to 14 years old, visible changes will be evident that puberty is beginning. By 12 to 19 years of age, puberty will be complete.

Other Changes

• Before menstruation begins, sweat and oil glands become more active, with some girls having noticeable body odor and acne. Breasts grow, hips widen and the pubic hair thickens and darkens.

Menstruation

• In some girls, increased emotional changes will come before the onset of the first menses. Menstruation can happen as soon as eight years old and may be irregular for the first few years during puberty.